In his new capacity, Pedersen will lead the company’s local-market Asia ex-Japan fixed income team. He will also continue to be the manager for the Asia Total Return bond strategy.
Pedersen has 15 years of fixed income investment experience. This includes managing regional and global funds with active currency overlay and significant allocations to Asian sovereign and corporate debt.
During his six years with Manulife Asset Management, Pedersen and his team have developed a series of pan-Asian bond products, including the Asia Total Return Fund.
Currently, the firm has 60 fixed income investment professionals working across 10 Asian markets, managing $45bn in assets under management.
“We believe the local market knowledge contributed by our on-the-ground investment professionals translates into an information advantage and can enhance returns,” said Chris Conkey, global chief investment officer.