Australian Retirement Trust (ART), one of Australia’s foremost superannuation funds, has inaugurated its first overseas office in London, aiming to enhance its presence in international investment markets.

Holding over 40% of its assets outside Australia and with investments exceeding A$25 billion in the UK and Europe, the move is a strategic extension of the A$280 billion fund’s ambition to develop a world-leading global investment framework.

ART’s Chief Investment Officer, Ian Patrick, expressed enthusiasm about the fund’s prospects, noting the significant strides in investment following the fund’s merger over two years ago. “It’s an exciting time for the Fund and demonstrates the scale of investments we are now undertaking,” Mr Patrick remarked.

He further explained the strategic rationale for the London office: “Australian Retirement Trust partners with world-class external managers, and establishing a presence in London is a logical progression for us to enhance our investment capabilities.”

“The team at our UK office will collaborate with external investment managers to identify new investment opportunities, which will benefit our more than 2.3 million members. Being situated close to our investment partners will facilitate access to even more attractive investment opportunities,” added Mr Patrick.

Michael Weaver, ART’s Head of Global Real Assets, shared insights from a recent meeting with the RT Hon Lord David Cameron, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, during his visit to Australia last month, discussing potential local investments. “As a profit-for-members fund, it is crucial for Australian Retirement Trust to deliver strong, sustained performance. We are eager to leverage promising infrastructure and real estate investments in the UK and Europe that will yield long-term benefits for our members,” Mr Weaver stated.