RWC is set to bring a Japan fund to the European fund market through a tie-up with Tokyo-based Nissay Asset Management.
The group said the RWC Nissay Japan Focus fund would closely replicate the existing Japanese Stewardship fund which was launched in 2005 as a joint venture between the firms.
RWC said the Stewardship fund had returned 79 per cent since launch in 2005 compared to a 41 per cent rise by its benchmark Topix index.
Dan Mannix, RWC chief executive, said Japan had “long been cited as a market that would benefit from a focus on shareholder returns”.
“That focus now exists - and there is a real opportunity to create value through engagement with Japanese companies, but it is essential that this is done constructively and in the right way,” he said.
Mr Mannix said the launch meant a Ucits version of the Stewardship fund was now available to European investors.
“Investors have a real appetite for something a bit different in their Japanese allocations and it is supported by exceptional performance,” he said.
