KPMG has launched KPMG Investment Consulting to provide investment advice and support to superannuation funds and other institutional investors.

 

The service will focus on the development and implementation of direct investment strategies into real asset classes such as infrastructure, real estate and private equity.

 

KPMG Investment Consulting is headed by James O’Leary, previously the head of Colonial First State’s infrastructure, real estate and private equity businesses, with funds under management of over $22 billion.

 

Mr O’Leary said there was a clear gap in the market with current service providers to direct investors either not  being sufficiently aligned to investors’ long-term objectives or not having the required skill set to provide them with suitable investment advice.

 

“Direct investment is becoming increasingly attractive as it has the potential to enhance portfolio construction, improve investment control and reduce fees. However, the implementation of an effective direct investment strategy is time consuming and requires significant expertise and resources,” said Mr O’Leary. 


“The primary driver of returns in the real asset classes is the terms of entry - both pricing and associated governance entitlements. Consequently, investors are increasingly focused on separating the role of investment selection from that of investment management. This means investors require appropriately skilled and independent support to consider the merits and risks of any given direct investment – this is the focus of our offering.”