Schroder Investment Management in London has hired Christina Bastin as a European credit research analyst from Commerzbank, where she was a sell side credit analyst. The firm will launch an euro-denominated corporate bond fund and a global corporate bond fund, both domiciled in Luxembourg, in the second quarter, according to Christopher Wyke, fixed income product manager. He declined to elaborate on the fund launches. Schroder is also looking to hire an unspecified number of additional credit analysts during this year. "Schroder built its reputation on corporate analysis and we want to be a leading credit player." He continued, "we see a shift in markets and investors wanting to invest in corporate bonds rather than government bonds." Governments are issuing less debt, which is the opposite of what corporations are doing, he added.
Bastin reports to Jack Davis, head of Schroder's global credit team based in New York. Davis was on a business trip and could not be contacted as of press time. Bastin, who formerly worked at the Fitch Ratings, referred questions to Wyke. "Having gained experience in a credit rating agency and on the sales side, she was keen to gain the independence of buy-side research," according to Wyke. David Manoux, head of pan-European fixed income at Commerzbank and to whom Bastin reported to, did not return calls.
Schroder Investment Management has14 credit analysts and $28 billion in fixed income assets under management.