Australian Retirement Trust opens first overseas office

Media release - 24 April 2024

Australian Retirement Trust (ART), one of Australia’s largest superannuation (pension) funds, has opened its first overseas office in London as it seeks to further capitalise on international investment opportunities.

With over 40% of assets outside of Australia and more than A$25b dollars invested in the UK and Europe, the expansion aligns with the A$280b Fund's strategy to further build out a leading global investment capability.

ART Chief Investment Officer, Ian Patrick, said it was an exciting time for the Fund and demonstrates the scale of investments now being undertaken since the Fund’s merger more than two years ago.

“Australian Retirement Trust partners with world-class external managers and this is the next logical step for us to expand our investment capability,” said Mr Patrick.

“The team in Australian Retirement Trust’s UK office will work with external investment managers to source new investment opportunities for our more than 2.3 million members.

“Having an office in close proximity to our external investment managers will help us secure even more compelling investment opportunities for our members.”

ART’s Head of Global Real Assets, Michael Weaver said the ART team had already met with the RT Hon Lord David Cameron, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs on his visit to Australia last month to discuss local investment opportunities.

“As a profit-for-members fund, delivering strong long-term performance for our members is critical for Australian Retirement Trust. We look forward to capitalising on suitable infrastructure and real estate investments in the UK and Europe that our members will benefit from into retirement,” Mr Weaver said.