Lloyd George Management Launches Frontier Markets Equity Strategy for Global Investors

CHICAGO, HONG KONG and TORONTO, Sept. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Lloyd George Management (LGM), a member of BMO Global Asset Management, announced today the launch of their Frontier Market equity strategies for global investors.  Thomas Vester Nielsen, CFA, an experienced Frontier Market portfolio manager, was appointed to lead the strategies from the firm's London office effective September 2011.

"Extending our emerging markets equity strategies to include Frontier Markets greatly enhances the opportunities we can provide our clients." stated Barry McInerney, Co-CEO BMO Global Asset Management.  "We believe frontier markets may generate higher, long-term investment returns than "traditional" emerging markets, especially when being led by a professional like Thomas, an experienced portfolio manager."

Founded in 1991 by Robert Lloyd George, one of the pioneers of emerging markets, LGM recognized that the world economy was undergoing a structural transformation with economic power increasingly shifting from West to East.  Now in its 20th anniversary year, the firm is expanding this strategy to the newly emerging Frontier Markets of Africa, Eastern Europe, Balkans, Baltic States, Middle East, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Asia.  Frontier Markets consist of countries with market-oriented economies in the early stages of economic development reflecting many of the same characteristics of the original global emerging markets.

"Twenty years ago, investing in emerging markets was viewed by many as a high-risk investment," said Robert Lloyd George. "But we believed that, with a deep understanding of companies, risks could be mitigated and superior returns generated.  We believe that Frontier Markets now offer that same long-term opportunity."

Nielsen was selected for this position because of his background leading Frontier and Emerging Market Funds.  Most recently, he managed the Frontier Market mandates at BankInvest in Copenhagen, where he had previously served as portfolio manager of the BankInvest Eastern European Fund.  

Nielsen holds a M.Sc. in Applied Economics and Finance from the Copenhagen Business School, and has studied at Harvard Business School, London School of Economics, University of Southern California, and National University of Singapore.  He is also a member of the Advisory Board for the Brenthurst Foundation in South Africa.

"A combination of strong growth and very undemanding valuations make Frontier Markets strategically attractive for long-term investors" noted Thomas Vester Nielson, senior portfolio manager, LGM.  

About BMO Global Asset Management

BMO Global Asset Management offers a broad array of investment solutions to institutional investors, and retail and high-net-worth individuals, worldwide.  BMO Global Asset Management clients have access to experienced investment teams at multi-disciplined firms headquartered in Chicago and Toronto, and investment specialist boutiques based in Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Miami and Toronto.  With over $100 billion in combined assets under management as of June 30, 2011, BMO Global Asset Management delivers investment solutions designed to meet the diverse needs of investors across North America, Europe, Asia/Pacifica and the Middle East.  BMO Global Asset Management is a brand name for BMO Financial Group's asset management companies.  In April 2011, Lloyd George Management became a wholly owned subsidiary of BMO Financial Group.

About Lloyd George Management

Lloyd George Management is a specialist Asian, Global Emerging and Frontier Market equity manager, established in 1991.  Assets under management are around $3.2bn (31 August 2011) and they have a team of 28 investment professionals, based in offices in Hong Kong, Singapore, Mumbai, London and Florida.  Their approach is active, primarily stock driven with a focus on high quality sustainable growth companies with strong capital management. They seek investment opportunities across the market cap spectrum.

BMO Global Asset Management comprises BMO Asset Management U.S., BMO Asset Management Canada, and BMO's specialized investment boutiques: HIM Monegy, Inc.®, Pyrford International Ltd, Lloyd George Management (BVI) Ltd, Delta Asset Management (a division of M&I Investment Management Corp.) and Taplin, Canida & Habacht, LLC.  BMO Asset Management U.S. consists of Harris Investment Management, Inc. and M&I Investment Management Corp., and BMO Asset Management Canada consists of BMO Asset Management Inc. (formerly Jones Heward Investment Counsel Inc.). BMO Global Asset Management is part of the BMO Financial Group, a service mark of Bank of Montreal (BMO).

Certain companies within BMO Global Asset Management offer a number of products and services designed specifically for various categories of investors in a number of different countries and regions. These products or services are only offered to such investors in those countries and regions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.  

Investments are: Not FDIC Insured | No Bank Guarantee | May Lose Value

SOURCE BMO Global Asset Management