BitGo opens new Singapore office following two years of licensed APAC growth

Australia-based global pension investor IFM Investors has established a Singapore office to deploy up to US$300 million in private debt capital within South and South-east Asia. The new office in Singapore will bolster the company's private market capabilities across the region, particularly through local origination and execution.

IFM aims to capitalize on growth opportunities in the region and attract more institutional capital. The investment is partly funded by Australia's A$175 million commitment under the Southeast Asia Investment Financing Facility. IFM, managed by 15 Australian superannuation funds and one UK pension fund, oversees A$291.6 billion in assets and serves more than 880 institutional investors globally.

Private debt remains relatively undeveloped in Asia, presenting lucrative opportunities for funds with capital to deploy. IFM plans to lend to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and co-lend alongside banks, catering to companies seeking debt or structured equity solutions. Hiran Wanigasekera, executive director and co-head of Asia-Pacific diversified credit, emphasized IFM's long-term conviction in Asia as an investment destination.

He also noted that Asia's private credit market is at an inflection point, growing nearly fourfold over the past 15 years, which makes it an increasingly compelling asset class.