Colonial First State rebrands

Colonial First State Global Asset Management is rebranding as First Sentier Investments.

Monday, September 16th 2019, 2:02PM

It follows the completion of its sale last month to Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group from Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA).

First Sentier now operates as a standalone business, with assets under management of A$222.7 billion (as at June 30, 2019), on behalf of an international client base that extends across Asia, Australasia, Europe and North America.

The rebrand process will begin in Australia where there is a more pressing need to distinguish the business from the remaining wealth assets under CBA ownership, and will take effect in regions outside of Australia, where the business is known as First State Investments, next year.

First Sentier Chief Executive Officer Mark Steinberg said the rebrand represents the business’ coming of age.

“We want to come together under one global brand name for the interests of our clients and our employees, and we want a name that allows the business to maintain a link to our origins, while also signalling our vision for the future. We are a global business and we require a global brand name.

“The word ‘First’ provides a link to our heritage, and ‘Sentier’ is a word of French origin meaning ‘path’. Our new brand name reflects our commitment to follow our own path, investing responsibly to create a better future for our clients, employees and the communities in which we invest,” he said.

Stewart Investors, FSSA Investment Managers and Realindex teams will continue to operate under their current brand names.

Tags: First Sentier Investments First State