Nikko claims top award [+ VIDEO]

Nikko Asset Management has marched to the top the FundSource Fund Manager of Year Awards, taking out the top gong as well as two important categories.

Thursday, August 30th 2018, 6:00AM

Last year Nikko Asset Management didn't win anything in the FundSource Fund Manager of Year awards, but this year it has stormed to the top taking out the top awards as winning awards for New Zealand equities and fixed interest.

The only repeat winners were in the KiwiSaver Manager of the Year and Australasian equities. Milford Asset Management took out the KiwiSaver award for the third consecutive year and Harbour Asset Management won the Australasian equities award for the second year in a row.

Three winners from last year, BT Funds Management, Smartshares and Fisher Funds failed to win any award this year, although two of them were finalists.

Chief Judge Darren Howlin said this year was all about active management. He said although the awards are based on one-year returns other factors, including distribution, are considered too so that the awards aren't just a sugar hit.

“The annual FundSource Awards again highlighted the strong calibre of New Zealand fund managers, and the strength of our local industry. It was great to see winners and finalists from previous years well represented, demonstrating funds are delivering over the long-term, despite varying market conditions,” Head of FundSource Glen van Echten said.

Chief Judge and Research IP Director and Founder Darren Howlin said that the "funds management industry is healthy and robust, and looking better than ever to meet the needs of local investors.”

FundSource presented 14 awards. This was made up of 10 sector awards, and four main awards, which include the Longevity Award, KiwiSaver Manager of the Year, Boutique Manager of the Year and Fund Manager of the Year.

Funds must pass rigorous qualitative and quantitative screening as part of the selection process, before being analysed on a performance based approach. Overseas funds needed to demonstrate a strong commitment to the local market.

Award winners

FUND MANAGER of the Year - Nikko Asset Management
KiwiSaver Manager of the Year - Milford Asset Management
Boutique Manager of the Year – QuayStreet Asset Management
Longevity Award – AMP Capital – AMP Capital NZ Short Duration Fund

SECTOR AWARDS

Australasian Property – APN Property Group – APN AREIT
International Property – Resolution Capital – Resolution Capital Global Property Securities Hedged II
Alternatives Sector – Castle Point Funds Management – Castle Point Ranger Fund
New Zealand Fixed Interest – Nikko Asset Management – Nikko AM Income Fund
International Fixed Interest – AMP Financial Services – AMP Capital Diversified
New Zealand Equity – Nikko Asset Management – Nikko AM Concentrated Equity
Australia Equity – Spheria Asset Management – Spheria Aus Small Companies Fund
Australasian Equity – Harbour Asset Management – Australasian Equity Focus Fund – Retail
International Equity – Harbour Asset Management – Harbour T.Rowe Price Global Equity Growth
Diversified – QuayStreet Asset Management