Nomura Asset Management confirms global fixed income ambitions with leading team hire

Nomura Asset Management U.K. Ltd. (NAM) has appointed Richard Hodges and Ben Bugg to extend its presence in the global fixed income space. Richard Hodges joins NAM from Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM), where he held the role of Head of High Alpha Fixed Income. During his tenure, Richard launched and managed the company’s Dynamic Bond Trust, winning several major investment awards.

He brings more than 25 years’ experience to his new role, having begun his career at Chase Manhattan Bank and Natwest Investments before joining Gartmore Investment Management where he served as Head of Pan European Portfolio Construction, managing a range of fixed income strategies.

Ben Bugg also joins the new team. Previously, he was an Assistant Fund Manager at LGIM in its High Alpha Fixed Income team, working across a range of strategies including, amongst others, the Dynamic Bond Trust.

At NAM, Richard and Ben will be responsible for a new Global Dynamic Bond Fund which will invest across a full range of fixed income securities.

Richard Bisson, President of Nomura Asset Management U.K. Ltd, said: “Investors face significant challenges in view of the low yields being provided by fixed income assets and ongoing concerns over future interest rate rises. In such an environment, there is significant investor demand around the world for an unconstrained and opportunistic approach to fixed income asset allocation. Richard and Ben bring a wealth of experience in this area and their expertise will be invaluable as we broaden the range of investment solutions we can deliver to meet client needs.”

Richard Hodges added: “Nomura’s ambitions, global presence and resource are an extremely attractive proposition. This played an important role in my decision to join the team here. I look forward to working with my new colleagues to enhance the company’s fixed income presence across global institutional and wholesale markets.”