Charlotte-based asset manager Barings has expanded in APAC with the hire of new directors in Singapore and Sydney.
Barings appoints Sabrina Kwek as senior director for wealth distribution and Aaron Thirukumar as director for institutional sales, according to a statement, effective August 1 and July 31, respectively. In their roles, Kwek is based in Singapore and reports to head of distribution for Greater China & Southeast Asia Lydia Wu while Thirukumar is based in Sydney and reports to head of distribution for Australia & New Zealand Michael Gaffney.
Kwek has over 20 years of experience, most recently at Allianz Global Investors where she was a director for the Greater China and Southeast Asia private banking business. Previously, she also worked at Mirae Asset Global Investments, Robeco and Credit Suisse. Thirukumar has a decade of experience, most recently at Dimensional Fund Advisors as vice president for the institutional business.
Barings has been expanding in the APAC region as of late as part of its long-term growth strategy. It acquired Gryphon Capital Partners in March this year and Altis Property Partners in August 2022 to expand its structured finance and real estate capabilities in Australia. The firm said it also plans to make more new hires for the institutional, wealth and retail businesses in Australia, Greater China and Southeast Asia.
