Shaw and Partners opens new asset management arm

Shaw and Partners has formally launched an investment arm that consolidates its portfolio management capabilities, offering advisers and clients a broader set of professionally managed options.

Led by chief investment officer Martin Crabb, the unit will cover asset allocation, Australian and global equities, fixed income, credit, research and portfolio management. Crabb, who has been with the firm for 15 years and became CIO in May 2017, said the move builds on existing expertise.

Joining him are head of income strategies Damien Williamson, investment director Julia Lee, senior investment analyst Maria Zapata, investment analyst Hansheng Zhang, portfolio manager Win Steemers and analyst Mohan Korber. The team’s depth is meant to support a more disciplined approach to constructing portfolios.

Fund lineup expands with multi‑asset options

The launch adds four new multi‑asset funds targeting Moderately Conservative, Balanced, Growth and High Growth profiles, plus a High Yield Credit Fund. In total, the platform provides access to 22 funds across multiple asset classes and investment objectives.

External managers from EFG International and other partners will also contribute to the offering, widening the range of strategies available to advisers. A newly formed investment advisory council will bring in experienced outside professionals to advise portfolio managers and help refine investment policies.

While the expansion mirrors moves by other Australian financial groups in recent years, the firm’s focus on active management and diversified asset classes suggests a cautious scaling rather than a rapid diversification spree.

Crabb noted, “The establishment of this arm gives us the opportunity to build on the investment expertise we already have across the business, while continuing to strengthen our team and broaden the range of investment options available to advisers and their clients.”

He added, “Our focus is on disciplined portfolio construction, active investment management and providing investors with access to professionally managed investments across different asset classes and market environments.”

The firm expects the expanded team to enhance research depth and strategic insight as it pursues growth in the competitive advisory market. The council’s role will be to provide additional perspective without dictating day‑to‑day decisions.

Despite the broader product suite, the core philosophy remains unchanged: deliver consistent, risk‑aware returns through active oversight and thorough analysis. The unit’s launch coincides with a modest uptick in advisory demand for multi‑asset solutions.

In practice, advisers will now be able to select from the new funds alongside existing offerings, tailoring portfolios to client risk tolerances and return expectations. The addition of a High Yield Credit Fund aims to capture income opportunities in a still‑volatile credit market.

Overall, the move positions the firm to compete more directly with larger banks and boutique managers that have long offered similar multi‑asset platforms. Whether the expanded lineup will attract significant new capital remains to be seen, but the firm’s leadership appears confident in its strategic direction.