In a world where economic growth is slowing and uncertainty is increasing, investors may want to protect their portfolios, especially if they are predominantly in equity. But what are your options for growing your investment returns in this environment?

Investing in offshore equity can play a valuable role in your portfolio, adding diversification and, depending on your investment time horizon, a significant difference in portfolio returns.

There are compelling reasons why investors should consider investing in mezzanine debt - it can not only provide portfolio diversification but can also substantially enhance yield while reducing volatility.

Patrice Rassou has been appointed chief investment officer (CIO) of Ashburton Investments, the asset management business of FirstRand Limited with effect from April 2020. This is a new role created to coordinate the various investment management activities of the FirstRand group.

Sizwe Nxedlana has been appointed CEO of Ashburton Investments, the asset management arm of the FirstRand group, with immediate effect. Sizwe replaces former CEO, Boshoff Grobler, who last month moved to a new role in FirstRand Group Treasury.

As a result of changes to UK tax legislation, non-UK resident investors will be subject to capital gains tax on gains made on all direct, and certain indirect, disposals of UK property.

On 12 July 2019, we announced that the Ashburton Investments SICAV – Africa Equity Opportunities Fund would be liquidated on 12 August 2019.

Further to our news story of 20 June 2019 the results of the Extraordinary General Meeting (“EGM”) for the Ashburton Replica Portfolio Limited are listed below.

Ashburton Investments has today, 12 July 2019, announced that following a review of our international fund range, the Ashburton Investments SICAV Board has decided that it is in the best interests of investors to close and liquidate the Africa Equity Opportunities Fund.

In February 2018, Ashburton Investments appointed FIL Pensions Management (“Fidelity”) as its investment advisor to Ashburton’s multi asset fund range.

Ashburton Investments has recently launched the Ashburton Global Leaders ZAR Equity Feeder Fund, the rand-based feeder of our highly successful dollar-based offshore Ashburton Global Leaders Equity Fund.

We are extremely proud to share the news that the Ashburton Stable Income Fund has reached another significant milestone this month, with assets under management now over R10 billion - and continuing to climb steadily.

On 25 March 2019, we announced that the Ashburton Investments SICAV – Global Energy Fund would be liquidated on 5 April 2019.

Ashburton Investments has today, 25 March 2019, announced that following a review of our international fund range, the Ashburton Investments SICAV Board has decided that it is in the best interests of investors to close and liquidate the Global Energy Fund.

On 29 January 2019 the merger of the Ashburton Investments SICAV - India Equity Opportunities Fund (“Ashburton India Fund”) with the IIFL Fund – IIFL India Equity Opportunities Fund (“IIFL India Fund”) was finalised.

Ashburton Investments, the asset management arm of the FirstRand group, announced today that Nkareng Mpobane has been appointed as new Chief Investment Officer of long only Fund Management.

Ashburton Investments, the asset management arm of the FirstRand group, announced today that it will list the Ashburton World Government Bond ETF on the JSE on 13 March 2018 in a boon for South African investors looking to diversify their portfolio holdings.

Nkareng joined Ashburton Investments in 2012 and has been instrumental in the success of our Fund Management business.

The fund aims to provide investors with income and capital growth by investing in a range of liquid assets including local real estate investment trusts (REITS), property loan stocks, property collective investment schemes and property developers.

Ashburton Investments has strengthened its leadership team in Jersey by promoting Tony Wilshin, Stephanie Fox and Paul O’Toole.