Ashburton, FNB Wealth & Investments partner with Morgan Stanley

Ashburton Investments and FNB Wealth & Investments have recently partnered with Morgan Stanley Investment Management in a move to bolster their global capabilities. According to Ashburton, both brands are set to benefit from the research and portfolio management expertise of Morgan Stanley in the global equity markets. This partnership marks a significant step in enhancing their investment offerings and providing clients with broader international exposure. Duzi Ndlovu, the CEO of Ashburton, highlighted the longstanding relationship between Morgan Stanley and RMB, which has now been extended to include investment management. This collaboration aims to enhance the investment process and strengthen the investment offerings for clients. With over 2,000 investment professionals worldwide, Morgan Stanley's expertise is expected to play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of services provided by Ashburton and FNB Wealth & Investments. Ndlovu emphasized that the partnership with Morgan Stanley is not just a strategic move for the sake of it but a reflection of their shared investment philosophy and a deep-rooted relationship. The aim is to deliver consistent outperformance over time through a robust investment process that aligns with both parties' beliefs. The increasing demand for offshore investing, driven by regulatory changes, has led Ashburton to integrate international exposure into their core investment solutions. Clients are now seeking access to global investment opportunities with confidence, and this partnership with Morgan Stanley enables Ashburton to meet these evolving needs effectively. In terms of accessing Morgan Stanley funds, South African clients will be able to do so through Ashburton and FNB platforms without incurring additional costs. The partnership is set to enhance the offering of offshore funds, providing clients with a more cost-effective and diversified investment portfolio. Despite competing against industry giants like BlackRock and Vanguard, Ndlovu remains optimistic about the competitive edge that their shared investment process will bring. Furthermore, Ndlovu reaffirmed Ashburton's goal of growing the non-fixed income segment of their assets under management to between 40 and 60% over the next five years. This partnership with Morgan Stanley represents a significant step towards diversifying their fund management portfolio and achieving this strategic objective. Overall, the collaboration between Ashburton, FNB Wealth & Investments, and Morgan Stanley signifies a commitment to enhancing global investment capabilities and delivering value-driven investment solutions to clients. The shared vision and investment philosophy between the parties set the stage for a successful and mutually beneficial partnership in the ever-evolving landscape of global equity markets.