Headquartered in Montreal, asset manager Fiera Capital creates new senior position to expand its presence in Asia, continuing the firm’s global expansion.

Fiera Capital Corporation has just appointed John Cappetta (pictured) as managing director, head of Asia, excluding Japan and Korea, Fiera Capital Asia, starting immediately, and based in Singapore.

In this newly-created position, Cappetta brings over 34 years’ experience to Fiera, most recently as head of private banking and Asia advisor to global investment manager Ninety One, the firm said in a statement. Prior to that, Cappetta served as managing director senior advisor to Swiss private bank Julius Baer where he was based in the bank’s Singapore office for six years. He was also head of mutual fund sales Asia for the Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Other roles include stretches at Van Hedge Funds, Safra Asset Management, and Merrill Lynch where Cappetta initially developed his sell-side APAC specialism.  

Cappetta, who will report to Rob Petty, executive director and CEO, Fiera Capital Asia, will build on the existing Asia team’s profitable business and 23-year history in Singapore, Hong Kong and Korea. The company’s decision to expand its offering in Asia follows the recent appointment of CJ Morrell, head of Japan, who also began his career at Merrill Lynch before roles with JP Morgan and latterly Sloane Robinson Asset Management.

The addition of Cappetta to Fiera’s capability in Asia supports the ongoing rollout of Fiera’s decentralised distribution model. The company is seeking to service its institutional, wholesale and financial intermediary clients in Asia directly as global asset managers benefit from the region’s growing desire for specialist and highly customisable public and private market strategies.

“John has developed an unmatched understanding of distribution across Asia, with significant expertise in Singapore where he has worked since 2007. The region’s distinct appetite and preference for highly customisable investment solutions requires a personal connection to core markets, and as we expand our offer to investors in Asia at all tiers it will be this nuanced appreciation for what motivates investment decision-making that sets apart our public and private market strategies and active management approach,” Petty said.  

“Investors in Asia are increasingly seeking new opportunities in alternative assets, such as private credit, real assets, and private equity. Fiera Capital’s robust presence across both private and public markets provides us with the ability to offer tailored solutions to meet client needs. As demand for diversified investments, particularly in alternatives and sustainable investing, continues to grow in the region, Fiera Capital is well-positioned to meet these evolving needs,” Cappetta added.

Private alternatives remain a principal focus for Fiera Capital Asia with unleveraged, income generating private credit serving as its cornerstone strategy.

Cappetta’s appointment is the latest in a series of hires to broaden Fiera’s global expansion with the company announcing the opening of regional offices in Zurich, The Hague and Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, in 2024. See more commentary here and here.

Headquartered in Montreal, Fiera Capital, with its affiliates in various jurisdictions, has offices in over a dozen cities around the world, including New York, London, and Hong Kong. It has over $116.1 billion assets under management.