The new trading operation adds to the firm's footprint in the US and UK.

William Blair Investment Management is opening a multi-asset trading desk in Singapore.

In addition, the firm has hired former Martin Currie senior figure Steven McCole, who has more than 20 years’ experience trading Asian markets, with the last 13 of those years located in Singapore. McCole was most recently head of APAC trading at Martin Currie Investment Management.

The trading desk will work with the firm’s global investment, portfolio management, and risk teams.

The Singapore trading desk adds to the firm’s existing footprint, which includes trading capabilities in the US (Chicago and Baltimore) and in London.

As of 30 September, the firm managed about $69 billion in assets.