GAM has formed a strategic alliance with Galena Asset Management (Galena), a specialist in commodity finance and a fully owned and regulated investment subsidiary of Trafigura Group, a world leader in commodity trading and logistics.
In a statement today (19 September), GAM said this partnership would give its clients "unparalleled access to the global commodity markets, benefiting from Galena’s deep expertise in metals, mining, energy, and renewables".
Commodities are a vital asset class for today’s investors, offering resilience, diversification, inflation protection, and attractive returns in a changing world. GAM has a long history of alternative investing and innovation, and this strategic alliance with Galena will further enhance our ability to deliver superior solutions to our clients.
The new GAM and Galena alliance has two main aspects: a global distribution agreement for Galena Funds and future product innovation.
GAM will be the exclusive global distributor of Galena’s existing commodity investment strategies, which include (subject to local availability):
Trade Finance: A strategy that provides short-term financing to commodity producers and traders, generating income from fees and interest while mitigating risks through collateral, insurance, and diversification.
Multi Strategy: A strategy that invests in macro and commodity themes through the whole asset class spectrum. It uses a combination of directional, relative value, and arbitrage strategies based on rigorous fundamental and technical analysis.
Private Equity: A strategy that invests in private companies in the commodity sector, focusing on metal and mineral mining, processing, and related infrastructure and services.
By working closely with Galena, GAM said it would be at the forefront of the rapidly evolving commodity investment landscape, with access to "cutting-edge research, development, and technology". Utilising the extensive networks, projects and research, GAM and Galena will work together to develop and launch new and innovative commodity-focused investment products for our clients, addressing the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition, the circular economy, and the digital transformation.
Maximilian Tomei, CEO of Galena, stated, “We are thrilled to have formed an alliance with GAM, a firm that shares our entrepreneurial and innovative spirit and our passion for delivering the best alternative returns for our investors. As commodities become more relevant and dynamic globally, we see tremendous potential to create value for our clients by offering them access to our unique expertise and knowledge. We look forward to collaborating with GAM to offer exciting and exclusive commodities investments to a wider international audience.”
Elmar Zumbuehl (pictured), group CEO at GAM, said, “This strategic alliance with Galena is an important step forward for our firm and clients, as it will enable us to gain access to exclusive and attractive commodity investment opportunities, leveraging Galena's skills and resources. We believe commodities are a key asset class for the future, offering attractive return potential and diversification benefits. We are delighted to work with Galena to provide our clients with innovative, differentiated solutions that meet their needs and expectations.”
Galena Asset Management is the wholly-owned and regulated investment subsidiary of the Trafigura Group. Galena Asset Management S.A. is authorized and regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) and Galena Asset Management (Asia) Pte. Ltd. is a Registered Fund Management Company, registered with the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
Galena’s portfolio management specialists have built considerable experience in metals, minerals, oil, shipping and infrastructure.