Bell Asset Management launches small-caps fund

Bell Asset Management has formally launched its Australian Small Companies Fund, which is run by former Tyndall Asset Management portfolio managers.

Incepted on June 17, the managed fund invests in small companies outside the ASX 100.

The actively managed strategy aims to outperform the S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries Accumulation Index over the medium- to long-term, focusing on quality companies.

The launch follows the addition of Tim Johnston, James Nguyen and Scott Hudson to the group, joining Bell AM from Tyndall Asset Management.

The trio ran an equivalent strategy at Tyndall and now operate as a dedicated and independent team within Bell, reporting to chief executive Michael Lovett.

Johnston said the team applies a fundamental, long-only investment process, seeking high-quality businesses with attractive valuations.

"We believe small caps offer an attractive option for investors, particularly in the current environment. Historically, small caps have delivered strong returns for investors able to take a long-term view," he said.

"Small caps represent a broad and diverse universe with significantly less analyst coverage than large cap companies. At this end of the market active managers have a real opportunity to generate superior returns through research and analysis, particularly as many small companies are earlier in the growth lifecycle and therefore have the potential to compound earnings over time."

The fund requires a minimum investment amount of $20,000.

There will be between 30 to 70 stocks in the portfolio, with up to 10% allocated to cash, and may participate in initial public offerings. It may also invest in New Zealand securities.

Tyndall closed its doors in early 2026 following a mandate loss, saying the decision "reflects current dynamics in Australian large cap value equities" and its market position.

The large-cap research team also shuttered during this period.

Tyndall was 50% owned by Yarra Group. It had a total managed assets of about $3.6 billion at the end of September 2025, according to Rainmaker Information, spanning institutional, wholesale and retail channels.