Copia secures Scarcity investment to fuel growth

Copia Investment Partners has secured a strategic investment from Scarcity Partners, which has acquired a 30% stake in the investment management group as it targets its next phase for growth.

The investment will support Copia's plans to expand distribution, improve scalability and strengthen support for its existing affiliate fund managers, while allowing the group to explore partnerships with additional specialist managers.

Copia, which was founded in 2000, had $9 billion in funds under distribution across five affiliates and 13 strategies as of 31 August 2026.

Its investment partners include Artisan Partners, Chester Asset Management, HSBC Asset Management, Mutual Limited and OC Funds Management, with strategies spanning Australian and global equities, cash and fixed income and global listed infrastructure.

Copia will continue to operate autonomously, with its executive team retaining majority ownership and responsibility for day-to-day operations. Its affiliate managers will also retain control over their investment approaches.

Copia chief executive Sam Baillieu said Scarcity's industry experience and relationships would support the groups growth ambitions.

"We wanted a strategic investor who understood our model and could help us take it further," Baillieu said.

"Scarcity brings deep industry experience and the relationships that will help us pursue new opportunities in Australia and internationally."

Scarcity Partners managing partner Adrian Whittingham said Copia had established a scalable platform through its relationship with assets managers, advisers and platforms.

"Copia occupies an important position within the Australian investment management landscape having truly built a scalable growth platform," Whittingham said.

The transaction will also see Scarcity founding partner Matthew Webb join the Copia Holding Company board as a non-executive director, while Peter Polson steps down.

Webb brings more than 25 years' asset management experience, including 15 years at Magellan Asset Management, where he helped support its international expansion.

Bruce Loveday will remain as chair.