I Squared Capital forays into Aussie private wealth space

I Squared Capital is expanding its global private wealth business into Australia with the launch of the evergreen ISQ OpenInfra AUT Fund.

The global infrastructure investment manager with $85 billion in assets under management has also appointed Linda Stangherlin as the director of investor relations, to lead the platform's growth across the region.

Based in Sydney, Stangherlin has over 20 years' experience across investment management and wealth, with expertise in alternative investments, portfolio construction and adviser engagement.

"We are pleased to bring OpenInfra to Australia and provide eligible investors with access to I Squared's global infrastructure platform," I Squared Capital managing director and global head of distribution and product strategy for OpenInfra Irina Zilbergleyt said.

"The launch builds on I Squared's longstanding presence in the Australian market where we have partnered with leading Australian superannuation funds, sovereign wealth funds and insurers through our institutional business since 2014.

"We are extremely proud of and grateful for these partnerships which underscore the strength of our relationships in Australia and our capabilities as a leading global infrastructure manager."

Following the opening of its Sydney office in 2022, I Squared has committed more than $2.1 billion to businesses operating across Australia, including ANZA Power, a renewable energy platform; Octa, an integrated energy transition platform; SoilCo, an organic waste processing platform; and Rentco, a provider of heavy-duty transport rental equipment.

I Squared Capital global chief investment officer and managing partner Gautam Bhandari said: "We believe that we are in the early stages of a global infrastructure supercycle - indebted governments and the urgent need for investment in AI and essential services make this a clear investment opportunity for individual investors."

"As private wealth investors look for specialist managers with deep sector expertise and a proven investment track record, infrastructure offers a middle ground that can offer equity upside, credit-like yield and real assets with inflation-linked revenues," Bhandari added.

I Squared Capital recently won a heated battle with Pacific Equity Partners (PEP) and Oaktree Capital Management to become the new owner of ASX-listed oOh!media, provides outdoor advertising services in Australia and New Zealand.