Natixis IM secures Singapore equity market mandate

Natixis Investment Managers (Natixis IM) has been appointed by Singapore's central bank under a $7.3 billion (S$6.5bn) programme aimed at deepening the country's equities market and attracting broader investor participation.

Announced on October 9, the mandate forms part of the Monetary Authority of Singapore's Equity Market Development Programme (EQDP), which seeks to support the long-term development of Singapore-listed equities.

The mandate will be managed by the Singapore-based equity team of Ostrum Asset Management, a Natixis IM affiliate with more than 40 years of experience in fundamental research across global and Asian markets.

Natixis IM Singapore chief executive Dora Seow said the appointment would allow the group to contribute to Singapore's efforts to strengthen its domestic equity market.

"Singapore has set out a clear ambition to strengthen its equities market and broaden the base of investors participating in it," Seow said.

"We look forward to playing our part in that long-term effort, bringing Ostrum's fundamentals-driven approach and our global distribution network to support greater international interest in Singapore-listed companies."

The appointment comes as Natixis IM continues to highlight investor concerns around long-term financial security, including in Australia, where its recent retirement research found many people remained uncertain about their ability to fund retirement despite the country's comparatively strong superannuation system.

The firm's 2026 Global Retirement Index ranked Australia sixth among 44 countries, down one place from the previous year. Its research found that 53% of Australians surveyed did not expect to save enough to reach their desired retirement balance, while one in three anticipated using an inheritance to substantially fund retirement.

Natixis IM Australia and New Zealand country head Danny King said accessible professional Australians make informed decisions throughout retirement.

The Singapore mandate adds to Natixis IM's regional activity, with the group bringing its investment research capabilities and international distribution network to a programme designed to support the development of local equities.