State Street appoints head of Asia Pacific

State Street has appointed Tim Helyar as head of Asia Pacific, effective immediately, taking the helm from Lochiel Crafter, who recently retired.

Based in Hong Kong, Helyar will oversee State Street's Asia Pacific business strategy, strengthen its governance, deepen client and regulator engagement, and accelerate regional growth.

Helyar joined State Street in 2021 as the country head of Australia and has more than 27 years of financial services experience across investment services, pension, investment and wealth management. Previously, he was head of fund services product development for Asia Pacific at J.P. Morgan.

"Tim is a proven leader with deep investment services expertise and a strong track record of delivering for clients," State Street head of international Stefan Gmuer said.

"His regional knowledge and collaborative leadership will help advance our growth strategy across Asia Pacific, while supporting regional clients as they seek to unlock growth, gain efficiencies and seize new opportunities."

State Street has had a presence in Asia Pacific since 1982.

"I am excited to lead State Street's Asia Pacific business at such an important time for our clients and the region," Helyar said.

"Asia Pacific is one of the world's fastest-growing regions for institutional investment, and I look forward to working with our teams to support clients' growth and transformation ambitions."

State Street Investment Management (SSIM) head of investments for Australia Jonathan Shead also retired from the role in August after spending 26 years with the group, working in various State Street Global Advisors (SSGA) roles since 2000.

SSIM recently launched its first Australian actively managed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in a partnership with Blackstone Credit and Insurance.

The State Street Blackstone Senior Loan Active ETF (ASX: SBSL) and State Street Blackstone High Income Active ETF (ASX: SBHI) listed on the ASX on August 7.