The SILC Group brings US wholesale fund Down Under

The SILC Group has helped introduce a Denver-based investment manager to the local wholesale market with a new global equities fund.

Felix Global Investment Management (FGIM) has partnered with The SILC Group to launch the Felix Global Partners Fund, offering exposure to a concentrated portfolio of 15 to 30 high-quality global small- and mid-cap companies outside Australia.

The fund has been established with The SILC Group as trustee and licensee, providing the regulatory framework, governance oversight and Australian financial services license (AFSL) infrastructure required to operate the fund.

Fenix Funds Administration, a related but independently operated business within The SILC Group, has been appointed fund administrator, allowing the fund to access Australia's first automated fund reconciliation capability, developed in partnership with LAB Group.

The technology reduces manual processing, improves accuracy and enables faster reconciliation and investor administration outcomes, The SILC Group said.

FGIM and Fenix are not related business.

Commenting, FGIM managing member Matthew Thorne said The SILC Group's approach was a key factor in selecting it as trustee and fund services partner.

"What stood out about SILC was their willingness to listen and engage from day one," Thorne said.

"We had direct access to the owners of the business, who took the time to understand our investment philosophy, operating model and long-term aspirations for the fund. That level of accessibility helped us build a structure tailored to our needs."

The SILC Group executive director Michelle Tay said the partnership reflected the firm's strengthened support for fund managers.

"Our role is to provide the governance, licensing and operational framework that allows investment managers to focus on generating investment outcomes for investors," Tay said.

"We work closely with managers during the establishment phase to understand their strategy, objectives and growth plans, then execute a structure that is fit for purpose from both a commercial and regulatory perspective.

"Independent oversight remains a critical part of any fund structure, providing confidence to investors while helping managers operate within a robust governance framework."

Additionally, to have the fund meet an "aggressive" establishment timetable and launch, FGIM and The SILC Group also collaborated with EY for legal services.

EY Australia partner Nikki Bentley added: "Establishing a new investment fund requires careful alignment of legal, regulatory and commercial considerations."

"EY Australia was pleased to work closely with FGIM, SILC and Fenix to help implement a robust legal framework that supports efficient market entry, strong governance and investor confidence."