William Blair Investment Management has announced the establishment of a new multi-asset trading desk in its Singapore office, aimed at bolstering its investment management and trading execution across Asia-Pacific markets. The firm has also appointed Steven McCole, a seasoned trader with over 20 years of experience in Asian markets, to lead the new initiative.
The new trading desk is set to provide dedicated regional coverage across various asset classes, enhancing execution capabilities, liquidity access, and real-time portfolio support for clients globally. This expansion underscores William Blair’s commitment to its global trading platform and its dedication to serving clients with increased efficiency and responsiveness.
Simon Johnstone, Partner and Head Trader at William Blair, stated, “Establishing a dedicated trading presence in Singapore allows us to more closely align our investment and trading activities with Asian market hours.” He added that the addition of McCole, who was previously Head of APAC trading at Martin Currie Investment Management, will enhance the firm’s ability to manage risk and support portfolio managers effectively.
The decision to open the trading desk in Singapore reflects the city’s status as a leading global financial centre and a gateway to Asia-Pacific capital markets. Lih-Yann Tan, CEO of William Blair International (Singapore), highlighted the firm’s long-term commitment to the region, noting that having experienced professionals on the ground strengthens their ability to deliver high-quality outcomes for clients.
This new development adds to William Blair’s existing trading capabilities in the US and London, further solidifying its global investment footprint.
