MFS Investment Management has signed a partnership with Italy-based CheBanca!, part of The Mediobanca Group, making its full range of funds available to Italian investors.
The savings and investment-dedicated bank will now be able to offer its clients all of MFS Meridian Funds, which is the investment manager’s flagship vehicle based in Luxembourg.
Wading into retail
MFS had already entered the Italian market in 2005 by offering a series of investment strategies, and is now trying to consolidate its offerings in the retail space.
The funds available will include equity, fixed income and multi-asset opportunities.
International Adviser also reached out to CheBanca!, which itself expanded into wealth management in 2016.
A spokesperson for the Italian bank told IA that the investment opportunities will be available to all their clients. They won’t need a set sum to start investing, but there will be a maximum amount capped at €5m (£4.4m, $5.6m).
Network in expansion
Andrea Baron, managing director, Italy for MFS, said: “CheBanca! is one of the most active and innovative banking companies in Italy and boasts a nationwide network of over 100 branches together with a network of financial advisers comprising more than 330 professionals.
“With the company’s excellent reputation and MFS’ long-term approach to investing, we are convinced that we will create a successful partnership enabling us to strengthen our presence in the Italian market.
“Our goal is to ensure all-round collaboration by providing CheBanca! and its financial advisers with the opportunity to access MFS’ high-quality strategies — and our expertise”, he added.
CheBanca! currently holds investment offering from 60 different providers through an open platform, its spokesperson confirmed to IA.
