Fund managers are being urged by financial advisers to improve their “outdated” education and communication about alternative funds as they actively target them towards retail clients.

GAM Investments has appointed Eric Finnell as its managing director for Australia after his predecessor left to take up the CEO role at Global X.

Fidelity International has looked internally to appoint a head of strategic sales and solutions for its Australian division, which is a newly created role for the business.

Former RIAA chief executive Simon O’Connor has joined the ethical advisory panel at U Ethical Investors.

Ninety One has launched a global equities Global Franchise Fund to wholesale investors in Australia and envisages expanding the wholesale range in the future.

As fund managers are urged to diversify their product ranges, they are finding a faster way to do this is via an acquisition of existing firms but experts say it is not without potential culture clashes.