BNP Paribas Securities Services announced it has been selected by First Plus Asset Management to provide fund administration services for funds using Singapore’s Variable Capital Company (VCC) structure.
First Plus, a multi-asset investment group focused on emerging Asia, provides investment opportunities across various asset classes, including equity, private credit and aviation. It launched its asset management platform in Singapore in March 2020.
BNP Paribas Securities Services is a long-term adviser and partner to First Plus, and guided the investment group in establishing its first VCC fund. The VCC was launched by the Monetary Authority of Singapore in January 2020 as an innovative corporate structure for investment funds designed to strengthen Singapore’s status as a regional fund distribution hub. The structure allows umbrella funds and sub-funds that can be open-ended or closed-ended.
As part of the mandate, BNP Paribas will provide First Plus with global custody, hedge fund administration and investor services for its Asia Opportunity Fund and Asia Special Situation Fund under First Plus Global Opportunity Fund VCC, and in future, its planned private equity fund. The deal demonstrates BNP Paribas’ ability to provide a tailored solution to meet asset managers’ needs as they expand across the Asia-Pacific region.
Diana Senanayake, Head of BNP Paribas Securities Services Singapore, said: “It’s great to see our long-term collaboration with First Plus cemented with this mandate. We have a strong track record of supporting China-based asset managers as they grow across the region, providing access to multiple cross-border investment schemes. For the planned private equity fund launch, we are able to leverage our relationships with fintechs to further strengthen our private equity solutions. We are also delighted to support Singapore’s authorities as they strengthen the city’s fund management infrastructure, of which the VCC is an important part.”
