Enlargement of the institutional sales unit within Candriam.
In a significant move, Azhar Cheema has joined Candriam, a leading asset management firm known for its commitment to responsible investing and sustainability. Cheema, who hails from Pakistan and is fluent in English, French, and Urdu, will be heading the institutional sales team for Candriam's German business.
With a background in business administration, Cheema brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He spent five years working at the ARD stock market editorial office in Frankfurt am Main during his studies, before moving internally to institutional sales at Oddo BHF Asset Management in Düsseldorf. More recently, he served clients in Germany and Austria at Danske Bank's asset management division.
Candriam Funds, the asset management arm of Candriam, is renowned for its focus on sustainable and responsible investment. With 75% of their assets under management categorized as ESG investments, they exclude industries such as tobacco, thermal coal, and controversial weapons from all funds. Their investment philosophy combines long-term conviction with responsibility, leveraging stable and experienced teams to identify growth drivers and sustainability themes.
The funds offered by Candriam are structured as sub-funds of a SICAV under Luxembourg law and comply with UCITS regulations. They utilize anti-dilution systems such as Swing Pricing, which protects existing investors from costs linked to subscriptions and redemptions. The funds cover diverse strategies, including specialized thematic areas like Robotics & Innovative Technology, Biotechnology, and provide a wide range of equity and bond funds designed to meet different risk and return profiles.
Candriam emphasizes active ownership via voting at general meetings and engagement with companies to influence sustainability practices. They report transparently on voting, engagement, and adherence to sustainable finance regulations. The funds use established depository and transfer agents, mainly CACEIS Bank Luxembourg Branch, and are managed by Candriam’s registered company in Luxembourg.
Azhar Cheema will be based in Frankfurt am Main, further strengthening Candriam's presence in the city. With his extensive experience in the industry, Cheema is expected to play a key role in expanding Candriam's institutional sales and growing its German business.
Azhar Cheema's career in finance continues as he steps into a new role at Candriam, a firm renowned for its commitment to responsible investing and sustainability in business. His past experiences in institutional sales at Oddo BHF Asset Management and Danske Bank's asset management division position him well for investing in Candriam's German business, potentially driving growth and expansion in those sectors.
