Fisch Asset Management expands its portfolio management team

Fisch Asset Management is expanding its portfolio management capabilities, strengthening its team with the addition of a convertible bond manager, a global corporate bond manager and a credit analyst for emerging market debt. As part of the planned internationalisation and continued expansion of its business activities, the Zurich-based convertible and corporate bond specialist is implementing a programme of substantial investments into staff and technology begun in 2018.

Gerrit Bahlo joined Fisch as a portfolio manager for convertible bonds on 1 July. He was with Man GLG before in a number of roles: as a credit and product specialist, and most recently as a portfolio manager for convertible bonds. He studied at the University of Hamburg and the University of Aberdeen and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Economics and a Master of Science (Econ) in Finance and Investment Management. Gerrit Bahlo is also a CFA® charterholder.

Maria Stäheli joined the team as a portfolio manager for the global corporate bond strategies on 1 August. Prior to this, she worked at the Swiss National Bank in Zurich for eleven years. Initially an analyst within the foreign exchange department, she later became a senior portfolio manager for investment grade corporate bonds and other asset classes in the asset management department. She holds a Bachelor of Science ZFH in Business Administration from the ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences.

Daniela Savoia also joined on 1 August, as a credit analyst specialising in emerging markets. She previously worked for several years at JP Morgan in New York as an analyst focusing on Latin America. She successfully completed her MBA from Harvard Business School and holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania.

The three appointments are consistent with the target of strengthening the firm’s core competencies. CEO Philipp Good sees these in particular in fundamental credit analysis and the highly professional management of corporate and convertible bonds by experienced portfolio managers. “We are delighted that we can attract such top-class people to Fisch. The signing of Gerrit Bahlo and Maria Stäheli as seasoned portfolio managers for convertible and corporate bonds, respectively, represents a major step forward in our plans to expand capabilities and competencies. Additionally, the appointment of Daniela Savoia as a credit analyst for emerging market bonds will increase our coverage in this high-growth segment.”

Another two appointments in core areas will be made in the coming months. Fisch will then have a total of over 30 experts, including one of the largest convertible bond teams globally.