Wellington Management has expanded its partnership with Standard Chartered Bank by offering no-load share classes in its Asia Quality Income Fund to the bank’s clients in Singapore.

Managed by Naveen Venkataramani, a veteran equity portfolio manager, and supported by a dedicated team and research platform from Wellington, the actively managed Wellington Asia Quality Income Fund focuses on quality businesses with strong balance sheets, competitive advantages, and sound governance.

It targets three types of dividend companies: dividend compounders, dividend leaders, and dividend surprisers. “Dividends are a key investment driver in Asia ex-Japan, historically accounting for 65% of total returns,” says Venkataramani.

“Moreover, I think Asia’s dividend payout has room to grow, with the region’s improving cash-flow generation and low debt levels supportive of further dividend growth. These qualities are bolstered by structural tailwinds, reforms and external drivers that are positively influencing the region.”

Bank clients can invest in the fund without paying upfront fees through its new Class B shares.

The latest tie-up builds on a successful partnership between Standard Chartered and Wellington. The firm’s Credit Total Return strategy was introduced to the bank’s private banking clients and retail banking customers in Singapore and Hong Kong on an exclusive basis in 2024. The UCITS fund vehicle has surpassed US$1.3 billion of assets under management since it was launched less than two years ago.