IFM Investors expands US debt team

Australian fund manager IFM Investors has appointed Joseph Braun as an associate director in its North American infrastructure debt team. 

Braun joins IFM from Melbourne-based peer Hastings, where he was already focused on infrastructure debt in the region. 

At IFM, he will be responsible for originating, executing and managing infrastructure debt investments for the firm’s institutional investors. Based in the firm's New York office, he will report to Rich Randall, who was promoted to the role of global head of debt investments in May. 

Prior to his job at Hastings, Braun held roles at RBC Capital Markets and BBVA, with a focus on relationship management, structuring and execution of corporate and project finance transactions for clients in North America. 

“The continued expansion of our North American debt investment team demonstrates our ongoing commitment and ability to the North American marketplace,” said Randall. “Furthermore, Braun’s appointment strengthens our experience and capabilities in North America as we look for infrastructure debt opportunities to address the needs and goals of our investors.”

Braun's hire comes as the firm is engaged in efforts to raise its first US-focused pooled debt vehicle. The firm is eyeing an initial $400 million first close by early summer, targeting returns of between 400 and 600 basis points over LIBOR. 

The Melbourne-based fund manager oversees A$67 billion ($51 billion; €50 billion) for around 180 institutional investors, as of 31 March 2016.