Andrew Ballingal has joined private client operation Ruffer Investment Management to run its forthcoming CF Ruffer Pacific fund.
The portfolio will invest in the Asia Pacific equity, debt and currency markets on an absolute return basis.
In addition to running the portfolio, Ballingal will advise Ruffer on Japan and the Far East, focusing on identifying investment opportunities for the firm's clients. He will sit on Ruffer's investment committee and be responsible for all its Asia Pacific investments.
During his career, Ballingal has work at firms including BZW, Sloane Robinson, Schroders and TAL. In 2001, he established Ballingal Pacific, an independent adviser and adviser firm focusing on Asia Pacific.
While optimistic on the secular prospects for the region, Ballingal said he recognises it has been prone to periodic bouts of high volatility and feels the absolute return approach favoured at Ruffer will allow acceptable participation in markets with an appropriate level of risk.
Ruffer is currently looking to raise its intermediary profile now its Equity & General and Income funds have three-year track records, offering intermediary commission for the first time.
The group currently has four funds within its Oeic: the two above managed by Henry Maxey and the European and CF Ruffer Baker Steel Gold portfolios.