Former Amundi duo to launch asset management company with Natixis

EUROPE - Bruno Crastes and Vincent Chailley have teamed up with France-based Natixis Asset Management to launch H2O Asset Management.

The pair said the new London-based company would focus on global, macroeconomic alternative asset management for institutional investors.

Crastes was the former chief executive and CIO - and Chailley the head of global fixed income - at Amundi UK, the asset manager created through the merger of Credit Agricole Asset Management and Société Générale.

Both resigned from the company, together with deputy chief executive Jean-Noel Alba, in mid-April.

Crastes will serve as chief executive of the new venture, Chailley as chief investment officer.

They plan to begin operations within the next few months, subject to regulatory approval from the UK Financial Services Authority.

Under the terms of the partnership, Natixis will hold an undisclosed equity stake in H20 with the option of becoming a majority shareholder by year’s end, while H20 will enjoy the support of the Natixis sales teams and corporate services.

Natixis said the deal was a “critical step” in its growth strategy in France and Europe and in line with the multi-boutique model of Natixis Global Asset Management.