BlackRock Frontiers – co-manager Niaz steps down
BlackRock Frontiers Investment Trust (BRFI) has announced changes to its portfolio management line-up following a wider restructure of BlackRock’s Global Emerging Markets (GEM) team. The shake-up, which aims to improve investment focus and better align portfolio responsibilities with areas of expertise, will see Sudaif Niaz – co-manager since February 2023 – step down.
The board was keen to stress that day-to-day portfolio management remains unchanged. Long-standing co-managers Sam Vecht and Emily Fletcher, who have led the trust since launch, will continue in their roles, backed by BlackRock’s global platform and research capabilities. Chair Katrina Hart said the board welcomes the wider team changes and believes they will enhance focus and efficiency.
BlackRock Latin American – Fraser appointed co-manager
BlackRock Latin American Investment Trust (BRLA) has announced that following the wider restructure of BlackRock’s GEM team noted above, Gordon Fraser has been appointed co-manager of the trust, joining lead manager Sam Vecht, who continues in his long-standing role. Fraser replaces Christoph Brinkmann, who is stepping down with immediate effect.
Fraser is a seasoned emerging markets investor, having spent 18 years with BlackRock’s GEM team. He is a managing director and senior investor on the GEM team, with experience managing both long-only and long-short strategies. He also leads the team’s macro research process. Fraser joined BlackRock in 2006 and holds a first-class BA and an MPhil in Economics from Cambridge, in addition to being a CFA Charterholder. The board has emphasised that the changes will not affect the day-to-day management of BRLA’s portfolio.
