In a move to enhance its existing position in the ecosystem of alternative investments, Schroders Capital has recently announced the addition of a seasoned professional to its securitized products and asset-based finance division. This appointment underscores the firm’s commitment to expanding its private debt and credit alternatives offerings amid growing investor interest in diversified, income-generating assets.
Brad Ross-Williams joins Schroders Capital as Investment Director for Securitized Products and Asset-Based Finance (SP&ABF).
With a robust background in investor relations and structured finance, Ross-Williams is poised to drive innovation and client engagement within the team.
He will be based in London and report directly to Michelle Russell-Dowe, who serves as Co-Head of Private Debt and Credit Alternatives (PDCA) and Global Head of Securitized Products and Asset-Based Finance.
Ross-Williams brings over two decades of experience in the financial sector, having held pivotal roles at several prominent institutions.
Most recently, he served as Senior Asset-Backed Securities (ABS) Specialist at Manulife CQS Investment Management, where he managed investor relations for securitized hedge funds, multi-asset credit strategies, and regulatory capital relief initiatives.
Prior to that, he was a Partner and Head of Investor Relations at East Lodge Capital, a structured credit hedge fund.
His career also includes senior positions at Haitong Investment Bank, Quest Fund Placement, Natixis Global Asset Management, HSBC Alternatives, and Morgan Stanley, where he honed his expertise in alternative investments and client-focused strategies.
In his new role, Ross-Williams will play a key part in product development, crafting novel investment strategies and customized mandates tailored to client needs.
He will also contribute to executing sales strategies and fostering deeper relationships with clients and strategic partners.
This hire aligns with Schroders Capital’s broader efforts to capitalize on the rapid expansion of the securitized and asset-based finance markets, which now represent an investable universe surpassing $40 trillion in assets under management globally.
The SP&ABF team at Schroders Capital oversees approximately $20 billion in assets and comprises 28 dedicated professionals, including investors, investment directors, and product executives.
Spread across key financial hubs such as New York, London, Zurich, Singapore, and Frankfurt, the team delivers a range of solutions, including liquid, semi-liquid, and private closed-end funds, as well as bespoke mandates designed to meet specific investor requirements.
Ross-Williams remarked:
“The swift advancement in securitized and asset-based finance is opening up remarkable avenues for achieving stable, enduring results through various economic phases. Schroders Capital’s distinctive and established methodology sets us apart in these arenas, and I’m eager to collaborate with Michelle and the group to provide cutting-edge options for our clientele.”
Michelle Russell-Dowe shared:
“Demand from investors is at an all-time high for assets that blend income generation, opportunistic gains, and unique return profiles with reduced ties to conventional liquid and private markets.”
She further noted the drivers behind this surge:
“This heightened interest stems from requirements for reliable income, built-in safeguards, and portfolio variety, all within adaptable structures that can accommodate needs for occasional liquidity, minimized fluctuations, or superior quality and robust collateral.”
Russell-Dowe also stressed the importance of a methodical approach in the current credit environment:
“True worth emerges from a rigorous method rooted in core principles, evaluation, and design skills, applying these across versatile tools to seize present chances and anticipate future market shifts.”
This appointment comes at a time when alternative credit markets are gaining traction, as investors seek resilient options amid economic uncertainties.
Schroders Capital’s PDCA platform continues to evolve, positioning the firm as a key player in providing various credit alternatives that aim to emphasize diversification and long-term value creation.
By integrating Ross-Williams’ network and specialized knowledge, Schroders Capital is equipped to navigate the complexities of securitized finance, ensuring clients benefit from various investment opportunities.
This development not only bolsters the team’s expertise but also signals confidence in the sustained growth of asset-based finance as a core component of modern portfolios.