The new team of five has been brought together under Matt Philo, who joined the firm last May from White Ocean Capital Advisors.
The group hinted that high-yield bond product launches could follow from the team’s formation.
The high-yield team will be based in New York and share ideas with the group’s other bond teams through First State’s ‘Investment Opinion Network (ION)’.
Paul Griffiths, CIO fixed income and multi asset solutions at First State, said: “The addition of the high yield team in New York further strengthens First State’s global fixed income capability and expertise in areas of proprietary research, and portfolio management.
“The recruitment of Matt and the broader team illustrates our commitment to recruiting top quality investment talent in support of achieving our clients’ objectives.”
This new team includes Michael Elkins, formerly of Avenue Capital and Jason Epstein, previously managing director at Oak Hill Advisors, who both joined First State in September 2016.