The asset manager has poached a team of five from London-based Trifinium Advisors, led by Deborah Zurkow who has become chief investment officer of infrastructure debt.
The team has a track record in the origination and underwriting of investment grade infrastructure debt, as well as managing the exposure from construction to mature operations. Over the past decade, it has managed over €10bn of infrastructure senior debt.
Zurkow said: “Whether it be developing economies building new infrastructure for the first time or OECD economies replacing outdated existing infrastructure, the projected capital requirements for infrastructure investment over the course of this decade and next are considerable. In OECD countries alone, annual investment requirements are projected to rise from $700bn to $1tn between now and 2030.
“As we develop this business, we will focus initially on European infrastructure projects. Over time, in line with client interest, we expect to invest further afield.”
Allianz has yet to announce any fund structures for the new venture.
