MEDIA RELEASE: The Tribeca Australian Smaller Companies Fund has been upgraded to ‘Recommended’ rating from research house Zenith Investment Partners.

The fund, managed by Sydney-based Tribeca Investment Partners and distributed by GSFM, offers investors style-neutral exposure to Australian smaller companies. It is co-managed by David Aylward and Simon Brown, who are supported by a team of 18 investment professionals.

The ratings upgrade to ‘Recommended’ comes just over a year after Adam Lavis was appointed to chief executive officer relinquishing co-portfolio manager, David Aylward of firm-wide management responsibilities.

In its report, Zenith said it views this development favourably.

“It allows Aylward to focus solely on investment-related duties. Zenith believes the portfolio managers have the requisite experience to successfully manage the Fund,” Zenith said.

Zenith said that its “conviction in the fund is centred on the investment capabilities and experience of the senior investment team members. In addition, we view the strong, positive trajectory in the strategy's asset base positively.

“Overall, Zenith believes the Fund is well-placed to meet its investment objectives,” Zenith said.

Founded in Sydney in 1998, Tribeca Investment Partners specialises in managing high excess return, style-neutral strategies. Following the management buyout of GSFM's stake in the business, Tribeca is 100 per cent owned by senior staff members. GSFM continues to distribute Tribeca’s products, which Zenith notes as a positive arrangement.

GSFM CEO, Damien McIntyre said GSFM and Tribeca have been working towards this rating for some time, and like Zenith, he is optimistic for what can be achieved in the retail space.

“The Tribeca Australian Smaller Companies Fund has the longest track record in the retail market for funds that invest in small companies.

“The team’s approach has been to thoroughly analyse the financial aspects of each of the companies they invest in, as well as understand the company’s competitive advantage, its industry structure, key earning sensitivities and the management team’s long-term strategy.

“The fund is best suited for investors looking to invest in Australian small companies and seeking a well-diversified and actively managed fund, or investors looking for tax-effective alternatives to superannuation funds.”