Martin Currie appoints co-manager on Japan Alpha fund

Martin Currie has named Claire Marwick as co-manager of its Japan Alpha fund, alongside Keith Donaldson and John-Paul Temperley.

Marwick has worked on Martin Currie's Japan team since 2007 and her promotion follows the Edinburgh-based manager's decision to separate its Asia and GEM operations earlier this year.

The firm has also announced its intention to close the £32m fund to new investors when assets under management reach £175m. It says this is in line with its policy to close products to new business before a large pool of assets could threaten performance.

Managing director of client service, sales and marketing, Andy Sowerby, says Japan is under-owned by retail and institutional investors but the firm has this year seen a significant spike in interest.

"The Martin Currie Japan Alpha fund is a strategy that draws on the best ideas of our six-strong Japan team," Sowerby says.

"Because of the increased interest in this fund, we have decided to announce the available capacity early. We have limited capacity to ensure that there is no strain on the investment process."