Rathbone Unit Trust Management is to launch four offshore funds to provide Europe-based investors access to its funds for the first time.

The proposed funds will be domiciled in Luxembourg and will invest via a master-feeder structure into the Rathbone Ethical Bond Fund, managed by head of fixed income Bryn Jones and assistant manager Noelle Cazalis, and the Rathbone Multi-Asset Total Return, Multi-Asset Strategic Growth, and Multi-Asset Enhanced Growth Portfolios, managed by David Coombs, head of multi-asset investments, and Will McIntosh-Whyte, also assistant manager. Both teams will be supported by Rathbones’ central research capability.

Rathbones says the four funds, expected to launch in May subject to regulatory approvals from the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF), the Luxembourg regulatory body, will boost Rathbones’ existing discretionary ability to offer a range of investment strategies to expatriates in Europe.

The funds will be marketed predominantly to retail investors via financial advisers, life companies and Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme providers (QROPS) in the UK and in Europe. The investment processes and objectives for all funds will reflect those of the master funds in the UK. The funds will be denominated in sterling, with currency share classes also available.

Mike Webb, chief executive of Rathbone Unit Trust Management, said: “This launch offers our existing and new clients within Europe greater access to our experience across fixed income and multi-asset investing.

"The move is in line with our long-term strategy of broadening our distribution through intermediary channels in the UK and now across Europe. Based on demand for our investment services to date, we believe this new market to have considerable growth potential for the business.”