The first organisation for listed infrastructure has been launched, with the backing of a number of investment managers.

AMP Capital, CBRE Clarion Securities, CenterSquare Investment Management, Deutsche Asset Management and Macquarie were among supporters of the Global Listed Infrastructure Organization (GLIO).

Fraser Hughes, founding chief executive of the Brussels-based organisation, said that, given the importance of more effective financing for infrastructure, the global listed infrastructure industry “needs to find a common voice to promote itself successfully to investors, consultants and policymakers”.

Hughes, who left his role as deputy chief executive of the European Public Real Estate Association earlier this year, said a large part of GLIO’s work would initially be in education and “broadening the understanding about how the listed sector is positioned to provide that impetus”. 

Tim Humphreys, head of global listed infrastructure at AMP Capital, said: “We have spent a lot of time over the years educating investors as to the benefits of listed infrastructure investment and, undoubtedly, the establishment of an independent organisation like GLIO will bolster this education push.”

Jeremy Anagnos, CIO for listed infrastructure at CBRE Clarion Securities, said a focus on education would benefit the growth of the infrastructure market. 

“Investment to upgrade and replace ageing infrastructure will increasingly be undertaken by listed infrastructure companies,” he said.

“In working with listed companies to highlight their efforts, the GLIO will play a key role in increasing investors’ awareness and supporting the continued growth of the asset class.”

Cohen & Steers, Morgan Stanley, Nuveen Investments and Real Foundations are also backing the GLIO.

Ben Morton, co-head of listed infrastructure at Cohen & Steers, said the launch of an organisation focusing on listed infrastructure investment was “long overdue”. 

Hughes quoted IMF estimates that every $1 efficiently invested in infrastructure drives $3 worth of output.

“This sector’s funding development can be an engine for global economic growth,” he said.

Manoj Patel, co-head of listed infrastructure at Deutsche Asset Management, said the establishment of a dedicated industry organisation was a “necessary step to help the asset class develop and evolve”.

For more information, www.globallistedinfrastructure.com

 

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