EFA, the asset services unit of Frankfurt-based management company Universal Investment, on Tuesday said it has strengthened its presence in the Nordic countries by appointing Pia Kumlin as country head. Kumlin joins from Swedbank and will be based in Stockholm.
Pia brings over 15 years of strong and recognised experience in the fund industry. Prior to joining EFA, Pia was chief product owner at Swedbank. Her previous responsibilities include heading the transfer agency operations and business support functions of Swedbank.
As of this month, she will lead the existing team with the objective of strengthening client relationships and further develop not only Sweden but the entire Nordic market.
Strategic market
“The Nordic region is a strategic market for EFA, where we have built a strong reputation through consistently meeting the demands of a sophisticated clientele,” said Paulo Fernandes, chief commercial officer at EFA. “After the opening of our Nordic office last year along with our first series of hires, Pia joining and bringing us her experience is yet another step that underlines our commitment to our clients and partners in the region.”
“I look forward to bringing my experience from the banking and fund industry and take the business to the next level together with our new team,” said Kumlin.
EFA opened its Stockholm office last year and serves some of the most prestigious Nordic asset managers. It provides fund administration, transfer agency services and regulatory solutions for both Swedish domestic funds and Luxembourg domiciled funds, in addition to front, middle and back office services for segregated mandates.
Last year’s acquisition of EFA pushed pushed Universal Investment’s assets under administration by more than a fifth to above 900 billion euro in more than 7000 funds, the firm has announced. With the acquisition, Universal Investment strengthened its position as multi-jurisdiction ManCo/AIFM and offers Fund Administration across all asset classes.