Standard Chartered (LON: STAN) has joined forces with Barings to introduce a new sub-fund focused on investment-grade collateralized loan obligations (CLOs). This initiative, referred to as the Signature Select Quality Credit Income strategy, operates under Standard Chartered’s Variable Capital Company (VCC) framework. The launch marks the sixth addition to the bank‘s VCC lineup, aiming to offer sophisticated investment options to affluent clients.
The partnership positions Barings as the sub-investment manager, tapping into their expertise in global credit markets.
The strategy emphasizes a curated, actively managed portfolio of investment-grade CLO tranches.
By diversifying across high-quality assets, it seeks to provide consistent income generation while navigating various market conditions.
This approach is designed to appeal to investors looking for reliable returns and portfolio resilience in an increasingly volatile economic landscape.
Targeted primarily at high-net-worth individuals, the fund is accessible to those in Standard Chartered’s Private, Priority Private, and Priority client segments who qualify as Accredited or Professional Investors.
Initially available in key markets such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, the bank plans to expand its rollout to additional regions in the near future.
This geographic focus underscores Standard Chartered’s commitment to serving international clients with tailored financial solutions that align with their long-term objectives.
Sumeet Bhambri, Global Head of Advisory and Managed Investments for Wealth Solutions at Standard Chartered, expressed enthusiasm about the development.
He highlighted how the collaboration harnesses Barings’ specialized knowledge to deliver institutional-level strategies that enhance portfolio diversity.
Bhambri emphasized the bank’s commitment to evolving its offerings to address the needs of its clients, positioning itself as a global wealth manager.
Melissa Ricco, Head of Structured Credit at Barings, noted the honor of working with Standard Chartered on this VCC-based CLO strategy.
She pointed out that the fund enables investors to access premium, income-focused opportunities throughout economic cycles.
Ricco underscored Barings’ longstanding role in the CLO space, boasting more than 25 years of experience and overseeing over US$50 billion in such assets as of late 2025.
With a portfolio exceeding 100 CLOs in the US and Europe, Barings brings a proven track record of crafting effective investment vehicles that support clients in meeting their financial objectives / targets.
Standard Chartered, an international banking group operating in 54 markets, established its VCC platform in June 2024.
This structure facilitates synergies between asset managers and the bank’s in-house specialists, creating exclusive strategies for its customers.
Barings, a subsidiary of MassMutual with over US$470 billion in assets under management as of September 2025, reinforces its status as a CLO provider / enabler through this alliance.
This collaboration reflects broader trends in wealth management, where institutions are increasingly partnering to provide innovative, high-yield products amid rising interest in alternative investments.
By combining Standard Chartered‘s global reach with Barings’ credit proficiency, the Signature Select Quality Credit Income strategy stands to attract investors seeking stable, diversified income streams. As markets continue to evolve, such initiatives could play a pivotal role in helping clients build portfolios resilient to uncertainty.