First State Super has awarded Neuberger Berman a $1.6 billion mandate to provide non-market risk premia in emerging market equities with controlled cost.
First State Super said it may eventually move the portfolio in-house alongside other strategies managed internally.
Neuberger Berman Australia joint managing director, Lucas Rooney, said: "First State Super liked our approach to factor based equity investing, which shows low correlation to competitors."
"Research projects in areas where we have strong expertise, that go on to form part of clients' portfolios, are not uncommon for NB, as is helping clients who are building out internal capability," he said.
Equity markets have surged ahead of fundamentals as institutional investors fall behind, according to Ten Cap Alpha Plus.
Local investors are leading the region in plans to boost private market exposure, as demand grows for innovative fund structures, resilient investments, and a more selective approach to alternatives.
Research shows institutional investors are increasingly turning to private credit, but the APAC region’s relatively small market size remains a key constraint.
The global financial platform has completed a Series F funding round, with superannuation funds participating in the round.