People in Focus: Alastair Sewell

Liquidity Investment Strategist, Aviva Investors

Hot on the heels of Sewell’s recent appointment as Liquidity Strategist at Aviva Investors, TMI spoke to him about his new role, his professional hopes for the future – and his passion for Mandarin.

TMI: First, congratulations on your new appointment. Please remind us about your career path so far – what have been the highlights?

Alastair Sewell (AS):After a short stint at a UK local authority, I spent most of my career so far with Fitch Ratings, where I had the invaluable opportunity to learn through wide exposure to investment funds in all asset classes and across many geographies. It’s hard to pick out a particular highlight, but interactive panel debates on topical issues and face-to-face interviews are a welcome and stimulating change after the pandemic lockdowns.

TMI: Why was this move the next logical step for you?

AS: My long-term goal had been to move from being an observer of the sector, as a rating analyst, to being an active participant with an investment manager. I was particularly drawn to Aviva Investors because of the strength of its ESG credentials, its existing core capabilities, and the opportunity to help develop the liquidity solutions segment of the business. While there are currently significant challenges for investors, changing market conditions will bring opportunities.

TMI: What do you hope to bring to the new role – and achieve at Aviva Investors?

AS: I hope to be able to help translate the vast amount of information we collectively face into actionable insight and opportunity for investors. I want to use my understanding of the liquidity management sector – the product landscape, the regulation, the evolving investor needs – and find ways to communicate that effectively to investors. At an industry level, I look forward to contributing to broader initiatives to help shape the future of the wider asset management business and influence the regulatory debate.

TMI: You always seem to be learning something new – such as Mandarin! How will your thirst for knowledge assist you in your new position, or it is it more of a personal endeavour?

AS: I have long been an observer of the Chinese money market and have often travelled to the country. I started learning Mandarin just before the pandemic, and the language has become a passion, which I hope will prove useful. China is the world’s second-largest MMF segment now, having recently surpassed Europe in asset terms, and the world’s second-largest bond market. It’s not always easy to invest in China and there are challenges to be met, but I’m drawn to the complexity of both the language and the country.

TMI: What do you imagine will be the hot topics for the remainder of 2022? What will we see you researching and commentating on?

AS: The pithy response is rates, rates…and rates! After all, interest rate volatility will be the main focus for investors for the remainder of the year, as well as regulation and ESG. Regulatory changes could have profound consequences for the sector, and ESG is becoming ever more important and actionable in the short-term markets. I look forward to helping investors navigate these structural market changes.

TMI: Finally, is there anyone you would like to thank or acknowledge for helping you to reach this point in your career?

AS: Yes absolutely – Caroline Hedges, Head of Credit, Aviva Investors, whose vision for the company’s liquidity and how I can play a part in it made this move possible. I would also like to acknowledge the help and support of my former colleagues at Fitch.