STANDARD Life’s investments arm has opened an office in Singapore in a move it said represented a significant step in the firm’s global growth strategy and commitment to Asia Pacific.

Edinburgh-based Standard Life said the new operation will help the firm increase its awareness of trends in what is becoming an increasingly important area and to build links with existing and potential clients in the region.

The new operation will focus on real estate. The four strong team in the office will make investments in properties, and help in the fund management firm’s efforts to broaden its offering and develop its client base in Asia.

Standard Life said it had already built a strong business in Singapore, focused on private banking and institutional investors, which is managed from outside the country.

The company has recruited a veteran of the Asia Pacific property investment industry, Choon Wah Wong, to lead the four strong team in the Singapore office.

He joins Standard Life after working as Senior Vice President, Singapore at Partners Group.

Ted Roy, deputy find manager, will move from Edinburgh to boost the company’s Asia Pacific real estate investment capability.

Jason Lam, associate investment director, will relocate from Hong Kong to Singapore, to continue developing client relationships there. He will also target opportunities to distribute products wholesale in Asia, via private banking and wealth management firms.

Tervinder Chal will run the system supporting the Asia Pacific real estate business.

Rod Paris, Chief Investment Officer, Standard Life Investments, said: “Building presence on the ground in Singapore allows us to be closer to investors and gain deeper insight into regional markets.”