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Downing invests in a greener future with landmark deal 2021
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Tony McGing
Partner and Chief Executive Officer
Downing launches new actively managed liquid alternatives fund aiming to deliver 7% to 10%+ per annum and positive returns in most markets. The new MGTS Downing Active Defined Return Assets Fund (‘Active Defined Returns’, the ‘Fund’), is the first fund from its new Liquid Alternatives team.
The Fund is aimed at institutional investors, Discretionary Fund Managers, IFAs and advised sophisticated individual investors, and will primarily consist of UK Government bonds and large-cap equity index options, which provide significant scalability and strong liquidity. It aims to deliver 7% to 10%+ per annum and positive returns in all markets except for a sustained equity market fall (generally more than 35%), over a period of at least six years.
The Fund is the first to be launched by the new Liquid Alternatives Team established by Downing. Collectively, the team has over 125 years of experience and sector knowledge, and includes Tony Stenning, who held senior roles at BlackRock and most recently was CEO of Atlantic House Group; Russell Catley, founder and also a former CEO of Atlantic House Group; Huw Price, a former Executive Director at Santander Asset Management, and Paul Adams, former Head of Cash Equities and Derivatives Sales, Royal Bank of Canada.
The Fund offers investors a compelling building block for multi-asset portfolios, aiming to add consistent and predictable returns, typically secured with a portfolio of UK Government bonds. The unique proposition includes a hybrid approach of using systematic derivative strategies and active management, combining liquid investments with predictable returns, and an equity like risk profile.
Investment strategy: Maximising the probability of delivering predictable defined returns across the economic cycle.
Systematic Liquid Derivatives: Systematic, derivative strategies optimise the equity risk-return profile. The Fund uses rules-based derivative strategies linked to the most liquid, large-cap global equity indices (i.e. FTSE100, S&P500) with the aim of harvesting well-proven consistent returns across a wide corridor of market conditions.
Strong security: The Fund will hold a high-quality portfolio of assets as secure collateral – typically UK Government bonds.
Active benefits: At times, rules-based, passive derivative strategies can underperform when markets move strongly – this is when specialist active management can add incremental gains by monitoring and monetising positions and applying active risk management.
Key benefits
Increased consistency and predictability of returns: Positive returns in all markets except for a sustained equity market fall of more than 35% over at least six years.
Diversification of risk: The Fund’s risk components are diversified across large, liquid equity indices, observation levels and counterparties. Secured with high-quality assets – typically UK Government bonds.
Active management: Our experienced team will actively manage the Fund and its investments to optimise risk and reward for investors.
Russell Catley, Head of Retail, Liquid Alternatives at Downing, said: “Put simply, we focus your investment risk on the probability of receiving the returns you need, not those you don’t. We target the highest probability of delivering 7% to 10%+ per annum with active management adding material incremental gains. We believe that we are building the next evolution of the proven success of Defined Returns funds
The Downing team isseeing strong demand from clients looking for alternatives to large-cap equity funds which are becoming concentrated in technology stocks, or alternatives to UK equity income funds and illiquid alternatives.”
Tony Stenning, Head of Liquid Alternatives at Downing, said: “The launch of our Active Defined Return Assets Fund is a significant milestone in the ambitious build-out of our new Liquid Alternatives strategies. It is a solution-focused fund that should deliver stable high single or low double-digit returns across a wide spectrum of equity market conditions, except for a persistent multi-year bear market. The Fund is designed to enhance balanced portfolios by providing consistent, predictable returns and is suitable for accumulation or drawdown.
“We aim to deliver a unique combination of proven systematic derivative strategies and specialist active management, and we are doing so at a very compelling fee level, below our closest competitors and in line with active ETFs.”
How the Fund is expected to perform in different markets
In bullish markets: UK Government bonds secure the capital, and the equity index options deliver a predictable 7-10%+ return per annum – giving up some less likely upside.
In neutral markets and normal market corrections: UK Government bonds secure the capital, and the index options deliver a predictable 7-10%+ return per annum.
In a sustained sell-off: if markets fall more than the cover to capital loss and do not recover for six years. Then capital is eroded 1:1 in line with the worst performing index.
The average Cover to Capital Loss is targeted at 35%: the average cover to capital loss represents the average level the Global indices within the Fund could fall before capital is at risk.
Fund key risks
Performance: Capital is at risk. Investors may not get back the full amount invested.
Liquidity: Access to capital is always subject to liquidity.
Counterparty risk: Other parties could default on the contractual obligations.
Fund Structure
UK regulated OEIC fund structure, fully UCITS compliant
Daily dealing, at published NAV
Minimum investment: £100,000
SRRI: 6 out of 7
Depositary: Bank of New York
Authorised corporate Director (‘ACD’): Margetts Fund Management Ltd.
I share-class: SEDOL: BM8J604 / ISIN: GB00BM8J6044
F share-class: SEDOL: BM8J615 / ISIN: GB00BM8J6150
Risk warning: Opinions expressed represent the views of the fund manager at the time of publication, are subject to change, and should not be interpreted as investment advice. Please refer to the latest full Prospectus and KIID before investing; your attention is drawn to the risk, fees and taxation factors contained therein. Please note that past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Capital is at risk. Investments and the income derived from them can fall as well as rise and investors may not get back the full amount invested. Investments in this fund should be held for the long term.
Important notice: This document is intended for professional investors and has been approved as a financial promotion in line with Section 21 of the FSMA by Downing LLP (“Downing”). This document is for information only and does not form part of a direct offer or invitation to purchase, subscribe for or dispose of securities and no reliance should be placed on it. Downing does not offer investment or tax advice or make recommendations regarding investments. Downing is a trading name of Downing LLP. Downing LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Firm Reference No. 545025). Registered in England and Wales (No. OC341575). Registered Office: 10 Lower Thames Street, London EC3R 6AF.
Downing will construct and manage a transmission system connected utility-scale battery asset in the UK
22 February 2020: Investment management firm, Downing LLP, is delighted to announce that it has finalised the selection of its co-funding partner and entered into agreements for the supply of the battery storage solution, the balance of plant and the route to market and trading arrangements for its transmission system connected 50MW/53MWh battery storage project. The deal represents Downing’s first front-of-the-meter battery asset and is one of the largest in the UK. Grid connection works are already largely complete, and the project is expected to connect to the grid and begin operations in August 2021.
This project is Downing’s second investment in the sector, following the installation of a 3MW battery storage system at Arsenal Football Club’s stadium, and marks the first step in a wider initiative to build a portfolio of energy storage assets.
The project connects directly to National Grid’s transmission system and the ambition for the second phase of the project is to develop a private wire network and a utility scale electric vehicle charging super hub in Nursling, Southampton.
Talking about the project, Sean Moore, Investment Director at Downing commented: “Battery storage solutions are increasingly important as a renewable energy enabling technology in our ongoing mission to combat climate change. We are proud and excited to be spearheading this exciting deal with a cohort of industry leading suppliers and investors. We look forward to continuing our work with each stakeholder to bring the asset in operation later this year.”
Hyosung Heavy Industries corporation was selected as the Battery Energy Storage Solution provider following a competitive process. The project marks the South Korean supplier’s first transmission-connected battery project in the UK, following deployment of 1.8 GWh globally. Managing Director of Hyosung Heavy Industries UK, Danny Kim said, “Hyosung Heavy Industries are delighted to be a strategic partner to Downing on the Nursling project. We are proud to have engineered a system that meets the exacting standards of our valued customer. We see it as a key part of our UK and Global market growth in the ESS sector, supporting the energy transition of the UK power system.”
UK-based construction company, Arun Construction Services, has managed the construction of the site since inception and will be responsible for the final installation of the asset. The trusted construction partner has over 30 years’ sector experience with particular expertise working with transmission-connected assets. Managing Director, Philip Dedman comments “Arun Construction Services are delighted to have been awarded the role of Principal Contractor for Phase Two of the 50MW battery storage facility at Nursling NG Substation. We look forward to being back on site from mid-March 2021 to see the project through to completion, working in close collaboration with Downing.”
The bankability of the project has been improved through the involvement of leading energy and asset optimisation provider, EDF. Following an extensive tendering process, EDF was selected as the project’s route-to-market and trading partner for its industry leading market knowledge and trading capability. The project will enter into a seven-year contract providing access to a revenue floor.
Adam Clarke, Senior Manager PPA and Flexibility Solutions at EDF, said: “We are extremely proud Downing has selected EDF for a long-term partnership. We are excited to be working together on their first 50MW battery storage project which will see EDF provide access to all National Grid schemes, including Dynamic Containment, as well as fully supported trading and optimisation services in wholesale energy markets. As the balance between ancillary services and wholesale trading becomes more complex, our asset optimisation capability is vital to maximising revenues and protecting investment for our customers. We look forward to future opportunities to extend this collaboration and further reinforce our commitment to help Britain achieve Net Zero.
Downing have been advised in relation to this project by Osborne Clarke LLP (Legal), Ove & Arup Partners (Technical) and Mazars (Financial).
Downing looks forward to seeing the build of the asset come to fruition over the coming months in support of a greener and more stable future for UK energy infrastructure.
About Downing LLP
Downing LLP is an FCA authorised and regulated investment manager with over 30 years’ experience and, as at 31 July 2020, has over £1.2 billion of funds under management. Downing’s energy & infrastructure business comprises 30 specialist investment and asset management professionals managing more than 80 investments across five different renewable energy technologies.
About EDF
EDF is helping Britain achieve Net Zero by leading the transition to a cleaner, low emission electric future and tackling climate change. We are Britain’s biggest generator of zero carbon electricity, meeting around one-fifth of the country’s demand and supplying millions of customers with electricity and gas.
With around 5 million accounts, EDF is one of the largest suppliers to British homes and businesses and a leading supplier of innovative energy solutions that are helping businesses become more energy independent. All of our home and small business customers get energy tariffs backed by zero carbon electricity as standard.
We generate low carbon electricity from eight nuclear power stations, more than thirty onshore wind farms and two offshore wind farms, and operate one of Britain’s biggest battery storage units, one gas and one coal power station, thousands of EV charge-points, and combined heat and power plants. Wind, nuclear and solar all produce electricity that is zero carbon at the point of generation and have similar emissions over the build, run and retire lifecycles.
EDF is leading the UK's nuclear renaissance with the construction of a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C and is leading the development of plans for a replica at Sizewell C in Suffolk. Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C will provide low carbon electricity to meet 14% of UK demand and power around 12 million homes.
EDF is one of the UK’s largest investors in renewables, with 1GW of renewable generation in operation and over 4GW in construction, planning and development across a range of technologies including onshore and offshore wind, solar and battery storage. We are constructing our largest offshore wind farm in Britain – the 450 MW Neart na Gaoithe project in Scotland which will be ready in 2023.
About Hyosung Heavy Industries
Hyosung Corporation is £11 billion revenue generating business group based in South Korea with various diversity of business portfolio. Its Heavy Industries arm, Hyosung Heavy Industries Corporation has the world’s foremost technology in the field of heavy electrical power equipment with over £2.5 billion revenue. The company is deemed highly valuable not only in electrical equipment such as power transformers and circuit breakers but also in electric motors and gear solution. In addition, they possess core technologies necessary for building the future electricity grid, including Energy Storage Systems (ESS), STATCOM, and Smart Grid solution which leads the era of low-carbon green life. Specifically, Hyosung Heavy Industries corporation have been delivered over 1.8 GWh of energy storage systems worldwide. In the UK, they have been positioned as a proven supplier to National Grid supplying HV equipment and are building a strong market position of ESS projects on both ITM and BTM market. For further details please visit www.hyosungheavyindustries.com
About Arun Construction Services
Established over 30 years ago, Arun Construction Services Ltd have broad technical expertise in all areas of construction and mechanical and electrical engineering. We provide a comprehensive range of construction services to commercial and public sector clients.
Over the last 15 years we have expanded considerably into the renewable energy sector. We have installed over 300 MW of commercial roof top and ground mount solar throughout the UK in addition to our steadily growing pipeline of grid connected battery storage projects.
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