Melbourne, 15 December 2020 – La Trobe Financial Asset Management Ltd's Operational Capability Ranking Affirmed as SUPERIOR
Australia Ratings has reviewed and affirmed its Operation Capability Assessment (OCA) of La Trobe Financial Asset Management Limited (LFAM),
in its role as the Responsible Entity for the La Trobe Australian Credit Fund (the Fund), as ‘SUPERIOR’. This rating
reflects the ongoing investment of the La Trobe Financial Group in its human resources, governance arrangements, and risk and compliance
practices, in addition to the ongoing financial backing from the Blackstone Group and a further strengthening in corporate financial
performance, despite the COVID-19 event.
A ‘SUPERIOR’ rating is the highest available rating from the Australia Ratings’ OCA Ranking Scale; it reflects the superior capacity of an
operating party to perform its operational role and assist the Fund in meeting financial obligations. Australia Ratings analyst, Natasha
Hall, said, “the affirmed ‘Superior’ rating is a positive reflection on management of risk at La Trobe Financial, the resilience of the Fund
throughout the pandemic, similar to the prior experience during the GFC. The affirmation is underpinned by LFAM’s ability to rapidly recover
funds under management to pre-COVID-19 levels and position the fund for future growth, whilst maintaining investment performance and
preserving investor capital and redemption liquidity.”
There is an opportunity for further strengthening of the OCA assessment within the ‘SUPERIOR’ category with planned and ongoing investments
in the digitalisation and automation of various business functions, including treasury management and risk and compliance, and additional
formalisation in board performance and effectiveness assessment processes.
La Trobe Financial Asset Management Ltd – the Responsible Entity for The La Trobe Australian Credit Fund – is wholly owned by La Trobe
Financial Pty Limited and forms part of the La Trobe Financial Group of companies. The La Trobe Financial Group’s key business as a credit
specialist is to originate mortgages and offer investors (institutional and retail) an opportunity to invest in mortgages and other credit
assets, including mortgage-backed securities via the Fund.
The full report is available from www.australiaratings.com.
Find out more about Australia Ratings’ Operational Capability Assessments by visiting www.australiaratings.com.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Natasha Hall, Director
natasha.hall@australiaratings.com 03 8080 6684
