Global Thematic Partners, an independent investment management firm that focuses on worldwide thematic investments, has launched with approximately USD9bn in assets under management.

Based in New York, the firm will be headed by Oliver Kratz, portfolio manager and chief executive officer.

The firm’s flagship strategy, the Global Thematic Equity product, is focused on identifying enduring themes that influence the valuation and cash flows of companies worldwide.

Global Thematic Partners forms partnerships with both traditional and non-traditional information sources, including industry experts, academics and companies around the world, to identify and capitalise on investable themes and opportunities.

"Our singular approach is thematic investing, a powerful strategy that we have refined over a period of many years to anticipate and capitalize on discontinuity and global change," says Kratz. "We believe that big shifts in economics, social science and – above all – natural science are highly non-linear developments. Seeking inflection points on the s-curve and uncovering hidden optionality are integral to our investment process."

Kratz brings more than 16 years of investment experience at companies including Deutsche Bank and Bankers Trust. He will be supported by ten research analysts dedicated to the global thematic strategy.

Global Thematic Partners focuses on global thematic and agribusiness strategies, blending a thematic framework with security-level analysis and customised valuation techniques.

The firm serves both institutional and retail clients, working with institutional clients through separately managed accounts and retail investors through sub-advised pooled funds.