KB Associates (“KBA”), the leading professional services firm advising investment funds and asset managers, is pleased to announce that ECI Partners is investing in the business to support the next stage of KBA’s growth. ECI’s minority investment will help KBA to continue enhancing its service offering and grow its international presence.
KBA specialises in the provision of management company, governance and compliance services to investment funds and asset managers. Founded in 2003, Dublin-headquartered KBA also has offices in London, New York and Cayman Islands. KBA has 60 consultants, works with over 230 asset management firms including some of the world’s biggest managers, and supports investment funds with assets under management in excess of €225bn.
KBA’s specialist professional services model has helped drive significant growth in recent years as asset management firms have responded to an increasingly complex regulatory environment by appointing the firm to provide expert advice.
ECI Partner’s investment will allow the Company to continue to attract and develop the best talent in the industry while simultaneously sustaining the ongoing expansion of its product offering.
Mike Kirby, Managing Principal and founder of KB Associates will continue leading the business. Mike said: “We are confident that the investment funds industry will continue to thrive over the coming years. We also believe that the growing regulatory burden will drive increased demand for the specialist governance and compliance services we provide. This minority investment by ECI provides us with the financial flexibility and expertise to seize this market opportunity. Importantly, it also ensures that the business continues to be majority owned by the management team”
Michael Butler at ECI Partners, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Mike and his team to help them drive the next chapter of growth. We are attracted to ambitious growth businesses with strong market positions, inspirational management teams and strong culture. KB Associates ticks all those boxes.”
The investment is subject to regulatory clearance. It is anticipated to complete in Q1 2020