F&C Investments is planning to launch a global small-cap equity fund for Catherine Stanley next month, filling a gap in its smaller companies product range.
F&C's co-head of multi-manager Gary Potter - a self confessed bear on Japan for many years - said the country is turning around for the first time in two decades.
Underlying pre-tax profit at F&C rose 11% to £52.4m in 2012 as the group's 18 month restructuring programme drew to a close.
F&C Investments recorded a £4.9bn outflow in the fourth quarter of 2012, with AUM hit by strategic partner withdrawals and redemptions in its wholesale business.
F&C Investments has launched the first capital-protected RDR-compliant share class in the UK for its Lifestyle range and other multi-manager funds run by Gary Potter and Rob Burdett.
F&C Asset Management has appointed the head of its institutional business, Richard Wilson, as its new chief executive.
F&C has appointed Ross Duncton to spearhead its new direct to consumer push, part of chairman Edward Bramson's strategic review of the business.