Tokyo, June 2026

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management  (“SuMi TRUST AM”), is launching an Emerging Managers Program (“EMP”),  to support high-quality emerging managers and foster innovation within the Japanese asset management industry. Through the EMP, SuMi TRUST AM seeks to generate attractive long-term investment returns and to establish strategic partnerships with talented investment firms, contributing to their growth and development.

The initiative is aligned with the Japanese government's broader objective of establishing Japan as a leading global asset management centre. As part of this effort, SuMi TRUST AM's Emerging Managers Program aims to support the development of a vibrant hedge fund ecosystem in Japan by providing capital, visibility, and strategic support to talented investment teams. The program recognises the important role that emerging managers play in generating differentiated sources of alpha, fostering innovation, and expanding the range of investment opportunities available to institutional investors.

To support the development and implementation of the program, SuMi TRUST AM is working alongside Eques Investments, an independent investment management and advisory firm whose founders bring more than 30 years of experience in the global hedge fund industry. The founders of Eques have a strong track record of identifying, selecting, and supporting emerging managers across global markets. They have invested with many of today's leading hedge fund firms during their formative years and have developed extensive expertise in manager research, due diligence, portfolio construction and business development.

By combining SuMi TRUST AM's institutional platform and long-standing relationships with Japanese investors with Eques' global hedge fund expertise, the program seeks to create a robust framework for identifying and supporting the next generation of investment talent. SuMi TRUST AM intends to continue expanding its Emerging Managers Program through further investments in promising asset management firms, contributing to the development of Japan's asset management industry and supporting the government's vision of promoting Japan as a leading asset management nation.

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About Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management is one of Japan's leading asset management companies, providing a broad range of investment solutions to institutional and retail investors.

About Eques Investments Ltd

Eques Investments ltd is a global independent investment advisory and asset management business whose founders have over three decades of experience investing in hedge funds globally. The firm specialises in manager selection, portfolio construction and strategic advisory services for institutional investors.

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Kei Ohashi
Head of Investment Management Department
Sumitomo Mitsui Trust International Limited
155 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 3XU, United Kingdom
Direct: +44 20 7562 8412
Email: imd@smtil.com
Sumitomo Mitsui Trust International Limited is authorised and regulated by the
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