Key Takeaways
- • Justin Blaess co-founded Quay Global Investors, which manages approximately $600 million in assets with a highly concentrated portfolio of around 24 listed securities focused on global real estate.
- • Quay Global Investors won Global Property Securities Fund of the Year at the 25th Money Management Fund Manager of the Year awards, recognizing the firm's expertise in listed global real estate.
- • Blaess brings over 20 years of investment experience, including prior roles at Deutsche Bank's investment banking division, Merrill Lynch, and ING Investment Management, where he oversaw more than $2 billion in listed real estate assets.
- • The fund operates with low turnover and a concentrated strategy, aiming to deliver long-term attractive total returns through exposure to premium listed real estate assets across multiple geographies, using tangible asset backing as a core investment principle.
- • Quay Global Investors was established in 2013 as a partnership between Blaess and co-founder Chris Bedingfield, leveraging their combined 50+ years of collective experience in direct property, equities research, and investment banking.
Summary
Justin Blaess is co-founder and portfolio manager at Quay Global Investors, a boutique asset manager specializing in listed global real estate securities. The firm recently received industry recognition by winning Global Property Securities Fund of the Year at the 25th Money Management Fund Manager of the Year awards, validating its concentrated approach to real estate investing across multiple geographies.
Quay Global Investors manages approximately $600 million in assets through a disciplined, low-turnover investment strategy. The portfolio comprises around 24 listed securities, reflecting a highly concentrated approach designed to deliver peer-leading returns. This selective positioning allows the management team to maintain deep expertise across premium global real estate assets while minimizing unnecessary portfolio activity.
Blaess brings substantial professional credentials to the role, with more than 20 years of experience across investment management, investment banking, and equities research. Before co-founding Quay in 2013 with partner Chris Bedingfield, he served as part of Deutsche Bank's investment banking team in Australia, where he was involved in international real estate transactions. His background also includes senior roles at Merrill Lynch and ING Investment Management, where he managed portfolio operations for all listed real estate strategies, overseeing more than $2 billion in assets under management. During his tenure at ING, Blaess delivered returns that attracted multiple industry awards.
The firm's investment philosophy centers on the stability and income-generation potential of tangible real estate assets. Blaess articulates this approach by noting the long-term value proposition of premier properties—using the example of the Empire State Building as an asset that has produced consistent income for nearly 100 years. This framework positions listed global real estate as a source of durable total returns, anchored by physical assets with demonstrated resilience across economic cycles.
Quay Global Investors manages approximately $600 million in assets through a disciplined, low-turnover investment strategy. The portfolio comprises around 24 listed securities, reflecting a highly concentrated approach designed to deliver peer-leading returns. This selective positioning allows the management team to maintain deep expertise across premium global real estate assets while minimizing unnecessary portfolio activity.
Blaess brings substantial professional credentials to the role, with more than 20 years of experience across investment management, investment banking, and equities research. Before co-founding Quay in 2013 with partner Chris Bedingfield, he served as part of Deutsche Bank's investment banking team in Australia, where he was involved in international real estate transactions. His background also includes senior roles at Merrill Lynch and ING Investment Management, where he managed portfolio operations for all listed real estate strategies, overseeing more than $2 billion in assets under management. During his tenure at ING, Blaess delivered returns that attracted multiple industry awards.
The firm's investment philosophy centers on the stability and income-generation potential of tangible real estate assets. Blaess articulates this approach by noting the long-term value proposition of premier properties—using the example of the Empire State Building as an asset that has produced consistent income for nearly 100 years. This framework positions listed global real estate as a source of durable total returns, anchored by physical assets with demonstrated resilience across economic cycles.
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