UK - Deutsche Bank and Mercer Investment Consulting have launched a global multi-manager investment index available through Deutsche Bank's FXSelect Platform.

EUROPE - Credit Suisse's asset management business is set to launch a Europe-wide fiduciary management offering to tap into a market currently dominated by Goldman Sachs Asset Management (GSAM).

THE £3.6BN London Pensions Fund Authority has reappointed JPMorgan as its global custodian following a review of its arrangements.

LOCAL authority pension funds are set to initiate a major shareholder engagement campaign in a bid to improve company audit practices.

HENDERSON Global Investors is to launch a new activist fund that will attempt to turn round underperforming companies.

US - State Street Corporation has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Investors Financial Services Corporation (IFSC), in a deal believed to be worth approximately US$4.5bn.

IRELAND - Total assets invested in Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs) grew 29% (€189m) in the final quarter of 2006 to reach €835.3m.

CANADA - RBC Asset Management reported net sales of C$6.7bn for the 12 months ended 31 January 2007, including $5.4bn in long term net sales and $1.3bn in money market net sales.

UK - Paul Duncombe has been appointed global head of Schroders' strategic solutions team as the firm aims to strenghten its multi-asset team.

Hedge funds panic over taxation; Deutsche Bank and MIC launch global multi-manager currency fund; CVC creates lending fund to finance buyouts