Michael Cole chairs Regal Partners

Former Platinum Asset Management chair Michael Cole will lead the Regal Partners board following the merger of Regal Funds Management and VGI Partners.

The alternative investment specialist will have total funds under management of $5.6 billion.

Brendan O'Connor, previously chief executive of Regal Funds Management, is chief executive of the merged group.

The high profile Cole has served on a number of boards in the financial services industry, including Challenger Listed Investments, IMB Bank, NSW Treasury Corporation, State Super Board, and Ironbark Capital.

He is a former executive director and executive vice-president of Bankers Trust Australia.

"We're delighted to announce the completion of the merger with VGI Partners today and to introduce investors to the broader Regal Partners business," said O'Connor.

"Regal Partners is a truly diversified alternatives investment manager, providing investors with access to exceptional investment management teams, with capabilities across hedge funds, private markets, and real asset investment strategies.

"We're very excited to introduce our investors to the merged group and discuss the considerable benefits we believe the transaction will deliver to clients across all our investment businesses."

The merged group will offer investors access to four specialist alternative investment managers - Regal Funds Management, VGI Partners, Kilter Rural, and Attunga Capital.