Insight Investment Management (Global), a shareholder of Valletta Fund Management and sub-investment manager for the VFM range of investment funds, has strengthened its qualitative and quantitative equities research capability with the appointment of three new research analysts.

Equity analyst Craig Pennington and quantitative analyst Julien Cuisinier joined in January 2008, while equity analyst Kunle Akintoye joins the company in mid February 2008. The research team supports Insight’s equity team, which is responsible for the management of the Vilhena Global Themed Fund, the La Valette Mediterranean Rim Fund and the La Valette Far East Opportunities Fund, among others.

Pennington is responsible for energy sector analysis for Insight’s UK, European and Global equity teams. He has gained substantial experience in this sector as analyst and portfolio manager, most recently with Brevan Howard, and previously with Schroders and UBS. Pennington reports to Nick Anderson, head of investment research at Insight.

Quantitative analyst Cuisinier joins Insight from RBC Dexia in Luxembourg, where he held a similar role. He reports to Carola Lawton-Browne, head of quantitative and risk analysis.

Joining from AIG with a background in consumer staples and discretionary sectors, Akintoye will be responsible for the consumer sectors across continental Europe.

VFM`s range of equity funds invests across different markets and sectors and are available in all the major currencies. Further information is available by telephoning 8007 2344 or visiting any Bank of Valletta branch or licensed financial intermediary.