Source: RETalk Asia
Date: 07 May 2025
Specialist private credit investment manager, Zagga, has appointed Roushana Sjahsam as Senior Board Adviser, ASEAN, as it accelerates its regional expansion with the launch of a new real estate private credit fund tailored to meet growing demand among Southeast Asian investors.
Ms Sjahsam brings three decades of experience across debt and capital markets in Asia, working most recently as Managing Director at Cantor Fitzgerald Capital Markets in Hong Kong. Previously, she worked at both Citibank and leading Asia Pacific credit provider, ADM Capital, for over a decade.
In the newly created role, Ms Sjahsam is charged with raising awareness of Zagga and its specialised real estate private credit offer amongst institutional investors, family offices, and wealth managers across Southeast Asia.
“The opportunity is ripe for ASEAN investors wanting exposure to the Australian property market,” Ms Sjahsam said. “Private credit only makes this more compelling due to its defensive characteristics and stable, reliable income amongst heightened global volatility.
“Asia-based investors are increasingly recognising this, attracted by Australia’s strong economic fundamentals, growth tailwinds in the property sector, and the uncorrelated diversification benefits private credit can offer.
“I am excited to be at the helm as Zagga strengthens its ASEAN proposition. Our strategy is proven, with our largest institutional investors already based in Singapore and Japan. This next stage of growth will be driven by investor education alongside our proven specialist capabilities and access to quality investment opportunities.”
ASEAN capital currently accounts for ~15 percent of Zagga’s funds under management, with a goal to double this over the next two years. In response to this bold growth ambition, Zagga has strengthened its regional headcount by 50 percent in the last 12-months.
“Zagga’s strong and growing presence in Asia is a key differentiator – we are on the ground in both markets and able to help offshore investors better understand and access Australian private credit opportunities,” Ms Sjahsam said.
“Investors in Southeast Asia have traditionally invested in US and European private credit markets, but Australia is quickly capturing attention. The expanding opportunities and maturing market offer an attractive risk return premium that resonates with local investors.”
Zagga unveils new fund dedicated to ASEAN investors
The appointment of Ms Sjahsam comes as Zagga launches a new Singapore Variable Capital Company (VCC) – the Zagga Real Estate Credit Fund (ZRECF).
Established to support the growing appetite from ASEAN investors for Australian real estate private credit, the Fund will invest directly in quality prime commercial real estate across Australia’s East Coast – Australia’s deepest and most liquid markets.
Investors can also choose their preferred currency – AUD, SGD, HKD, USD – offering a more flexible and localised proposition.
Zagga CEO, Alan Greenstein, said the Fund and appointment of Ms Sjahsam further evidence the firm’s commitment to supporting investors in Southeast Asia and continuing to grow its investor base.
“We see strong demand from investors across the region, but many still haven’t discovered the Zagga experience,” Mr Greenstein said. “We are expanding our footprint and making it easier to invest with us. To do this successfully we recognise the importance of having a senior team on the ground to help investors every step of the way.
“We are thrilled to have someone of Roushana’s experience and network join our Singapore-based Board Adviser, Alok Kochhar, in growing our regional team and believe our specialised proposition, track record, and localised investment solution provide all the key ingredients to make Zagga a compelling choice for investors.”
Since originating its first loan in 2017, Zagga has invested over $2.5 billion across more than 300 transactions in the Australian commercial real estate sector, spanning residential, commercial and industrial property assets. Its global investor base includes HNWIs, family offices, and institutional funders, from Japan, Singapore, China, Mauritius, Switzerland, USA, South Africa, and Australia.
