Capital Dynamics, an asset management firm focusing on private assets, has brought in Marcelo Moraes as managing director and head of Brazil.

Marcelo is a member of the board of directors of the Brazilian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association and of São Paulo Anjos, an angel investing association in Brazil. Previously, he has been a partner at Stratus Group, a Brazilian private equity firm, and an investment manager at Bradespar, a listed investment firm that was spun out of one of the Latin American country’s largest banks.

“We are confident that with Marcelo leading our Brazilian activities, we will enjoy greater credibility with both domestic and international investors. Furthermore, we believe Marcelo joining us demonstrates clearly our determination and commitment to building a successful business in Brazil,” said Thomas Kubr, chief executive and founder of Capital Dynamics.

“We now need to get on with the job in hand: playing a valuable role in the development of the Brazilian private equity industry through raising a Brazilian focused product as well as exploring a number of other opportunities that are emerging,” he added.

A recent survey of its ultra-wealthy members by the Institute of Private Investors suggested investors are looking to private markets as a source of returns as public financial markets have been driven by economic and political crises. In the survey, 55 per cent of IPI members said they are looking to add to their direct investments in private companies. Many also revealed a bullish sentiment on tangible assets such as gold, land and artwork.

“More investors said they’re backing real companies with real businesses, including start-ups, and doing so globally,” said Mindy Rosenthal, IPI executive director.

Capital Dynamics works with pension funds, endowments and family offices, as well as high net worth individuals and their advisors. Its has offices in Switzerland, London, New York, Zurich, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Silicon Valley, São Paulo, Munich, Birmingham (UK), and Zug.