Axa Real Estate Investment Managers (Axa REIM) has set up its Asian headquarters in Singapore.

About 18 months after making its strategic move into Asia, Axa REIM has already invested nearly 25% of the $2 billion committed by its clients in the region. The new operations in Singapore are expected to help further build Axa REIM’s presence and leverage in Asia.

Axa REIM, a wholly owned unit of Axa Investment Managers, manages around $63 billion in assets.

“Asia is becoming a strategic destination for the real-estate investors and we want to support our Axa Group and third-party client efforts in diversification and creation of value,” says Pierre Vaquier, CEO at Axa REIM.

Frank Khoo has been named global head of Asia at Axa REIM. Based in Singapore, he will assume his post in mid-September and will report directly to Vaquier. He will also be part of the Axa REIM executive committee.

In this new role, Khoo will coordinate the development of Axa REIM’s investment and asset management activities in the region.

He will manage the development of investment platforms in Japan and India and will set up a local presence in other parts of the region which are important to Axa REIM’s strategy.

He will also contribute to the launch of Asian investment funds to develop Axa REIM’s asset base in Asia.

With over 15 years in the investment industry, Khoo has extensive experience in private equity and real estate and a deep knowledge of all the Asian markets.