Information Centre

• $77.1 billion in assets under management 1
• Headquartered in Montreal, Canada
• 84 investment professionals

Desjardins Global Asset Management (DGAM) is a major Canadian market player known for thorough analysis.

The team is united by the values of discipline and diligence.

With a client base consisting primarily of Desjardins Group entities, DGAM strives to generate competitive returns while carefully weighing risk/return ratios.

Areas of expertise

• Managing fixed-income securities and equity investments
• Developing strategies based on a beta strategy management
• Developing custom investment strategies
• Optimizing risk-adjusted returns
• Structuring portfolios and developing investment policy
• Providing financial product development advice

Mandate(s) assigned to this portfolio manager2

• Desjardins Money Market Fund
• Desjardins Sustainable Short-Term Income Fund
• Desjardins Short-term Income Fund
• Desjardins Canadian Bond Fund
• Desjardins Sustainable Canadian Bond Fund
• Desjardins Canadian Corporate Bond Fund
• Desjardins Enhanced Bond Fund
• Desjardins Sustainable Canadian Corporate Bond Fund
• Desjardins Global Government Bond Index Fund
• Desjardins Global Managed Bond Fund
• Desjardins Canadian Preferred Share Fund
• Desjardins Tactical Balanced Fund (shared management)
• Desjardins Québec Balanced Fund
• Desjardins Dividend Balanced Fund (formerly Desjardins Dividend Income Fund)
• Desjardins Sustainable Global Balanced Fund
• Desjardins Canadian Equity Income Fund
• Desjardins Canadian Equity Fund
• Desjardins Sustainable Canadian Equity Fund
• Desjardins Canadian Equity Focused Fund
• Desjardins Global Opportunities Fund
• Desjardins Alt Long/Short Equity Market Neutral ETF Fund
• Chorus II Portfolios (expert advisor)

• $613 billion in assets under management 1
• Headquartered in Edinburgh, United Kingdom
• 483 investment professionals

Aberdeen is a global expert in asset management serving clients consisting primarily of pension funds, foundations, mutual funds and individuals.

The firm uses a consistent investment approach, regardless of market conditions.

Aberdeen's management teams are local to the markets they invest in.

Guiding principles

• Onsite visits with company executives before investing
• Bottom-up fundamental approach
• Securities held over a long horizon (low turnover)
• Valuations based on in-house research

Mandate(s) assigned to this portfolio manager2

• Desjardins Emerging Market Bond Fund

• $11.4 billion in assets under management 1
• Headquartered in Greenwich, USA
• 14 investment professionals

Altrinsic Global Advisors is an independent private management company which is owned primarily by 13 partners of the firm which is based in Greenwich, Connecticut with offices in Toronto and Sydney. It is dedicated to the management of global, international and emerging market equities. It offers its management services to a clientele of public pension funds and companies, foundations, charities, private funds and sub-advisers with which it has maintained a long-term relationship. The firm has been a signatory of the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment since September 2020.

Mandate(s) assigned to this portfolio manager2

• Desjardins International Equity Value Fund

• $364.1 billion in assets under management 1
• Headquartered in Edinburgh, United Kingdom
• 194 investment professionals

Founded in 1908, Baillie Gifford Overseas invests in companies with a sustainable competitive edge in their industry, along with high earnings and cash flow growth.

The firm's investment philosophy is to add value over the long term by actively managing investments.

Baillie Gifford Overseas' growth management style is based on a bottom-up fundamental approach.

Mandate(s) assigned to this portfolio manager2

• Desjardins Overseas Equity Growth Fund
• Desjardins Global Equity Growth Fund
• Desjardins Sustainable Positive Change Fund
• Desjardins Sustainable International Small Cap Equity Fund

• $11,645 billion in assets under management1
• Headquartered in New York, USA
• 2,239 investment professionals

4

BlackRock Financial Management is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of BlackRock Inc. with operations in 38 countries. BlackRock Inc. is a leader in investment management, risk management and advisory services for institutional and retail clients around the world. BlackRock Inc. offers products that cover the spectrum of risks to meet client needs, including active and index-based strategies in markets and asset classes.

Mandate(s) assigned to this portfolio manager2

• Desjardins Global Managed Bond Fund

• $205 billion in assets under management 1
• Headquartered in New York, USA
• 88 investment professionals

ClearBridge Investments is a well-established global investment manager with a legacy dating back over 50 years.

A signatory to the UN's Principles for Responsible Investment since 2009, ClearBridge specializes in actively managing low-volatility products, income portfolios and responsible investment mandates.

Mandate(s) assigned to this portfolio manager2

• Desjardins Sustainable American Equity Fund
• Desjardins Sustainable American Small Cap Equity Fund

• $602.3 billion in assets under management 1
• Headquartered in Toronto, Canada
• 690 investment professionals

3

Fidelity Investments was founded in 1946 in Boston by Edward Johnson II. In 1969, the firm opened its first offices around the world, beginning with Tokyo, and then London and Hong Kong, and is now established worldwide. In 1987, the company expands northwards and Fidelity Investments Canada is created.

The firm’s investment strategy combines a fundamental approach carried out by Fidelity analysts with a quantitative approach to portfolio construction which aims to minimize volatility.

Mandate(s) assigned to this portfolio manager2

• Desjardins Low Volatility Canadian Equity Fund
• Desjardins Low Volatility Global Equity Fund

• $158.7 billion in assets under management 1
• Headquartered in Montreal, Canada
• 229 investment professionals

In Canada, Fiera Capital Corporation is one of only a handful of independent investment firms providing expertise in fixed-income, Canadian and foreign equity, asset allocation and non-traditional investment solutions.

The firm's strategies are tailored to asset class, market capitalization and preferred management style.

Research is the basis of all of Fiera Capital's management processes.

In-house economic and market research determines asset allocation, which is designed to maximize returns while preserving capital.

Mandate(s) assigned to this portfolio manager2

• Desjardins Canadian Small Cap Equity Fund
• Desjardins Overseas Equity Fund

• $198 billion in assets under management 1
• Headquartered in Sydney, Australia
• 222 investment professionals

A subsidiary of Commonwealth Bank of Australia, First State Investments manages equity, fixed income, real estate and infrastructure mandates.

The firm's client base consists of institutional investors, pension funds, distribution networks, financial advisors and their clients.

In 2007, First State Investments put together an investment team specializing in listed infrastructure securities management.

This team has established a robust and distinctive investment process that ranks each company according to value and quality criteria. Fundamental research provides an in-depth understanding of each company, its industry and its positioning.

Mandate(s) assigned to this portfolio manager2

• Desjardins Global Infrastructure Fund

• $6.2 billion in assets under management1
• Headquartered in Salt Lake City, USA
• 35 investment professionals

Grandeur Peak Global Advisors is a micro to mid-cap global equities investment firm that was launched on July 1, 2011. Bottom-up approach using disciplined global screening, rigorous company due diligence and close attention to valuation to find what they believe to be the best investment opportunities around the world.

Mandate(s) assigned to this portfolio manager2

• Desjardins Global Small Cap Equity Fund

• $58 billion in assets under management1
• Headquartered in Toronto, Canada
• 65 investment professionals

Guardian is a diversified financial services company with assets under management of CAD 58 billion as at June 30, 2024, serving the wealth management needs of a range of clients through its various business segments. Guardian is headquartered in Canada and has offices in Canada, the United Kingdom (UK), the United States (US) and the Caribbean. The areas in which Guardian operates are: institutional and private wealth investment management, financial advisory and corporate activities and investments. Guardian operates its institutional investment management business through Guardian Capital LP, based in Canada; GuardCap Asset Management Limited, based in the UK; and Alta Capital Management, LLC and Agincourt Capital Management, LLC, both based in the US.

Mandate(s) assigned to this portfolio manager2

• Desjardins Fundamental Global Equity Fund

• $66 billion in assets under management1
• Headquartered in London, United Kingdom
• 278 investment professionals

5

Founded in 1983, Hermes Investment Management is a global leader in active responsible investment. The firm is guided by the conviction that responsible investing is the best way to create long-term wealth that enriches investors, society and the environment. It offers investment capabilities in public and private markets, including equity, fixed income, private markets, liquidity and stewardship. Federated Hermes Limited, the parent company of Hermes Investment, was a founding member and chair of the drafting committee that created the United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) and has been a signatory since 2006.

Mandate(s) assigned to this portfolio manager2

• Desjardins Sustainable Emerging Markets Equity Fund

• $62.1 billion in assets under management 1
• Headquartered in London, England
• 64 investment professionals

Founded in 1998, Impax Asset Management is a leading investment firm.

A signatory to the UN's Principles for Responsible Investment since 2008, Impax specializes in resource optimization and responsible investment products.

The firm has offices in London, Hong Kong, New York and Portland. Impax is a proud holder of a Queen's Award for Enterprise: Sustainable Development and numerous other prestigious industry accolades.

Mandate(s) assigned to this portfolio manager2

• Desjardins Sustainable Global Opportunities Fund
• Desjardins Sustainable Cleantech Fund

• $51.9 billion in assets under management1
• Headquartered in Montreal, Canada
• 75 investment professionals

Founded in 1955, Jarislowsky Fraser manages equity, bond and asset allocation mandates.

A leader in corporate governance and defender of minority shareholder rights, Jarislowsky Fraser specializes in Canadian equity management with a conservative approach.

The firm serves a wide range of clients, including mutual funds, pension funds, foundations and private investors.

Jarislowsky Fraser's objective is long-term capital growth while maintaining low risk.

The firm avoids speculative securities and selects financially sound companies to minimize overall portfolio risk.

This strategy is combined with extensive in-house securities analysis.

Mandate(s) assigned to this portfolio manager2

• Desjardins Dividend Growth Fund

• $249.2 billion in assets under management1
• Headquartered in New York, USA
• 282 investment professionals

Lazard Asset Management, a subsidiary of Lazard Group, is known primarily for equity management and security selection focused on financial productivity and valuation.

The firm prefers to invest in companies rather than markets.

Strategies are grounded in disciplined analysis combined with a thorough investment approach.

The firm manages fixed-income securities, alternative strategies, private wealth and asset allocation mandates. Its clients include distribution networks, institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals.

Lazard Asset Management's active management model focuses on teamwork and the free flow of ideas.

The firm also acts as an expert advisor, providing asset allocation recommendations for the Chorus II Portfolios.

Mandate(s) assigned to this portfolio manager2

• Desjardins Global Equity Fund
• Desjardins Sustainable Diversity Fund

• 39.3 billion in assets under management1
• Headquartered in Paris, France
• 110 investment professionals

Mirova is a wholly owned subsidiary of Natixis Asset Management that specializes in responsible investment.

The firm has developed an engaged approach to responsible investment, designed to combine value creation and sustainable development.

Mirova has been a signatory to the UN's Principles for Responsible Investment since 2013.

Mandate(s) assigned to this portfolio manager2

• Desjardins Sustainable Environmental Bond Fund

• $58.7 billion in assets under management
• Headquartered in London, England
• 53 investment professionals

Mondrian Investment Partners (“Mondrian”) is an employee-owned investment management firm with offices in the United Kingdom and the United States. They are value investors across the globe in both equity and fixed income asset classes. Founded in 1990, Mondrian has employed a rigorous fundamental research process that is the foundation of their success. Mondrian’s well-resourced investment team manages assets on behalf of many institutional clients.

Mandate(s) assigned to this portfolio manager2

• Desjardins Global Dividend Fund

• $226 billion in assets under management1
• Headquartered in London, United Kingdom
• 258 investment professionals

Founded in South Africa in 1991, Ninety One is a global portfolio manager with emerging market roots. Their heritage and approach bring a different perspective to active and sustainable investing. Their investment expertise spans equity, fixed income, multi-asset and alternative asset classes across global, emerging and frontier markets. Ninety One has been a signatory to the United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) since 2008.

Mandate(s) assigned to this portfolio manager2

• Desjardins Emerging Markets Fund
• Desjardins Sustainable International Equity Fund

• $1,043.6 billion in assets under management1
• Headquartered in Newark, USA
• 283 investment professionals

Founded in 1875, PGIM is built on strength and stability. PGIM Fixed Income provides global asset management and active portfolio solutions across all fixed income markets.

Their investment strategy centers on rigorous research with an emphasis on bottom-up research-driven security selection conducted by career analysts, including senior analysts.

Managing assets for many clients worldwide, including some of the Fortune 500 companies, and some of the 100 largest global pension funds, as well as a few sovereign wealth funds and central banks.

Mandate(s) assigned to this portfolio manager2

• Desjardins Global Total Return Bond Fund
• Desjardins Global High Yield Bond Fund

• $2,358.6 billion in assets under management (PIMCO)1
• Headquartered in Newport Beach, USA
• 532 investment professionals worldwide

Founded in 2004, PIMCO Canada Corp. is a subsidiary of Pacific Investment Management Company (PIMCO).

Known as one of the world's largest fixed-income securities managers, PIMCO is a global investment solutions provider focused on a single mission: to manage risks and deliver returns for their clients. The firm manages investments for a wide range of clients.

The team's proven investment process encompasses both cyclical (short-term) and structural (three- to five- year) macroeconomics views. These forecasts are combined with in-depth research, security analysis and portfolio risk management.

PIMCO's global scale is a clear advantage, enhancing its ability to drive value added.

Mandate(s) assigned to this portfolio manager2

• Desjardins Global Tactical Bond Fund
• Desjardins Floating Rate Income Fund
• Desjardins Sustainable Global Bond Fund

• $30 billion in assets under management1
• Headquartered in London, England
• 41 investment professionals

Sarasin & Partners LLP takes a global, thematic approach to investment, finding opportunities within the themes shaping the world of tomorrow. They invest on behalf of charities, individuals, intermediaries and institutions according to the belief that responsible companies make better investments. Using their dynamic asset allocation process, portfolio managers draw upon a wide range of asset classes to create bespoke portfolios, charity funds, model portfolios, funds of funds and unitised multi-asset funds.

Sarasin & Partners LLP's five megatrends, underpinned by stewardship, drive their investment approach: Digitalisation, Automation, Ageing, Evolving Consumption and Climate Change.

Mandate(s) assigned to this portfolio manager2

• Desjardins Sustainable Global Dividend Fund

• $1,557.3 billion in assets under management1
• Headquartered in Boston, USA
• 947 investment professionals

Founded in 1928, Wellington Management Company is one of the largest private investment managers in the world.

Wellington focuses exclusively on managing investments, from global equity to fixed-income securities, through hedge funds, currency and commodity portfolios.

The firm has earned a solid reputation for discipline and skill thanks to its knowledgeable team of professionals.

One of the cornerstones of Wellington's approaches to management is the independent research carried out by a group of seasoned analysts.

Mandate(s) assigned to this portfolio manager2

• Desjardins Global Balanced Growth Fund
• Desjardins Global Balanced Strategic Income Fund
• Desjardins American Equity Value Fund
• Desjardins American Equity Growth Fund
• Desjardins American Equity Growth Currency Neutral Fund
• Desjardins Global Small Cap Equity Fund
• Desjardins Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund

• $535 billion in assets under management1
• Headquartered in Pasadena, USA
• 137 investment professionals

Western Asset Management Company, LLC ("Western Asset") is a globally integrated fixed-income manager, sourcing ideas and investment solutions worldwide. Founded in October 1971 by United California Bank, Western focuses on long-term fundamental value investing that employs a top-down and bottom-up approach.

Mandate(s) assigned to this portfolio manager2

• Desjardins Global Corporate Bond Fund