KPMG to make PE investments

· KPMG will now begin investing in private equity. After years of providing private equity firms advice on deals the accounting and audit firm launched a wholly owned investment fund, KPMG Capital, that will invest in data and analytics businesses. The fund isn't open to third-party investors, and has instead received commitments from its member firms, KPMG said. KPMG Capital is based in London and invests globally, targeting data and analytics outfits that serve such functions including risk management, cost analysis, regulation and customer relations.

· Kaiser Jasrai joined fund placement agent Eaton Partners as a London-based vice president focused on European and Middle Eastern distribution. He previously was a director at rival placement firm Wedge Alternatives.

· Jersey-based fund services firm Ipes bolstered its senior management team with two new hires. Jonathan Buesnel has been appointed as the new business/technical director while David England has taken up the position of compliance manager for Ipes Jersey. Buesnel joins from Moore Management while England joins from Ogier.

· Andrew Thompson, head of private equity at KPMG Australia, is relocating to Singapore where he will take up a Southeast Asia-focused position with the firm.

· Alvarez & Marsal, the professional services firm, opened an office in Seoul, South Korea. Jay Kim, formerly of PineBridge Investments and the Riverside Company, joined as a managing director to lead its business in Korea.

· Qodeo, a financial data provider, is set to launch a cloud-based exchange service. The exchange aims to help firms source funds and deals, provide secure access to relevant global network connections and provide news and insight.

· Gatemore Capital Management, the investment advisory firm, launched its Pension Advisory, a service aimed at corporate sponsors of underfunded pension schemes. The service will help GPs identify the most cost-effective ways for their portfolio companies to reduce their pension deficits.