France-based Crédit Agricole Asset Management Group is continuing to build on its presence in Canada by expanding in Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta, the group said Wednesday.

The group’s Canadian subsidiary, CAAM Canada Inc., is looking to benefit from the potential of the Canadian market and to develop its local client base.

CAAM says an extensive presence in the Canadian market will give a new impetus to the group’s activities in the country, which have been developed over a number of years, and strengthen its close ties with Canadian investors.

CAAM Canada Inc. is aiming to develop its commercial relations with institutional clients and distributors in Canada.

The Canadian market is seeing a growing demand for innovative products, backed by tight risk controls. With its expertise in international bonds, credit, emerging and global equities, active foreign exchange management and absolute performance, CAAM Canada Inc. says it is positioned to meet the specific requirements of this market.

“Expanding its presence in Canada underscores the group’s commitment to the country, as well as its confidence in the local asset management sector,” says Louis Fortin, president and managing director of CAAM Canada Inc.

“We shall continue to build on our presence among institutional clients in Canada via our offices in Montreal and Toronto, by offering high quality, innovative products and effective local support,” Fortin adds.

Before joining CAAM Canada Inc. Fortin was vice president and director, senior relationship manager, at TD Asset Management. Prior to this, he held a variety of positions in institutional sales and portfolio management at Investors Group, Samsara Capital, Goldman Sachs and Fimat.

According to Global Investor, Crédit Agricole Asset Management Group is the world’s 11th largest asset management company with assets under management of $752.5 billion at Dec. 31, 2008.

CAAM Group has operations in over 20 countries in Europe, Asia-Pacific, North America and the Middle East.

IE