Natixis Global Asset Management Monday announced the kick-off of a new business development initiative in Canada.

The expansion will focus on tapping the Canadian institutional market by forging and strengthening Natixis relationships with institutional and subadvisory clients throughout the region.

“The current Canadian institutional market, estimated to be $1.5 trillion and growing, is a diverse market that pairs well with the investment solutions available through our worldwide network of affiliated investment managers.” said John Hailer, chief executive officer of Natixis Global Asset Management in the Americas and Asia.

Natixis manages more than US$899 billion in assets through its affiliates and was selected as the top U.S. mutual fund family based on an evaluation of 2013 performance, according to the annual Barron’s/Lipper ranking of U.S. mutual fund families.

The firm’s business development effort will initially focus on the institutional markets in Ontario and Quebec. Montreal-based Roxane St.-Martin, senior vice president, institutional services, and Boston-based Ian Macduff, senior vice president, institutional services, will co-manage the Natixis Canadian distribution efforts.

St.-Martin brings more than 16 years in asset management experience to the position, and has served with Natixis in the U.S., Paris and her native Canada. She joined Natixis Asset Management in Paris in 2009, becoming head of wholesale in 2010. She is a CFA charterholder.

Macduff is a 20-year veteran in the financial services industry, having previously worked in retirement sales at Fidelity Investments. He is a Certified Investment Management Consultant. Both managers hold FINRA Series 7 and 63 licenses.

The team reports to Robert Hussey, executive vice president of institutional services for Natixis Global Asset Management – U.S.