Federated Investors Hires Asian Expert In Drive to Broaden

Federated Investors' global investment unit is beefing up its expertise in Asian markets.

The Pittsburgh-based financial services company hired Mark S. Kopinski as an equity portfolio manager concentrating on companies on the Pacific Rim - particularly Japan.

Federated, a leading mutual fund manager and partner of banks in the fund business, hired Mr. Kopinski as part of a recent move to broaden its international scope. He will report to Henry A. Frantzen, who heads the global investment unit.

The global unit will take over the management of the company's two international portfolios, with more than $500 of assets under management. Federated is also developing other international mutual fund portfolios that will be unveiled in the near future, a spokeswoman said.

Mr. Kopinski is the second person hired for the unit. Drew J. Collins, a senior vice president, was hired in June to oversee the equity, fixed- income, and quantitative areas. Federated expects to hire 18 more people by the fall.