focusIR Fireside Chats: Ep3; FTSE 250 Fund Manager Reveals Hidden Emerging Market Gems | Infrastructure

In this episode of FocusIR Fireside Chats, we sit down with Charles Jillings, Portfolio Manager of the Utilico Emerging Markets Trust (FTSE 250), to uncover how infrastructure and utilities investments are delivering strong growth, resilient income, and long-term value across emerging markets. With over 30 years of experience in global financial markets, Charles shares how his team identifies high-quality opportunities, why emerging markets are often misunderstood, and where investors should be looking next. In this episode, investors will learn: Why infrastructure and utilities are not just defensive plays and how they can deliver compelling growth The key characteristics of a high-performing emerging markets investment A deep dive into one of Utilico’s standout holdings and what drives consistent double-digit growth Why Brazil remains a major opportunity for infrastructure investors The importance of management quality, regulation, and cash flow discipline when selecting investments How dividend growth is built into the strategy and why 80% of the portfolio pays income The impact of macro trends like currency shifts, energy markets, and global supply chain changes How geopolitical risks (including the Middle East) influence or don’t influence long-term strategy Why emerging markets remain undervalued vs. developed markets Key themes shaping 2026: AI infrastructure, energy transition, and logistics expansion