The $11.8bn New Mexico PERA, of Santa Fe, made public its decision in January, with funding of the mandate completed in April.

The fixed income portfolio will be managed by Manulife Asset Management’s strategic income team, headed by Daniel Janis and Thomas Goggins.

Manulife Asset Management president and CEO J-F Courville said this important mandate reflects the confidence that was placed in Manulife’s strong investment management and servicing capabilities.

Manulife Asset Management is the global asset management arm of Manulife Financial. Manulife Asset Management and its affiliates provide comprehensive asset management solutions for institutional investors and investment funds in key markets around the world.