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Australian litigation funder Omni Bridgeway, formerly known as IMF Bentham, has hired a raft of staff for its Australian offices and is investigating expanding its New Zealand presence after receiving more financing inquiries from the South Pacific nation.

Sydney-based investment manager and head of New Zealand Gavin Beardsell is leading the company's expansion into New Zealand in response to increasing financing inquiries from that market, the company said in a statement.

The company, previously known as IMF Bentham, has already invested in several class actions in New Zealand, including against manufactures of combustible cladding.

While Beardsell is based in Sydney, the company will consider basing staff in New Zealand as its work there expands, said Tania Sulan, chief investment officer Australia.

Separately, Leanne Meyer, formerly general counsel for the veterans' organization RSL NSW, and Heather Collins, previously a senior associate at Baker McKenzie, both join as investment managers in Sydney.

Niall Watson-Dunne, formerly a senior associate at Australian firm Corrs, joins as an associate investment manager in Sydney, while Gracey Campbell, previously a senior associate with the restructuring and insolvency team at King & Wood Mallesons, is an associate investment manager in Melbourne.

Alistair Morgan joins as general counsel for Australia and Asia. Previously he was general counsel and company secretary for Australian Corporate Bond Co.

The Australian listed firm was formed through the merger of Australian litigation and disputes funder IMF Bentham and Dutch litigation funder Omni Bridgeway Holdings BV.

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