Janus, the US asset management firm, has signed a distribution agreement with BNL Investimenti, the investment arm of BNL, one the largest banks in Italy.

The agreement is the first for BNL as it looks to offer third-party funds for the first time to its domestic client base. BNL will distribute 13 of Janus world funds, a series of Ireland-based funds. They offer US growth, value, global growth, US combination, income and currency reserve funds.