Asian exchanges ramp up ETF push
The Malaysia and Singapore bourses recognise they are lagging peers in North Asia in respect of exchange-traded funds – and are keen to catch up.
Malaysia
Labuan head addresses growing tax transparency
Malaysia's low-tax jurisdiction, like other such territories, is seen to be facing a challenge amid the take-up of information-exchange initiatives. AsianInvestor spoke to its director-general.
The 50 biggest managers of Islamic funds
Malaysian asset managers' share of global sharia-compliant funds could overtake that of firms based in Saudi Arabia, according to AsianInvestor's annual ranking this year.
EPF and Cathay Life set pace in building talent
We continue to reveal why AsianInvestor's Institutional Excellence Awards were handed out this year. Today: the winners in the market categories of Southeast Asia and Taiwan.
EPF to boost alternatives, shrink manager roster
The $161 billion Malaysian state pension fund is reviewing its strategic asset allocation and is likely to raise exposure to private markets. Separately, it will cut the number of fund houses it uses.
Southeast Asian insurers braced for “punitive” new rules
Life insurance firms in the Asean region are considering how to prepare for stricter capital rules over the coming two years, which are set to make certain investments more costly.
Challenges mount for Southeast Asia insurers
In the first of a two-part article, AsianInvestor outlines how Southeast Asian insurers are finding it ever harder to cover their liabilities, amid low bond yields and looming tighter capital rules.
Sun Life voices concerns on SE Asia risk charges
Senior executives at the Canadian insurer’s Malaysian and Philippine units explain how risk capital charges will further exacerbate the investment challenges they face.
Lombard Odier seeks tie-ups in Indonesia and Malaysia
Lombard Odier has struck a new partnership with the Philippines' UnionBank and it is now eyeing other markets in Southeast Asia, says the firm's Asia head of private banking.
Malaysia’s EPF sees swift take-up of sharia portfolio
After only a week, a quarter of the sharia-compliant part of the $160 billion state pension fund has been taken up by members. But the institution is unlikely to run all of its assets in this way.
Kwap to go fully sharia, may cut return target
The Malaysian $30 billion state pension plans to make all its portfolios 100% sharia-compliant and may reduce its performance target in light of prevailing low yields.
Malaysia’s EPF readies $25bn sharia fund
The segregated asset pool, set to launch next year, will initially be managed in-house, but the state pension may seek external managers and expand its size down the line.
UOB AM Malaysia stands out for state fund mandate
UOB Asset Management delivered outstanding returns for one of Malaysia's largest government institutions amid tricky conditions and despite the equity mandate being long-only.
KWAP continues overhaul amid domestic turmoil
The Malaysian state pension is in a period of transition. Having had its global investment ambitions curtailed, the fund is overhauling its manager selection processes, its CEO told AsianInvestor.
Surveying the 1MDB wreckage
1Malaysia Development Berhad scandal has raised investors' concerns and left Malaysia with what one fund manager describes as "astronomic reputational risk", among other problems.
How Malaysia’s EPF uses external managers
The deputy CEO of Malaysia's Employees Provident Fund describes the $161 billion pension plan's allocation approach and how it uses external asset managers and consultants.
AmBank private bank head exits to start multi-family office
Kee Kin Onn resigned last week after 12 years with the Malaysian group, reflecting the trend for senior private bankers to strike out on their own. He told AsianInvestor about his plans.
Malaysian fund firms boost retail focus amid tough times
Big institutional investors in Malaysia are seen favouring more alternatives exposure over public-market assets, leading some local fund managers to increase their focus on retail clients.
Why EPF shuns hedge funds and smart beta
The deputy chief executive of Malaysia’s biggest state retirement fund tells AsianInvestor about its investment approach and where it sees opportunities.
The fastest growing (and shrinking) sharia fund managers
Last year saw a decline in Islamic assets under management globally, but some firms heavily bucked the trend both on the downside and upside, according to AsianInvestor research.
