Asian alts begin to entice US state pensions

The French fund house is expanding institutional client coverage, says its Asia head, citing business growth in segments such as insurance and superannuation funds.

After merging domestic alternatives investments into its global strategy, the state pension fund is now putting its efforts into overseas expansion.

Pimco names new head of client management for Asia Pacific; Sun Life appoints general manager for financial affairs in Hong Kong; Standard Chartered Private Bank poaches senior client partner from UBS; JLL appoints head of capital markets and hires a chief information officer for Australia; Noah International adds chief business development officer and more.

The two pension fund managers are among a growing number of asset owners using new approaches to data analysis and technology to enhance returns and cost-efficiency.

Australia's financial regulator questions sustainability of life insurance; Allianz opens China's first fully foreign insurance holding company; GPIF of Japan teams up with multilateral institution to focus on social bonds; yen's fall troubles Japanese insurers; Korean pension executives step down ahead of election; Malaysia's PNB revamps leadership team and more.