AsianInvestor’s most read articles in September 2017

Here we present the stories from our daily newsletter that attracted the most attention in September in descending order, with number one the recipient of the most hits. Excluded from the list below are the roundups of people news we publish every week.

1. HKMA shuffles investment chiefs

Hong Kong's de facto central bank has hired an ex-Goldman Sachs executive as head of external managers and appointed new heads of asset allocation and direct real estate.

2. Fullerton merging with NTUC Income

Fullerton Fund Management will manage the insurer’s public-asset portfolio as part of the all-Singaporean deal, say sources familiar with the matter.

3. Another top executive to depart Fullerton FM

The Singapore-based asset manager will see another C-level executive step down from his position, amid its ongoing merger with NTUC Income. 

4. Great Eastern's new CIO seen as surprising choice

Singapore’s biggest insurer has sparked questions by replacing its experienced investment chief, Yoon Mun Thim, in another senior shakeup in the industry.

5. Shock move by Norway oil fund “unlikely” to be copied

The $1 trillion state institution aims to radically revamp its bond benchmark in a move that has raised eyebrows. It came soon after some startling comments from the CEO.

6. Franklin Templeton's robo tie-up could be first of many

The US asset manager has strategically invested into a Singapore-based robo services firm. Other fund houses could follow as automated investing continues to rise across Asia. 

7. Mifid II seen affecting Asia fund approval process 

Product governance rules under Mifid II are likely to affect the operations of Asian product producers, but most firms remain unprepared for the changes to come, say experts.

8. China state funds reveal multi-billion belt-and-road plans

Senior executives from China Investment Corporation and Silk Road Fund aim to invest huge sums into the Asia-to-Europe infrastructure project, but they admitted doing so is challenging.

9. Offshore groups most likely to but Colonial First State

Commonwealth Bank's plan to dispose of Colonial First State is part of an industry consolidation that means any buyer would almost certainly come from outside Australia.

10. Fullerton, Man Group make plans with new China licences

Four foreign managers can now do business directly in China, with Fullerton looking to launch an equity fund and Man working on a quant strategy.