Insto roundup: NPS’s active stewardship; Japan insurers’ property push

The Dutch firm has appointed its first insurance coverage specialist in Asia as well as a new institutionally focused Korea sales head and client portfolio manager for quant strategies.

Asset owners outside Asia often hire Western firms to manage their Chinese equity portfolios, despite mainland fund houses’ lower charges. But there are pros and cons to weigh up.

PNB chief steps down, citing harassment; Barings hires first Asia property head to build new platform; AMP Capital names new CEO; ex-Value Partners exec joins HeungKong Financial; Brian Lou will run new UBS China bond fund; MSCI raids JP Morgan for Greater China head; Credit Suisse appoints heads of onshore China and of Asia Pacific trading; and more.

Having shrunk its active equity and alternative investment teams, the asset management arm of Prudential Corporation Asia is increasing its focus on passive strategies.