Oliver Jones

The US firm’s new Asia head of hedge fund services targets expansion in Hong Kong and Singapore, citing increased demand from Chinese clients and growth of alternative Ucits products.

Nikko AM creates product promotions role; ICBC Credit Suisse AM appoints index head; JP Morgan AM poaches Asia marketing chief; Sunsuper replaces CIO; ANZ sets up specialty funds post; SG names Asia prime services head; and HK's SFC appoints non-exec directors.

Globally private equity firms are handing out higher performance bonuses, but Asian general partners are said to still pay significantly less in bonuses than their international peers.

A panel of private equity investors also discussed the implications of a shift towards direct deals in preference to co-investment, with Australia's QIC tipping greater dispersion of returns.

The alternative investment firm's co-chairman is tipping more distressed opportunities in China off the back of an expected rise in defaults. It has also been raising money from mainland investors.

The asset manager is considering launching Ucits liquid alternatives products and looking to tap what it sees as growing institutional demand for alternative beta.