Middle East

Japanese lawmakers push for a $3.2trn sovereign wealth fund; South Korea to launch $14bn SWF; Taiwan's Bureau of Labour Funds awards $1.6 billion equity mandate; and more.

With total assets of over $60 trillion, state-owned investors are expanding their partnerships while some are expected to become sovereign asset managers in coming years.

Sovereign wealth funds and Chinese policy banks are forging a new investment nexus as global banks step in to structure flows across clean energy, infrastructure and advanced industries.

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund sign a $1bn partnership to fuel GBA expansion; Singapore’s MAS appoints six asset managers to oversee $2.2bn mandate to bolster the local stock market; Indonesian SWF Danantara secures a $1bn multi-currency credit facility from a syndicate of major international banks; and more.

With its open capital system, strong legal framework, and expanding Shariah-compliant options, Hong Kong is emerging as the launchpad for deeper Middle East–China financial ties.

Global asset managers say distribution, once a supporting function, is now the industry’s core strategic battleground.

Australian SWF's value has grown to A$261bn ($171bn) since its establishment in 2006; Canada's pension fund OMERS will dismiss its entire Asia buyout team as part of a strategic reassessment of its private equity operations; Singapore's GIC is reportedly seeking to sell up to $1bn of its private equity funds' holdings; and more.

Canadian pension fund La Caisse is seeking infrastructure, credit and real estate investment in Asia Pacific; Abu Dhabi's SWF ADQ is aiming to secure a $4 billion syndicated loan from Greater China banks; China's basic pension insurance fund doubles its assets; and more.

Indonesia's sovereign wealth fund and Export Development Canada sign a $600m agreement to support sectors such as renewables and cleantech; South Korea's DB Insurance buys US carrier Fortegra Group; Canadian pension fund La Caisse to acquire an Australian renewables business; and more.

Anchored by its $5.2bn Future Fund, the Gulf state is financing a domestic energy transition and using Hong Kong as a gateway to access key technology and partnerships.

Pension fund AustralianSuper plans to add at least 10 more private equity managers by 2030; Japan public service employee pension fund announces exit from 10 out of 27 active funds; and more.

The Citizens of Israel Fund is developing active strategies to capitalise on the technological revolution, demographic shifts and geopolitical realignment across Asia's diverse markets.