How insurers think ESG investing could be improved
Even insurance CIOs in Europe – widely viewed as the leading region for responsible investment – publicly and privately cite various obstacles to implementing ESG policies.
Malaysia
Khazanah aims to lock in profits with hospital sale
The sovereign wealth fund's sale of a Malaysian hospital to another of its portfolio companies marks the latest in an ongoing set of healthcare asset divestments.
Malaysia’s PNB ramps up global investment ambitions
The $72 billion government-linked fund manager is gaining momentum as an international investor with the appointment of its new head and a growing focus on overseas mandates.
Singapore's MAS plans infra push with new vehicles
South and Southeast Asia's infrastructure needs have prompted the central bank to act as a conduit for investment, partly by overseeing the creation of new investment vehicles.
Why Taiwan’s asset owners are eager for more ETFs
Insurers in Taiwan are leading a rising level of interest in ETFs among north Asian countries, seeing the vehicles as convenient for targeting higher yields and hedging purposes.
Insto roundup: China's SOE stake shift; Taiwan insurers hungry for ETFs
Deutsche Bank investigated for links to 1MDB; Temasek seeks to extend healthtech platform in India; Taiwan life insurers ravenous for fixed income ETFs; Saudi SWF takes out an $11 billion loan, and more.
Insto roundup: EPF eyes UK property; SWFs favouring Asia, bonds
AustralianSuper CIO warns of low returns; China brings forward lifting of foreign ownership limits; GPIF reports profit; Korea Post, APG invest in property debt; EPF eyes UK property; GIC, Mid East SWFs focus on Asia; global SWFs up bond exposure; and more.
Market Views: Will Southeast Asia see a slowdown?
South and Southeast Asia have been an oasis of calm amid global uncertainty, but can the region maintain this level of calm? Five fund managers offer their views.
AsianInvestor's top fund houses by market, explained (part 2)
In the next part of our award summaries, we reveal the reasons for choosing the top fund houses for the second set of Asia Pacific's main regional markets.
Khazanah plans global asset buildup despite cuts
The Malaysian sovereign wealth fund has closed its London office and is reducing its Turkish presence – yet it is keen to increase its foreign exposure as part of a portfolio overhaul.
EPF seen eyeing US branch amid global buildout plans
With its investment outsourcing growth slowing in 2018, Malaysia’s biggest public pension fund is on course to strengthen its in-house investment capabilities.
Asian property investors capitalise on China retreat
With Chinese investors stepping back, Japanese, Korean and even Southeast Asian and Australian investors look set to step up their overseas real estate investments.
EPF to bolster Malaysia ESG progress with PRI embrace
The Malaysian pension fund's sign-up to the UN principles further boosts Malaysia's attempts to improve levels of corporate governance and transparency.
EPF plans to raise property and infra exposure
The Malaysian pension fund is keen to expand its overseas and private markets exposure, but is waiting for more favourable global market conditions.
Zurich Malaysia eyeing bigger Islamic finance role
The insurer has the geographic and skills advantage to become a group hub for Islamic investments, its chief investment officer said.
KWAP replaces equity head, seeks fixed income chief
The $34 billion Malaysian state pension fund has been revamping its leadership team, and the new CEO aims to build investment capabilities, say well-placed sources.
Asia’s standout investors: Why KWAP and BLF’s Liu won
AsianInvestor details why Malaysia's KWAP stood strong for its ESG commitment, and how Liu Li-ju of Taiwan's BLF impresses for her ongoing efforts to improve its capabilities.
Zurich Malaysia’s CIO on the key risks of 2019
After a turbulent 2018, slowing global growth and ongoing trade frictions between the world's two largest economies could continue to cast a pall on markets in 2019, says Andrey Fomin.
Zurich Malaysia to enter private debt next year
By developing credit research capabilities in-house, the Swiss insurer's Malaysian unit hopes to join other asset owners in pursuing alternative investment opportunities.
Axa Affin Life CFO: IFRS17 will spur systems overhaul
The new accounting standard set to come in from 2021 will require significant changes at Malaysian insurers, as well as more actuarial staff.
