Singapore

Future Fund internally appoints deputy CIO for portfolio strategy; CPPIB promotes Suyi Kim to run global private equity; NPS extends CIO term for second time; Willis Towers Watson appoints Australian investments head; Knight Frank promotes Apac director to run global capital strategies; Natixis Investment Managers names head of distribution for Emea.

Covid and digitalisation will have an impact on investments in Southeast Asian countries, although in the long run, the outlook is generally positive for the region.

Asset owners across Asia Pacific weathered some difficult market conditions in 2020. While most emerged from the year successfully, some notable exceptions suffered asset drops.

GIC’s highest 20-year annualised real return since 2015 places it among the world’s five largest sovereign wealth funds.

Zurich Australia appoints CEO for Australian and New Zealand; BNY Mellon hires Southeast Asia head of intermediary; Franklin Templeton names head of Asia distribution; Robeco to add three ESG specialists in Singapore; JP Morgan AM names new head of data science; JLL adds head of Greater China; Lombard Odier hires COO from Credit Suisse; and more.

QIC expands global private debt team with three new hires; Sydney Airport bid by consortium fails; Dajia Insurance Group up for sale for $5.18 billion; China Baowu Steel Group to launch carbon-neutral fund; Indonesia's new wealth fund studying 50 companies for investment; NPS adds Kosdaq-listed blue chips; Macau's SSF's income and returns fall; and more.

AustralianSuper's CEO to step down; Franklin Templeton appoints ex-Calpers CIO as Asia chair; Zurich Malaysia names country head; Credit Suisse promotes new China CEO; DWS lures Amundi veteran back to Asia; Indosuez appoints head of North Asia; Citi Private Bank names SE Asia private capital head; Gaw Capital hires IDC investments head; and more.

The state investor achieved the highest shareholder returns since 2010, when it had 43% returns, and a record net portfolio value, its latest annual results show.

The UK-headquartered fund manager has made the appointment as one of four ESG specialists who will operate a sustainability centre, based in Singapore.

Seven managers share how they are using ESG investment exposure and team hiring plans with AsianInvestor for better gain business from asset owners globally.

The Australian's Asic launches ESG fund review for greenwashing; Cbus hires from Apra; Hesta hires from AMP Life; Dai-ichi Life Insurance invests $50 million in climate infra fund; Korea's GEPS awards $105 million overseas infra mandates; Teachers' Pension calls for bids; QIA increases Credit Suisse stake; and more.

HSBC Asset Management adds ETF business director; Ninety One broadens fixed income team; former CEO of Malaysia's EPF joins Mavcap; Citi promotes new HNW private bank head for Apac; Deutsche Bank hires Southeast Asia wealth leader; Barclays appoints Singapore private bank head; HSBC names Malaysia wealth banking head; and more.

The vacancies suggest Singapore's sovereign wealth fund could be looking to increase its exposure in these three areas.

Hesta hires Hostplus ESG head; Prudential head of HNW solutions joins Transamerica Life Bermuda; Chubb appoints Philippines country president; QIC chief executive to retire in 2022; Amundi adds ESG investment specialist; Aviva Investors expanded EM debt team with three hires; HSBC private banking regional head retires; and more

AustralianSuper posted a record 20.4% return for the past 12 months; Consortium including Future Fund acquires 49% stake in Telstra InfraCo Towers; AIA acquires stake in life insurance arm of the China Post Group; GPIF posts record return of 25.15%; Chikyoren hires Barings and Mitsui Real Estate Investment Advisors for property and private debt; and more.

Asia Pacific is set to see growing inflows into climate, sustainable thematic investing, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and digital infrastructure, according to our top-read stories in June.

The city-state's financial and fintech sectors are expected to create 6,500 jobs in 2021, particularly in technology, wealth management, corporate banking, and insurance, MAS said.

There is little sign that new restrictions to press freedom had in any way impacted the city's financial markets, but the longer-term ramifications could prove very damaging.

NZ Super appoints head of asset allocation; Sun Life adds new Asia CFO; Value Partners names deputy CIO for fixed income; Ex-CPPIB chair joins Singapore venture capital firm; Hines names global head of ESG; HSBC Private Banking names head of Asia coverage for Emea; GAM appoints associate director in Singapore; M&G Real Estate adds to Asia acquisitions team; and more.

The number of millionaires in mainland China grew by 35% in 2020, while the number of millionaires in Hong Kong fell by 7%, according to a new report from the private bank.