A top-level reshuffle at the fund house – which has led to the exit of CIO Mark Beardow – will see Anthony Fasso return to Australia and help look for M&A opportunities for the firm.
The volume of Asian infrastructure deals has hit record levels and is set to grow yet further with the advent of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and other similar projects.
Australia's AMP Capital expects to hit the $1.5 billion target for its Global Infrastructure Fund by mid-year with the help of flows from Asian institutions, including Japanese pension funds.
Commodities trading means Australian investors already feel exposed to China, notes State Street Global Advisors. But China's inclusion in MSCI's EM index would force investors to act.
Drawing on computer modelling and human fundamental research, the Australian fund house has launched its first Asia-focused quantitative long/short fund with $25 million.
The mainland JV between AMP Capital and China Life has raised $2 billion within weeks from its initial money-market fund, riding a wave of popularity for the strategy.
CPPIB, Omers and OTPP are busy hiring in the region for investment talent in credit, real assets and particularly equities. Omers is also planning to add office space in Singapore.
China Pacific Insurance appoints new chairwoman, COO; AMP's CEO to leave by third quarter; Robeco announces duo in senior China roles; Axa IM hires head of institutional sales for Asia; GLP names co-president for logistics; BlackRock sells onshore Korea distribution business; Income Partners poaches head of distribution from Vanguard; and more.
Swiss Re hires head of China asset management business; BlackRock deregisters its China WFOE; DWS names head of Apac insurance coverage; Amundi appoints first Asia sustainability officer; Manulife IM appoints senior portfolio manager for asset allocation; Morgan Stanley IM hires portfolio manager for A-shares; and more.
Although sustainable funds have seen increasing inflows amid growing environmental awareness and the spotlight on social issues due to Covid-19, the industry still lacks a standard definition of sustainable investing. Nicholette MacDonald-Brown, head of European blend equities at Schroders, explains the firm’s three-pronged approach of people, process and purpose.
The Singapore state fund recently bought into impact investing specialist LeapFrog, and is eyeing more investments that combine strong financial returns with a positive social effect.
Special purpose acquisition companies (Spacs) have gained ground as financing vehicles for companies looking to go public. But Asian family offices have yet to make many investments.
The Canadian and Korean asset management operations of two life insurers have agreed to jointly take advantage of rising institutional investor demand for Asian alternative assets.