Axa, BNP Paribas, Deutsche AM and HSBC helped account for strong growth in the second quartile of AsianInvestor's ranking of the biggest fund houses by Asia-Pacific assets.
The fund house aims to launch a Ucits China bond fund, set up a wholly foreign-owned entity in Shanghai, register for mainland bond market access and gain a QDLP licence. And that's not all.
UBS WM's Asia head of global family office exits; Axa IM names Japan chairman; Bank of Singapore appoints head of advisory PM; Taiwan FSC replaces chairman; Invesco shuffles Mid East heads; Pictet AM poaches from Eaton Vance; Aberdeen creates insurance role; and more.
Axa Investment Managers has added an equity-focused trader in Hong Kong to fill out its regional multi-asset dealing hub in anticipation of rising volumes in Asia.
Simon Flood exited the firm last week, having only taken up the role of regional CEO in August. Axa IM said it was for personal reasons. His replacement has already been lined up.
In a video interview, Jim Veneau, head of fixed income for Asia at Axa Investment Managers, outlines his expectations for regional bonds and the possibility of a Bond Connect scheme.
The firm has registered 13 retail funds and added a client service executive in Singapore, in addition to putting more retail products in Hong Kong. Taiwan is also a major focus.
While technology benefits portfolio monitoring and client servicing, it also shrinks the pool of managers able to deliver alpha, AsianInvestor's Art of Asset Management event hears.
Axa Investment Manager's China JV has plans for its new segregated account subsidiary and fund launches within the Shanghai free trade zone, including an internet finance product.
It is transferring its fixed income team to Hong Kong, while building in equities. It aims to expand manufacturing, targeting offshore RMB products and cross-border mutual recognition.