Investors in the region are looking to buy more logistics assets despite rising valuations, as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to push more people to buy goods via e-commerce.
Two funds and a JV that have exposures to China logistics assets have been closed this month amid the challenging environment. Demand on such assets will likely sustain.
The demand for commercial real estate remains high in the region, CBRE's survey shows, but patience will be needed as the coronavirus disrupts deal execution.
StanChart PB brings in Yong-Haron, Tse; Julius Baer poaches Klenk from UBS; Noah names HK chief; Diamond Lee exits OMGI; Invesco hires in Australia; BNPP IP raids BlackRock in Australia; Singapore IAM TriLake adds RM; CBRE appoints Japan head; Withers boosts trust practice.
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.
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.
De-risking and green securitisation will help unlock much-needed institutional capital for sustainable infrastructure projects in Asia, say executives at multilateral development banks.
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.