The controversial mechanism within Hong Kong's Mandatory Provident Fund scheme is to be removed by 2024. This is seen as good news for pension savers and asset managers.
The biggest Chinese private bank aims to greatly increase its Hong Kong relationship managers, but a senior executive admits achieving this goal will be very challenging.
The city's funds association has tabled proposals which would see savers offered tax incentives and cash rebates in return for higher levels of pension contributions. But the plans face a sceptical public.
The rising tide of cross-border regulation is making life difficult, argue senior traders at big fund houses, who want to see greater consistency across jurisdictions.
Authorities release draft regulations for the pending scheme to link the two bourses, although updates on taxation and how trades can be placed are still to be announced.
UK-based Old Mutual Global Investors is expanding its network of private banks in Asia and plans to register funds for retail distribution in Hong Kong and Singapore.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
The Hong Kong-listed shares of mainland companies should receive more interest as Chinese pensions and global investors seek to benefit from relatively low valuations.