The country's reform of its three-pillar pension system continues to see slow progress. Experts say developments should focus on the third pillar of individual pension schemes.
It is the first time the China pension fund has sought to hire external managers for overseas mandates since 2015. The mandates include its first mandate for responsible investing.
The former deputy chair of China's national pension fund proposes the return of an account-based structure in basic pension provision, but some pension experts are not convinced.
Outspoken and well-regarded Lou Jiwei has been replaced by another ex-ministry of finance official, Liu Wei. The reasons for the change remain unclear but policy continuity is expected.
IMF gains RQFII approval; India's unit-linked insurance plans set for revamp; GPIF seeks alts strategy consultants; NPS bullish on foreign equities; Poba seeks JVs for real estate investing, and more.
Australian report highlights superannuation industry flaws; CapitalLand acquires Ascendas, China doubles QFII quota limit; Korea's NPS sets up stewardship division, 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.
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.
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.
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.
Asset owners are interested in sustainable investments but they lack enough peer benchmarks and suitable products, according to a World Economic Forum white paper.