China has reportedly reopened the two schemes. This could mean Ucits funds are close to Bond Connect approval and that QDII is set to return, says Andy Seaman of Stratton Street.
Programmes including mutual recognition, Asean CIS, QFII, RQFII and Stock Connect appear to have fallen in favour, while ARFP, QDII, QDLP and QDIE have gained popularity.
Shenzhen is believed to have handed out licences – but only $1 billion in extra quota – to another 30 fund houses under its QDIE cross-border alternative investment scheme.
The world’s largest asset manager has won a licence and quota for Shanghai's alternatives investment programme. The move comes as China's rival cross-border schemes aggressively grow their business.
Shanghai included China Investment Fund Management in its cross-border alternatives investment scheme, a further expansion that also creates rivalry among local cities.
China’s rapid pace of liberalisation over the past six months surprised market observers, a forum hears. However, they do not expect the channels for foreign investment to merge at a similar speed.
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.