Beating the odds in a new era

Last year was undeniably another challenging period for asset managers, both in terms of asset gathering and delivering investment performance; the macro issues of 2023 were very much in place at the time of writing with rates and inflation remaining dominant themes amongst a number of others.

Amongst regional markets in Asia, Japan’s performance was the main feature last year, and the momentum has been extended to the second quarter of this year. Even so, yen weakness against the dollar continues and market pundits expect more volatility in the months ahead.

Market reforms for China’s markets meanwhile are being closely monitored, as will their impact this year. India, as the other big regional market and the new darling, has since replaced Hong Kong’s long-held position as the fourth largest global equity bourse. Expectations are high that India, with its recent resurgence, will offer new opportunities to global investors. Even so, to attract more portfolio inflows, its weight in global benchmarks will have to increase from its current relatively lowly position.

To be sure, the new era of geopolitics, global trade, the impact of artificial intelligence, rising longevity risks and the green agenda are upon us and have impacted the investment landscape in more ways than one and are likely to do so into the foreseeable future. Industry practitioners are doubling down on some of these challenges in a bid to capture the emerging opportunities in public and private markets.

From Asia Asset Management’s perspective, the industry’s growth in Asia has been nothing short of remarkable since we debuted in 1995. And as we move into our 30^th anniversary in 2025, there will be many stories to share about industry landmarks, achievements and leading personalities in the world of asset management and pensions.

But for now, in this year’s Best of the Best awards supplement issue, we feature some of their achievements in the past year.

We wish all of them continued success.

Tan Lee Hock
Founder and Publisher
Asia Asset Management
May 2024