Managers of Wealth Asia Pacific

Over half of firms see profits rise in 1H21

Earnings were expected to rebound with technology stocks expected to rise by 109% and resources up 47%.

S. Korea's major banks likely to keep creditworthiness: S&P

"We expect the banks to slow loan growth, after some pick-up in 2020, and focus more on risk management this year, along with heightened regulatory oversight on household lending,"

What did January mean for financial markets?

“That was before the Reddit-inspired drama unfolded before our eyes, with the company's share price experiencing a rapid rise — then a deep decline in the first week of February."

Singapore economy to grow by 4-6% this year; 2020 contraction shaved to 5.4%

The ministry raised its final estimate for the coronavirus-hit 2020, stating that the economy shrank by 5.4 per cent, making it Singapore's worst-ever recession since independence.

Efficiency - what’s holding investment managers back by Andrew Foster, Iress

The UK wealth management industry is now spending over £1 billion on IT and operations in a quest for ever more efficient, competitive and profitable ways of working.

Financial sector has deep pockets for philanthropy: Report

As for the devasting bushfires that wreaked havoc in 2019-20, some 113 companies gave $145 million in total.

Which is the most consistent Asia Pacific fund?

As many Asian countries mark the Lunar New Year, there is only one fund in the Asia Pacific ex Japan sector that has consistently outperformed the index each of the last five years.

The trouble with best financial interests duty

The best interest covenant derived from case law and there is already a financially focussed covenant for trustees that was introduced a few years ago, Cambrell said, adding that she does not see why this latest reform was necessary

Hong Kong public focuses on financial wellbeing, retirement planning and health amid pandemic, Manulife survey shows

The majority of Hong Kongers (55%) also say that retirement planning has become more important since COVID-19 started.

Jack Ma Sighting: Golfing in Hainan

Ma’s golf outing is an indicator that the tech pioneer may have thus far avoided some of the worst outcomes speculated by many such as imprisonment or government seizure of assets.

Will inflation start raging in the year of the metal ox?

Massive stimulus measures fuel worries, but normalization of monetary policy appears unlikely

Thailand’s 2nd largest bank set for Vietnam entry

Thailand was the seventh-largest foreign investor in Vietnam last year with $292 million, according to the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

Missing Opportunities? A Review of Gender Diversity on Hong Kong Boards’

The report illustrates the inadequate representation of women on Hong Kong boards of listed companies.

Commentary: Singapore's game plan to court more billionaires to come here is paying off

Besides low tax rates, Singapore’s regulatory changes are attracting more family offices to set-up here and that could have a multiplier effect on the economy, says David Kuo.

AMP shrinks as it sweats on takeover bid

AMP shares closed Wednesday at $1.54, or 17 per cent lower than Ares’ $1.85 per-share takeover offer.

Employers not considering pay adjustments despite remote working trend: Survey

The poll of 1,500 or so organisations around the world conducted from Dec 7 to 15 found as well that only 32 per cent of employees are expected to return to the office once the pandemic is over.

AMP backs campaign for digital awareness this Safer Internet Day

To curb this and spread awareness, we’re all encouraged to think about our own online activity this ‘Safer Internet Day.

GBA sees strong demand for cross-border financial products

Many investors still worried about setting up accounts and transferring funds offshore, but providers urged to act now

Comment: A moment in emerging markets as risk premium returns

There are, however, existing tailwinds which could give investors comfort in overweighting the EM risk premium within an equity portfolio this year.

When is the right time to soft close a fund?

Knowing when to soft close a fund can be a difficult but necessary decision for a firm as it navigates the balance between gaining more assets and achieving fund outperformance, according to Lakehouse.

Comment, Analysis & Research