Analysis
Competition in China’s custody market stiffens
China’s custodian banks have been on a roll over the past two decades. But now their margins are being squeezed and new challengers are appearing on multiple fronts. Apart from competition from within, custodian banks are also seeing their market share being eroded by securities companies in the mutual fund and private fund sectors. Foreign banks are also entering the scene.
Evolution of the securities services industry
The custodian industry is highly concentrated today, with 60% of the assets held by the top five custodians, the result of several decades of growth and consolidation. M&A activities have played a major role in shaping the industry’s landscape today; a new wave of M&A activities will be triggered as the industry goes into the digital age.
Front-to-back outsourcing: the third wave
Front-to-back outsourcing has become a new battleground for securities services providers in addressing the evolving needs of asset managers. Demand for fast and accurate data is driving outsourcing of front-to-back office operations.
Digital assets custody: too big to ignore
The explosive growth of the crypto market underscores how cryptocurrencies have come a long way from the days where many considered them a scam. Securities services providers are feeling their way into the world of digital assets.
A golden opportunity for foreign custodians in China
Most foreign players’ ability to unlock China's domestic wealth has been unimpressive over the past 20 years. How would it be different this time?
Is the custody industry doomed?
The custody industry is facing new challenges with the advent of fintechs. There are several principles that will help providers remain relevant and prosper.