Analysis
China’s wealth management products cast off their shadows
China’s bank wealth management products have gone on a path of less-risky development in the wake of a sweeping regulatory overhaul five years ago, but face new challenges and opportunities.
Is ESG just hype?
ESG investors want to “do well and do good”. However, ESG equity funds have been underperforming traditional funds since last year and growth is slowing down in many regions. The “do well” part is not adding up as expected and has raised concerns.
Crypto’s future in the balance
The crypto industry saw almost US$1.5 trillion of its market value wiped out in 2022, with a variety of weaknesses being exposed. The industry will need to evolve to be sustainable, and regulation will play a key role in facilitating this evolution.
India coming to the fore
Solid economic fundamentals and growth policies make India a compelling investment destination. Its attractive growth story has increasingly prompted foreign investors to upgrade Indian stocks into a dedicated allocation in their emerging-market investment portfolios.
The changing face of Chinese investors
Chinese mutual fund investors are increasingly displaying stronger confidence and maturity in investing. Female participation has increased, incomes are higher, and investors are more educated, savvier at online and digital communication, and allocating more income into investment.
ESG funds ready for take off in China
China has seen a significant uptake of ESG funds over the past two years even though it is a late starter to the game. Its blueprint for national development is pushing ESG into the mainstream for both institutional and retail investors. However, the country’s ESG journey will be on its own terms, based on its own needs and characteristics.
The rise of digital investors
A generation of tech savvy digital investors is on rapid rise with the democratisation of investing. Many asset classes are now available for small amounts of investment. The digitalisation of financial services allows investors to access global capital markets around the clock.
Digital platforms transform China’s fund distribution landscape
Digital wealth platforms powered by big data analytics and artificial intelligence are rocking China’s fund distribution and wealth management market. They have rapidly developed into fund-selling powerhouses. Together with the push for investment advisory services, they have transformed China’s fund distribution landscape by bringing some much-needed diversification and discipline to the industry.
Hong Kong Mandatory Pension Fund: survival of the fittest
The MPF in Hong Kong celebrated its 20th anniversary in December 2020. The system's total assets have hit the HK$1 trillion (US$129 billion) mark and rank among the 30 largest public pension systems in the world. A major digital revamp to the platform will be launched in 2022. Price wars and industry consolidation are likely.
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?