Asia’s Asset Managers Vie for Externally Managed Portfolios

Asset managers in Asia are seeing increased competition for a share of the region’s fast-growing pool of institutional investment assets, finds a new study from Greenwich Associates.

The study says majority of these managers are adopting the same approach set by European and North American firms, by mostly concentrating on the largest Asian institutions, which control the bulk of existing assets.

However, a minority of firms are following a different path, by developing broader franchises beyond the main financial centres and public pension funds that dominate Asia’s institutional asset base.

The minority of managers are typically made of large European and American organisations, which can develop relationships by offering advice on structuring and managing portfolios, the study finds.

Most firms on 2015 list of Greenwich Quality Leaders in Asian Investment Management Service are aiming to form a strong presence with both the region’s largest and smallest institutions.

“Firms like Allianz Global Investors, BlackRock, Franklin Templeton, and J.P. Morgan Asset Management are demonstrating their commitment to local Asian markets by putting people on the ground to service local institutions,” says Abhi Shroff, Greenwich Associates consultant.