Winners rationale

In 2017, Asia drove real estate spending to an all-time high. The region accounted for more than half of US$1.6 trillion capital flowing into property investments globally, according to a Cushman & Wakefield report, evidence of a positive outlook amid synchronised growth and continued penchant for property.

At private banks in Asia this tendency is commonly known, with regional HNWIs historically demonstrating interest in a variety of related opportunities ranging across direct purchases, alternatives and mutual funds – a trend which continues.

FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Global Real Estate Index registered 14% total returns, while the Asia ex-Japan sub-index surged more than 33%.

Although real estate broadly underperformed other asset classes, its defensive nature and the availability of selective yield opportunities continues to draw interest from private banks in the region – particularly in light of the growing need to further diversify income sources in a rising rate environment.

Leveraging its global expertise, Janus Henderson Investors’ real estate capabilities garnered the recognition of private banking gatekeepers in Asia.

In addition to its network of real estate investment professionals spanning Singapore, UK and the US, managing US$1.8 billion (as at 31 Dec 2017) in related assets, the asset manager backs these capabilities with a newly established function called the Global Financial Institutions (GFI) Unit. Dedicated to supporting the banking segment to meet specific needs and objectives, the unit is backed by a nine person strong team in Asia ex-Japan and Australia. Flow business aside, the team also supports the development of bespoke solutions such as fund-linked notes, close-ended structures and fit-for-purpose product ranges.

Congratulations to Janus Henderson Investors for its well-deserved title as 2018’s Best Fund Provider – Real Estate Asset.