9th Funds Selection Nexus 2022, Hong Kong

Date:
6 September 2022
Time:
08:55 – 12:20
Venue:
The American Club (Town Club), Hong Kong

Overview

Asian Private Banker is delighted to gather the key due diligence and fund selector leaders from private banks in Asia, to examine and discuss the ever changing demands of the Asian client, evolving product shelves, and how best to navigate volatile market conditions at the 9th Funds Selection Nexus Hong Kong.

Agenda

08:30 – 08:55 Registration
08:55 – 09:00 Welcome Remarks
09:00 – 09:45 Plenary Selector Panel Discussion | The quest for resilience and diversification in Asian portfolios

Geopolitical tensions, along with rising inflation and interest rates – and the market volatility that has emerged as a result – have driven wealth managers in Asia Pacific to seek solutions that help their clients’ portfolios sustain returns, hedge volatility, and source innovative ways to offer greater overall diversification.

While many house views and fund creators have turned conservative in the near-term, there has been no shortage of varied and productive investment opportunities, ranging from strategies around semi-liquid private markets, capital-protected products, value-focused funds (rather than growth), short-duration bonds, income-generating assets like REITS and infrastructure, to thematic strategies around sustainability, biotech, digitalisation and healthcare. Meanwhile, the prevailing mindset has turned toward recommending high conviction asset allocation and investment-grade bonds.

As we near the fourth quarter, how have some of Asia’s preeminent fund selectors taken stock of the year that has been and, importantly, where are their priorities and what are their expectations for Q4 and beyond?

How are their banks helping clients to exploit the extraordinary price action in certain parts of the global markets, while also seeking to achieve greater geographic and overall diversification? Where are clients’ mindsets at such a unique juncture – divest, stay invested, or increase exposure given current market prices? Where do the opportunities lie across asset classes? Are there any product gaps on selectors’ wishlists?

Speakers:

Christina Au-Yeung
Co-Head of Investment Management Services, Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management Asia
Jaye Chiu
Head of Investment Products and Advisory, Bank of East Asia
Julie Koo
Managing Director & Global Head of Third-Party Manager Solutions, Asia Pacific, Citi Global Wealth Investments
Lina Lim
Regional Head of Discretionary and Funds, Asia Pacific, HSBC Global Private Banking

Moderator:

Daniel Shane
Editor, Asian Private Banker

09:50 – 11:30

Breakout Sessions

Workshop 1 | The future of investing in China (hosted by Allianz Global Investors)

Recent events in China send an important signal about what equity investors can expect in coming years. The growth model is changing – away from short-term GDP targets that require debt-fueled stimulus, and towards a more sustainable approach. For the time being, policy settings will likely remain far looser than other major economies. And with valuations below historical levels, this should provide near term support for China equities.

Looking longer-term, building a more sustainable economy will require different growth drivers. Technology-led innovation will play a key role in China’s growth, with capital and resources directed towards developing a modern and advanced industrial sector. Healthcare will become more of a focus, especially to support an aging population. And increasing affluence will lead to related trends such as a more health-conscious lifestyle.

As the economic drivers change, so we will have to start thinking differently to capture the ‘where next for China growth story?’ Thematic investing has become popular in mainland China, but so far there has been limited availability for offshore investors. We believe this is set to change and see significant opportunities for actively-managed thematic products as the future for investing in China.

Workshop host:

Tessa Wong, Product Specialist, Allianz Global Investors

Workshop 2 | Diversified domestic opportunities across Asia ex-Japan (hosted by Baillie Gifford)

Despite recent volatility, equities remain an important asset class, especially for investors expecting a higher long-term return in an inflationary and rising interest rate environment. At a time when some investors appear to be questioning their Asia ex-Japan allocation, Baillie Gifford is as bullish as they have been for many years.

Fiscally, Asia appears much healthier than in previous downturns and relative to developed markets. The understandable concerns over inflation and energy security find their beneficiaries in many Asian economies.

The quality of the companies we can access in Asia ex-Japan is better than it has ever been and the valuation we’re being asked to pay for these companies is as low in both an absolute and relative sense as it has been for many, many years.

Workshop host:

Andrew Keiller, Investment Specialist, Baillie Gifford

Workshop 3 | Why compromise quality for yield? (hosted by PineBridge Investments)

When most risk assets have been in free-fall over the past year and a half, the Asia investment grade (IG) debt markets demonstrated remarkable resilience showing investors that the asset class could provide stable income and uncorrelated alpha, acting as a durable core allocation across market cycles. IG bonds are relatively more insulated from market volatility compared with other asset classes, offering a more stable investment solution with attractive risk-adjusted returns. With the challenges ahead including elevated inflation, rising rates and China’s economic slowdown, an active investment approach focusing on flexibility and selectivity will remain key.

Join this session where PineBridge’s Andy Suen, Portfolio Manager and Head of Asia ex-Japan Credit Research, shares how a highly nuanced approach to credit selection can harness advantages of this asset class more effectively, starting with a robust credit research process that analyses bonds from both the bottom up and top down to build a portfolio likely to meet the volatility and return challenges of shifting markets.

Workshop host:

Andy Suen, Portfolio Manager and Head of Asia ex-Japan Credit Research, PineBridge Investments

11:35 – 11:50 APB Intelligence Briefing

Asian Private Banker‘s Intelligence Briefing is a year to date review of the strategies and priorities of Asia’s top private banks, curated and aggregated using our unrivalled access to the key players and institutions driving Asia’s private banking sector. The 15 minute briefing will provide a broad overview of fund inflows and outflows across Singapore and Hong Kong year to date, specific asset allocation breakdowns and tactical calls based on editorial insight from APAC private bank CIOs, and where the priorities for lie amongst the different banks in this region, including specific new mandate launches, changes in client demographics, and regional AUM performance.

Speaker:

Daniel Shane
Editor, Asian Private Banker

11:50 – 12:20 Closing Fireside Chat | Timing the opportunity to capture China’s future growth

General sentiment amongst Asian Private Banker readers is that the region’s investors continue to view China as offering significant opportunities for growth, despite the current headwinds. Being selective though is critical to managing the volatility resulting from slowing consumption trends, a drag from the property sector, and weak business confidence and labour markets.

So what are the sectors that wealth managers see as offering the greatest opportunities when faced with current market conditions? Where lies the attractive valuations that can deliver sustained, predictable growth? The digital economy and internet sector? EV supply chain and renewable energy operators? Small- and mid-cap Chinese equities who are less impacted by regulatory crackdowns on sectors like technology? And when it comes to portfolio construction, what recommendations are wealth managers offering their clients when it comes to weighting Chinese equities vs. fixed income? Are there opportunities in the Chinese alternatives sector that clients are seeking?

As the Chinese economy looks to benefit from increased stimulus measures and comparatively lower inflation than other key global markets in the second half of 2022, join our closing session to explore where the greatest opportunities lie for the months and years ahead.

Speakers:

Charis Wong
Director, Head of Fund Solutions, Asia Pacific, Credit Suisse
Gabriel Chan
Head of Investment Services, Hong Kong, BNP Paribas Wealth Management

Moderator:

Daniel Shane
Editor, Asian Private Banker

12:20 Networking Lunch

Sponsors

Conversation Partners

Location

The Clipper, The American Club
48/F, Two Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place, Central, Hong Kong

Contact Us

Speaking Opportunities
clark.c@asianprivatebanker.com
Sponsorship Opportunities
events@asianprivatebanker.com

Andrew Keiller
Investment Specialist, Baillie Gifford

Andrew joined Baillie Gifford in 2011 and is currently an investment specialist for Asia ex-Japan equities. He is a CFA Charterholder, and graduated BSc (Hons) in Mathematics and Business Studies from The University of Edinburgh.

Baillie Gifford launched Asia ex-Japan strategy in 1989, seeing through the Asian financial crisis of the late 90’s, the tech bubble burst, SARS, the GFC, and the taper tantrum. There are lessons from all these periods but, there has also been one constant; dollar earnings growth ultimately conquers all. The persistent correlation of long-run dollar earnings growth and stock price performance has prevailed through all different market environments, and the current environment appears unlikely to buck that trend.

Christina Au-Yeung
Co-Head of Investment Management Services, Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management Asia

Christina read anthropology and law at the London School of Economics and Political Science, UK and started her career at Tiburon Partners LLP, an equity long/short business based in St James’s, London.

Christina relocated to Hong Kong in 2013 to join the fund advisory desk at Bank J. Safra Sarasin Ltd. In 2018, Christina joined Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management Asia as alternative investments specialist, investment management services (IMS). In 2022, Christina assumed the role of co‐head of IMS, responsible for managed product origination, marketing and distribution.

Jaye Chiu
Head of Investment Products and Advisory, Bank of East Asia

Jaye Chiu is the head of investment products and advisory for Bank of East Asia, overseeing all investment products, advisory services and brokerage services provided to personal, high-net-worth, corporate and institutional clients across the bank’s personal banking, private banking, corporate banking and BEA China. In particular, Jaye and his teams have been focusing on adopting technology-driven and cross-border wealth management solutions to benefit BEA’s clients within the region.

Previously, Jaye worked as a managing director and regional head of investment for Bank of Montreal (BMO) Private Bank in Asia, as well as a senior managing director and head of investment for Hong Kong at EFG Bank AG. Prior to these roles, Jaye also held other senior roles in HSBC Private Bank, BNP Paribas Wealth Management and UBS Wealth Management.

Jaye graduated with honours from Tepper School of Business – Carnegie Mellon University in the US. He is a CAIA (Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst), CIWM (Certified International Wealth Management Diploma) and CPWP (Certified Private Wealth Professional) charter holder. Jaye speaks regularly at financial industry conferences and acts as a judge for various awards within the financial industry in Asia.

Lina Lim
Regional Head of Discretionary and Funds, Asia Pacific, HSBC Global Private Banking

Lina Lim is the Regional Head of Discretionary and Funds, Investments and Wealth Solutions for Asia Pacific at HSBC Global Private Banking. Ms. Lim has over 23 years of industry experience, primarily in asset and wealth management.

Prior to joining HSBC Global Private Banking, Ms. Lim worked for J.P. Morgan Wealth Management for over a decade in various capacities. Her most recent responsibility at J.P. Morgan Wealth Management was to spearhead institutional wealth management’s discretionary business in Asia for family offices, endowments, nonprofits and foundations. Before joining J.P. Morgan Wealth Management, Lina was a responsible officer and senior portfolio manager with Sumitomo Mitsui Asset Management, based in Hong Kong.

Ms. Lim is a member of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants (ACCA) and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). She is an advocate for sustainable investing and has a strong passion for charity. She previously served as a board member for two nonprofit organisations focusing on women’s education and wellness. She holds a postgraduate certificate in business sustainability from the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability leadership, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. She was also a speaker at the 4th Global Asset Allocation Focus (GAAF 2019) in Shanghai, focusing on ESG investing.

Charis Wong
Director, Head of Fund Solutions, Asia Pacific, Credit Suisse

Charis Wong is head of fund solutions for Asia Pacific with the Credit Suisse Wealth Management Division. Based in Hong Kong, Charis is responsible for the bank’s Asia funds business, mainly covering the Hong Kong and China, Southeast Asia and Australia markets. Charis oversees and manages a team of professionals specialising in investment advisory, due diligence and fund selection.

Charis joined Credit Suisse from BNP Paribas Wealth Management in 2014, where she was an investment advisor, specialising in fund advisory and customised fund portfolio solutions, covering the Hong Kong and Taiwan markets.

Prior to that, Charis held positions as senior portfolio analyst with Citi Private Bank and research analyst with MSCI Barra.

Charis obtained her business degree with a double major in finance and information systems from the Hong Kong University of Science & Technology and is a CFA Charterholder.

Tessa Wong
Product Specialist, Allianz Global Investors

Tessa Wong is a Hong Kong-based product specialist with Allianz Global Investors. She joined the firm in 2017 and specialises in Greater China equity and Asian income strategies.

Tessa’s previous experience includes working at Citi and JP Morgan private bank, where she was the product manager overseeing the fund platform ranging from fixed income to multi-asset and equity strategies.

Since joining Allianz Global Investors, Tessa has contributed significantly to the growth of the China A Shares and All China equity strategies and has also led the development of their Asia and China Income franchise.

Tessa has a Bachelor of Social Science degree in Economics from the Chinese University of Hong Kong and is also a CFA charterholder. She is fluent in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.

Andy Suen
Portfolio Manager and Head of Asia ex-Japan Credit Research, PineBridge Investments

Andy Suen joined PineBridge Investments in 2012 and is currently a portfolio manager and head of Asia ex-Japan credit research within the firm’s emerging markets fixed income team. In this role, Mr. Suen’s responsibilities include portfolio management of Asia credit strategies, supporting key institutional and retail accounts as well as leading a team of research analysts in coordinating Asia credit research and analysis. Mr. Suen and the strategies he manages have received multiple industry awards.

Prior to joining PineBridge Investments, Mr. Suen was a credit desk analyst at BNP Paribas’ Asia flow credit trading desk. Before that, he was a publishing credit analyst with the UBS Asia credit research team.

Mr. Suen holds a master’s degree in financial mathematics from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and a bachelor’s degree in actuarial science with first class honours from the University of Hong Kong. He is a CFA Charterholder and a Certified FRM.

Daniel Shane
Editor, Asian Private Banker

Daniel Shane is editor of Asian Private Banker and is responsible for spearheading the publication’s editorial coverage. Daniel was previously Asia Companies & Markets News editor at the Financial Times in Hong Kong where he managed corporate and financial coverage in both online and print, as well as moderating events for the FT in the region. Earlier in his career Daniel was a reporter for CNN and Barron’s in Asia. He graduated with a degree in Anthropology from the UK’s University of Sussex.

Julie Koo
Managing Director & Global Head of Third-Party Manager Solutions, Asia Pacific, Citi Global Wealth Investments

Julie Koo is managing director and global head of third-party manager solutions, Asia Pacific, for Citi Global Wealth Investments. Julie is responsible for driving the strategic vision for the business, developing new manager relationships, overseeing existing manager relationships and driving the global sales and marketing efforts for Citi’s third-party business across all client segments. She is a member of Citi Global Wealth’s traditional investments leadership team. Prior to her role, she was responsible for leading Citi Private Bank’s managed investments business in the Asia Pacific region.

She started her career as an investment specialist in international/global equities at Fidelity in Boston, before moving to London in 2000 as an executive director for institutional business for EMEA. She moved with Fidelity to Hong Kong in 2006 as managing director and head of institutional business for Asia ex Japan. Subsequently, Julie spent 5 years in a similar role at HSBC Asset Management in Hong Kong, before joining UBS in 2015 as head of institutional distribution for Asia Pacific, as well as head of the overall Hong Kong business for UBS Asset Management.

Julie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mount Holyoke College. She is currently registered with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority as executive officer, responsible for securities dealing, securities advising and asset management.

Gabriel Chan
Head of Investment Services, Hong Kong, BNP Paribas Wealth Management

Gabriel is managing director and head of investment services for Hong Kong. He leads the Hong Kong-based investment services teams to deliver an efficient and reputable advisory and dealing platform to recommend, distribute and execute investment products such as equity, bonds, forex, mutual funds, structured products and more.

Gabriel has over 18 years of experience in equity research. Previously, he was the head of equity research for APAC at BNP Paribas Securities Asia. He worked in a number of global financial institutions, including Credit Suisse, CLSA and Standard & Poor’s.

Gabriel holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts degree in economics from the Queen’s University, Canada, and he is a Chartered Financial Analyst.