Threadneedle eyes Asian equity, sharia buildout

UK-based asset manager Threadneedle is looking to add a core fund management capability in Asia, initially focused on equities, as it strives to build up its regional presence. It comes as the firm, which sources around 10% of its £86 billion ($132 billion) in AUM from Asia, explores other opportunities, including potentially launching sharia products, a global thematic fund and an infrastructure product for retail investors. Threadneedle has been seeking to build its Asia base,…