AsianInvestor’s 10 top stories in July

Here we present the stories from our daily newsletter that attracted the most attention in July, with number one having received the most hits from our core readership of asset owners. We do not include in the list the roundups of people news we publish every week. 

1. How HKMA will manage HK’s new annuity investments (by Jolie Ho, July 19)

The central bank opened its HK$10 billion life annuity scheme for registration today, and will use several of its divisions to invest the premiums and manage the risks they incur.

2. Asset owners divided on ESG approaches (by Indira Vergis, July 5)

EPF, Prudential Malaysia and Axa Affin Life are adopting ESG principles in different ways, ranging from exclusionary screening to sustainable investing, delegates heard at an AI forum.

3. What new pension rules mean for China lifers’ ALM (by Jolie Ho, July 11)

New asset allocation rules and staffing requirements have been set out for life insurers engaging in the annuities business, as well as fund houses seeking to manage such funds. 

4. How Texas Teachers is revising its investing strategy (by Joe Marsh, July 16)

The $151 billion pension fund’s CIO explains the rationale behind big changes in areas such as investment insourcing and equities allocation.

5. HSBC AM taps Axa IM for Asia insurance lead (by Indira Vergis, July 18)

The new appointment to the UK fund house's financial institutions group will focus on the $7 trillion Asia-Pacific insurance segment.

6. Why UK pension funds like HSBC’s are factoring up (by Joe Marsh, July 2)

HSBC's UK retirement scheme is increasing its quasi-passive exposure, reflecting a trend among its peers. Their approach may interest Asian investors drawn to smart beta.

7. Taiwan’s BLF plans EM mandate of up to $2bn (by Jolie Ho, July 17)

The state pension fund’s deputy director general spoke to AsianInvestor about its plans for the equity portfolio, which is likely to be split between five sizeable asset managers.

8. T. Rowe Price raids rivals for Asia buildout (by Joe Marsh, July 25) 

The $1 trillion US fund house is fast adding staff in Hong Kong across investment and sales, as other asset managers consolidate or retrench in the region.

9. Temasek builds US exposure, flags global concerns (by Joe Marsh, July 11)

The Singapore state investor is steadily expanding its North America portfolio and has opened a third US office, in Washington, DC. But it may slow its pace of deal-making globally.

10. Prudential Singapore appoints new product head (by Joe Marsh, July 4)

A senior executive will switch from Eastspring Investments, part of UK-based Prudential, to replace Paul Wilson as insurers in Asia look to develop their offerings for wealthy clients.