AsianInvestor’s 10 top stories in May

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

1. Manulife open to "opportunities" for new China unit (by Jolie Ho, May 22)

The firm may follow Allianz and FWD in setting up a new insurance unit after Beijing's recent relaxation of ownership rules, as asset and wealth managers seek majority local ownership.

2. Investors react to Malaysia’s stunning election upset (by staff reporters, May 10)

A new government is to take office in Malaysia for the first time in its history. What does the fall of Najib Razak mean for investors in the country and across the region?

3. Prudential prioritises China in Asia expansion plans (by Richard Morrow, May 15)

The Asian chief executive of UK-based insurer Prudential is pushing to expand in China, both on the asset management and insurance sides of the business.

4. Ping An targets offshore clients in big HK buildout (by Joe Marsh, May 24)

The asset management arm of Chinese insurer Ping An has been hiring heavy investment hitters in Hong Kong to strengthen its international capabilities, and is now adding sales staff.

5. Japan Post Bank steps up alts push, outlines plans (by Indira Vergis, May 20)

The huge institution has set out more detail about its rapid push into hedge funds, private markets and other risk assets, as its head of asset management prepares to exit.

6. China lifers face ALM challenge from new tax rules (by Jolie Ho, May 11)

Beijing's new tax-deferral scheme for certain pension products will boost revenues for life insurers but also create longevity and reinvestment risks and affect allocations, say experts.

7. Edelweiss Tokio Life backs real assets to boost yield (by Indira Vergis, May 9)

Infrastructure and real estate assets are particularly attractive alternatives, says Bismillah Chowdhary, chief investment officer at the Mumbai-based Indo-Japanese joint venture.

8. HAPFS’s Ho questions merits of performance-only fees (by Indira Vergis, May 7)

Performance-only fees do not necessarily better align investor and manager interests, says Doris Ho, executive director of Hong Kong's Hospital Authority Provident Fund Scheme.

9. Nuveen and PGIM line up Asia real estate funds (by Joe Marsh, May 16)

The two US firms are to launch open-ended core real estate products to tap rising demand among global investors for Asian property. BlackRock may also consider such a move.

10. Asian asset owners piling into absolute-return strategies (by Ernest Chan, May 8)

Asian institutional investors are taking shelter from heightened market volatility and rising rates in absolute-return fixed income strategies.