Insurers

Diversification and increasing exposure to alternatives has become a core strategy for insurance investors, but what does this mean against the ever-changing macro backdrop? Hong Kong’s leading insurance investors will gather in person and discuss how to position portfolios for success.

Major lifers in China are dealing with increasing pressure over their asset allocation strategies and returns under a volatile capital market plus a new solvency regime domestically.

India’s Life Insurance Corp initial offering was oversubscribed 2.95 times, with participation from Norges Bank Investment Management, GIC, ADIA, and domestic funds; the Saudi Public Investment Fund will allow investments in Israeli companies for the first time with a $2 billion commitment in private-equity firm Affinity Partners; Hong Kong's Exchange Fund posts $7 billion quarterly loss; and more

From allocating capital to ESG portfolios to supporting businesses in transition, institutional investors have the power to move the needle in the global quest for a decarbonised economy.

Singapore's tougher family office rules could attract more wealth; AXA Hong Kong to deploy $1.4 billion into alternative assets in 2022; AIA regional CEO Bill Lisle dies at 57; OTPP focuses investment in three Asia Pacific markets; Asset Management Awards 2022: Best asset service providers

Norges Bank Investment Management, GIC and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority are among anchor investors in the initial public offering of Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India; Future Fund warns of heightened risks as it reports -1.5% returns for Q1 2022; Five Japanese insurers invest $367.3 million in World Bank sustainable bond; and more.

Insurers such as Manulife, Prudential, and Allianz believe the influx of a large pool of assets can drive the long-term vitality of China's capital market.

Pension funds and life insurers are still cautious about US-listed Chinese firms and some of them are switching to onshore A-shares.

Singapore sovereign wealth fund GIC takes up 49.9% stake in Wee Hur’s student housing portfolio in Australia; China's Sunshine Insurance reportedly looking to list on HKEX in potentially the largest IPO of the year; New China Insurance issues a warning that its first-quarter profit might decline 70%; and Temasek sends stern warning on corporate governance to portfolio companies; and more

Lisle oversaw AIA’s business operations in Thailand, Vietnam, India and Sri Lanka and was also the group chief distribution officer since 2011.

The two major institutional investors also shared their approach to tackling greenwashing, which includes going beyond standard disclosures and using artificial intelligence tools.

More exposure to risky assets, and better asset liability management and ESG practices are among the focuses of Chinese life insurance companies in 2022.