The COVID-19 outbreak, now in its third year, has changed the climate for asset management in Asia, as it has elsewhere in the world. Investor wealth has shrunk, inflation has risen, and work has become increasingly digitalised. Even as the pandemic continues to disrupt economic activity, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has added further uncertainty to global markets. Asset managers in Asia are having to not only manage the evolving environment but also forge strategies for future growth. What are some of the key aspects they must consider?

Building a strong digital and analytics infrastructure has become imperative, for a start. Online channels for sales, operations and communications would remain prominent after the pandemic, despite some return to the physical. Asia’s asset managers also would need to re-assess growth opportunities by geographic allocations or customer segments, and re-focus on mergers and acquisitions and consolidation.

All the while, they would need to stay abreast of a changing regulatory environment, including tougher rules on adoption of environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles. The second edition of Future of Asset Management Asia will gather together leaders, experts and thinkers from the asset management industry to explore the best strategies for post-pandemic growth in the region.

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