According to the report, the Asia-Pacific region holds 30 percent of global private financial wealth, but only accounts for 17 percent of assets under management, and only 13 percent of assets in regulated investment funds. Rising investor demand has fueled strong growth in Asian fund markets in recent years, and is further strengthened by the expected high growth in the region’s GDP in the short and mid-term. These favorable conditions were the rationale for Deloitte’s increased focus on Asia, and the result is a comprehensive report that aims to help asset managers navigate the intricacies of the Asian fund markets.

As the report illustrates, Asian fund markets represent diverse levels of financial maturity—from emerging markets to mature markets—and the region offers vastly different investment patterns, cultural norms, and business rules.

“The Asian fund markets are very fragmented; consequently asset managers need to increase their detailed knowledge of each individual jurisdiction to be able to fully enjoy the enormous growth potential present in this region,” explains Lou Kiesch, Partner at Deloitte Luxembourg and responsible for the report. “The regulatory framework, specific market characteristics and the overall investment culture vary significantly from one Asian jurisdiction to the next, and a successful distribution strategy will require an in-depth understanding of the key drivers of each market,” Lou Kiesch adds.

Knowledge is key
The “Navigating Asia” report provides a comprehensive overview of seven Asia-Pacific jurisdictions: Australia, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan.

Produced in association with Marc Evans, a seasoned, Australia-based fund distribution expert specializing in the Asia-Pacific region, the report highlights the most important factors affecting the success of an Asian fund distribution strategy, and zooms in on the specific market characteristics of each of the seven markets featured and analyzed in this first edition. In a comprehensive way, the report illustrates how recent market developments have played out in each market and identifies future distribution trends. The report also explores opportunities created by the Asian fund passport initiatives.

Additional reports will be issued on a semi-annual basis, providing updated insights into the key tax and regulatory changes that impact these jurisdictions. Each edition will provide valuable information and perspectives for fund managers striving to gain a foothold in Asia, and give fund managers already present in Asia the necessary tools to improve their existing distribution strategy.  

Explore the report here: https://www2.deloitte.com/lu/en/pages/investment-management/articles/asian-report.html