J.P. Morgan Asset Management (JPMAM) is the winner of Asset Management Company of the Year for managing to defend its business against intense competition under the most challenging market conditions. This is no mean feat considering its huge size in the region. JPMAM managed to generate excess returns for its clients relative to its peers despite the more challenging market conditions in 2018 compared with the year before.

Allianz Global Investors is awarded Asset Management Company of the Year, Highly Commended – Overall for growing its business in relative terms compared to its peers. A combination of strong performance, innovative new products, and a high level of client service have been the key drivers for its impressive performance.

Barings is awarded Asset Management Company of the Year, Fixed Income. In 2018, its major achievement was making available to retail investors a product that was previously available only to institutional investors thus expanding the selection of products in that space. Its active, credit-focused investment approach is a key component of its strong performance in a difficult market.

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As of the end of December 2018, E Fund has overseen a total AUM of over 1.2 trillion yuan (US$170 billion), making it the largest mutual fund manager in China. In June 2018, E Fund launched a new China A Share environmental index strategy in collaboration with State Street Global Advisors.

 

As of December 31 2018, China Asset Management (AMC) serves a wide client base of both retail investors and institutional investors, with a total AUM of US$147 billion. In August 2018, China AMC announced strategic cooperation with Fidelity International.

 

Despite volatility in the China equity market in 2018, Taikang Asset Management still achieved a 22% AUM growth in its enterprise annuity business with a positive return by optimizing its asset allocation in its portfolios.

As one of the largest asset management companies in China, Ping An Asset Management leveraged its strong capability in managing insurance assets and has been growing its third-party entrusted asset management business significantly.

 

 

E Fund Management (Hong Kong) focuses on cross-border asset management solutions in equities, fixed income and alternative investments for both Chinese and global investors. In December 2018, E Fund HK launched a Hong Kong Dollar Money Market Fund, achieving a short redemption period in the Hong Kong market.

 

China Universal Asset Management (Hong Kong) managed to develop distribution channels in both Hong Kong and mainland China.

In the meanwhile, its actively managed AUM of equity products reached 30 billion yuan by the end of 2018.

 

Founded in 2014, FountainCap Research & Investment has adopted a unique fundamental-research-driven long-only equity strategy, focusing on global long-term opportunities that benefit from China’s transformation. Despite volatility in the equity market, the company still managed to grow its AUM in 2018.

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Allianz Global Investors made several senior hires in Hong Kong last year to strengthen its international and institutional client service in the market. Some of the company’s products have gained a major market share in Hong Kong. Allianz Global Investors is also active in investor education.

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As the ninth-largest AMC in India, Axis Asset Management saw growth across asset classes and achieved 20% AUM growth last year. The company is strong in mutual funds and has incorporated responsible investing in its investment processes, products and resources.

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The company’s AUM has been stable for the last two to three years, with a majority asset class in equity. The company has been enhancing its capability in digitalization. The number of clients through online channels increased by 89% last year.

 

PT. Sucorinvest Asset Management’s flagship fund, Sucorinvest Equity Fund, was one of the best performing funds in 2018 despite a challenging year. The fund achieved a 4.89% return, outperforming the Jakarta Composite Index by 7.43%.

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Being a subsidiary of Shinhan Financial Group and a long-time partner of BNP Paribas Asset Management, Shinhan BNP Paribas Asset Management earned a 5% market share in Korea’s asset management market.

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With major asset allocation in fixed income, AmInvest managed to achieve 6% growth in AUM in 2018. The company positioned to a complete shariah-compliant solutions provider, with nearly half of the total Islamic AUM invested in foreign assets.

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BDO Unibank, Inc. – Trust and Investments is the largest manager of trust assets in the Philippines. In 2018, it grew its trust AUM by 12% despite the market volatility. The company has a 34% market share in the local trust industry.

 

With a large market share of 17.6%, BPI Asset Management and Trust is one of the top asset managers in the Philippines. The company focuses on the local market with 95% of its AUM invested in the Philippines.

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With a stable team, J.P. Morgan Asset Management in Singapore has maintained steady growth. In 2018, the company continued to increase its market share in Singapore, with flagship funds generating steady growth.

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With more than 15% market share, Yuanta led the asset management industry in Taiwan and sailed through a bumpy 2018 by launching product innovations and investment solutions.

Apart from the local market, Yuanta also aggressively expanded its ETF business into other Asian countries.

 

Fubon Asset Management maintained its top five position in Taiwan as it saw an increase in its market share. The growth was mainly driven by cross-national index, domestic index, and ordinary bond funds.

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Compared to the industry average growth of 3.4%, Krungsri Asset Management managed to increase its AUM by 8.4% last year, with growth in businesses including mutual funds, private funds, and provident funds.

 

With a 19% market share in Thailand, Kasikorn Asset Management increased its AUM by about 2.6% last year. The company ranks at the top of the mutual fund business in Thailand.

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With a 30.9% market share, Vietfund Management recorded significant growth in AUM last year. The company has the longest-running operations in the Vietnam market and continues to be the largest of its peers.