Following its purchase of Daiwa Securities' hedge fund administration unit, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank is building its fund servicing business into a global platform.
They eagerly await regulatory approval for the first fund admin outsourcing deal, while some see the opening of local custodian business to foreign banks as imminent.
Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank’s proposed purchase of Daiwa Securities’ hedge-fund admin and trustee business should provide it with access to new client segments.
The bank has established a team in Shanghai and is working with a local fund house to explore outsourcing opportunities on the understanding that deregulation is inevitable.
Asset-servicing firm RBC Dexia says RBC's acquisition of the remaining half of the business will hasten regional expansion and lead to greater cross-selling opportunities.
The firm has re-hired John Sin to run North Asia business development after splitting the regional role. It aims to source new clients and serve existing ones with new products.
The new platform is focused on alternatives funds across Asia, with China its main long-term target, and will ultimately service traditional fund clients.
Christof Kutscher, Asia CEO at UBS Global Asset Management, explains the business strategy behind entering fund admin and says hiring Colin Lunn is just the start.