Bearish sentiment on emerging markets has created buying opportunities, says Matthews Asia, which may look to launch Asia funds in Hong Kong, the firm's first outside the US.
Following its purchase of Daiwa Securities' hedge fund administration unit, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank is building its fund servicing business into a global platform.
The US manager is readying a platform for Hong Kong-domiciled funds, say sources. This follows Franklin Templeton's launch of a range of local products, and other firms are said to be eyeing similar moves.
Making custodians liable for asset losses would raise costs sharply, lead to consolidation and alter the way the industry operates, agree summit participants.
Certain EU and Iosco proposals need work, says industry body ICI Global, which has just opened an Asia-Pacific chapter and welcomed its first Chinese fund house as a member.
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.