Is China too big to ignore?

China’s growth an evolution as an economic super power is a critical long-term issue for institutional investors. This session examined the risks and opportunities in the Chinese equities markets and how investors can best gain access. Speakers:  Matthew Kempton, Deputy chief investment officer and director, equities, Funds SA Kevin Yeoh, Equity research analyst, MFS Wenli … Read more

Emerging markets: The winds of innovation, outsourcing and convergence

The reflation trade, reopening narrative and the weak US dollar have led investors to be enamoured with emerging markets again. While emerging markets have benefited from the reverberations of the pandemic, where do future opportunities and vulnerabilities lie?  Speakers: Daniel J. Graña, Portfolio manager, emerging market equity, Janus Henderson  Sara Moreno, Emerging markets equity portfolio … Read more

Regulations on data, disclosure and performance a “triple threat” to operations in 2021

APRA reporting requirements will only heighten the challenge for funds of understanding, mapping and tagging increasing amounts of data, and directing it towards various insights and reporting standards, experts have highlighted.

Technology brings new weapons against impenetrable jargon

The data science that has been introduced into the due diligence process in the last year enables a large number of managers quickly and efficiently identify their investment skills in a way that that really wasn’t possible say several years ago, according to Inalytics’s Rick Di Mascio.

No stock standard approach when establishing data management platforms, say experts

Organisations might begin by seeking an operational and portfolio data solution that’s fit-for-purpose but end up establishing their own data management platforms to gain data independence from their custodian, a panel has discussed.

Eradicating siloed data must be a priority for investment managers

Organisations need to make sure data owners are equipped and empowered with tools and business processes to avoid disconnect between the governance function and the ability of data owners to actually adhere to their standards, experts have said.

It’s time to do things differently in retirement policy

After six-years in retirement income helping super funds and policymakers with their positioning, strategy and product in all things decumulation, Amara Haqqani is shifting her focus elsewhere, but not before delivering some home truths to the segment.

Blockchain could democratise infrastructure investments, says Northern Trust exec

Northern Trust’s recent deal between with Singapore-based fintech BondEvalue, which allows the purchase of fractionalised blockchain-based bonds, is indicative of where tokenisation is headed, according to Pete Cherecwich.

Rejecting Covid vaccine ‘unfair’: Dr John Fraser

While he doesn’t advocate forced vaccinations, the world-renowned medical professor and heart and lung intensive care specialist expressed frustration with poor leadership and the media “beat up” on blood clots, which has undermined confidence in the global vaccine rollout.