Leaders Conversation Panel 1 | A challenging 2019: Positioning Asian client portfolios for 2020

It has been a turbulent 2019 for global investors, with Sino-US trade relations continuing to cause uncertainty in global markets, an increasingly fractured European economy, and political and socio-economic unrest across both emerging and mature markets. The flight to cash at the end of last year and missed opportunities from 1Q19 rebound is just one of many examples of challenges facing clients seeking consistent returns across their portfolios. How are private banks advising clients to mitigate risk and maximise returns for the coming year? Where are the opportunities and challenges ahead, at both a geographical and product level? Will macro-economic uncertainties lead to more risk-off?

Moderator:
Sebastian Enberg, Editor, Asian Private Banker

Conversation catalysts:
David Gaud, Chief Investment Officer, Asia and Head of Discretionary Portfolio Management, Asia, Pictet Wealth Management
James Cheo, Chief Market Strategist, Southeast Asia, HSBC Private Banking
Johan Jooste, Managing Director, The Global CIO Office
Tuan Huynh, Managing Director Chief Investment Officer, Emerging Markets Head of Discretionary Portfolio Management, Emerging Markets, Deutsche Bank Wealth Management
Wey Fook Hou, Managing Director, Chief Investment Officer, DBS Private Bank

Presentation: China’s “New Economy” Drivers: The Opportunities in Small and Innovative Chinese Companies

China now contributes more to global economic GDP growth than the United States, Europe, and Japan combined. As China’s equity markets continue to evolve over time, investors have new ways to access the Chinese growth story. One of the best ways to capitalise on China’s “New Economy” drivers – including consumption, services, innovation, technology, and healthcare-related companies – is through small-cap investing. Entrepreneurial spirit, business competitiveness, and an innovative mindset are driving the growth of China’s small-cap firms. These themes are also reflected in China’s latest bold financial market reform – the Science and Technology Innovation (STAR) Board.

Join us at our Matthews Asia workshop where portfolio manager Tiffany Hsiao, CFA, will share her insights on the investment opportunities within Chinese Small Companies and the potential of China’s STAR Board.

Presenter: Tiffany Hsiao, CFA, Portfolio Manager, Matthews Asia

Panel Discussion: Succession Planning

Asia’s tremendous economic growth during the past few decades has produced a significant increase in the number of high net worth individuals (HNWIs) across the region. With many of these HNWIs now advancing in age, one of the most complex and critical issues they face is succession planning. What factors should HNWIs and their families consider when preparing for succession planning of family wealth and businesses? How should they engage professionals to ensure that effective succession plans are in place? Is there a broad consensus on what best-practice succession planning looks like? What is the role of life insurance in succession planning?When is the ‘right’ time to plan for succession? What are the challenges wealth planners face in the region, and what opportunities remain overlooked or have yet to be fully realised?

Moderator:
Brandon Caneer, Head, Proposition Development & Advanced Marketing, Transamerica Life Bermuda

Conversation catalysts:
Faye Ong, Head of Wealth Planning, South Asia, Union Bancaire Privée
Reto Marx, Managing Director, Head of Client Business Singapore, VP Bank
Thomas Ang, Director, Head of Family Office Services, Asia Pacific, Credit Suisse

Presentation: Smart Food – From Innovation to Transformation

Robotics, big data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. The internet of things. The rise of innovative technology is revolutionising the processes and outputs of the food industry by increasing sustainability, traceability, and quality.

Backed by the wave of technological disruption together with supportive environmental policies and changing consumer patterns, the food industry is transforming swiftly. Discerning, health-conscious consumers who are attuned to sustainability are keen purchasers of natural, organic, sustainably produced foods and alternative packaging. Their influence is driving companies to innovate and firms with a technological edge are likely to enjoy better pricing power.

With these positive trends, coupled with the need to tackle pressing challenges, such as massive food waste and an expected booming global population that needs to be fed, come vibrant developments and opportunities to invest throughout the food value chain. These business solutions cut across the value chain of growers and processors, machinery and equipment, logistics and infrastructure, as well as food safety and distribution.

These businesses are also well diversified across areas from sustainable food supply to resource efficiency and nutritious content. Examples include the production of plant-based meats and recycled packaging, managing food waste, reducing CO2, and improving water management for agricultural productivity.

With all that in mind, isn’t it time to take a bite out of the investment opportunities in the food industry’s transformation?

Presenter: David Li, CPA, CFA, Senior Portfolio Manager, Director, Impax Asset Management

Presentation: Partnering in Uncertain Times – Generating Value Together

Uncertainty arising from geopolitical events (Brexit, Trade war, etc), macro-economic environment (plunging interest rates, stagnant growth, etc) and mixed signals from the central bankers can impact client investment objectives and decisions adversely. Questions such as, “Is S&P toppish and should I seek protection?”, “What should a model portfolio look like?”, “How can I access alternative assets and generate de-correlated returns?”, abound with no clear consensus among the markets experts.

The right partnerships can help navigate through the rough times we all anticipate in future
Our team of experienced professionals works closely with discretionary portfolio and asset managers in developing new ideas expressed in investible assets. Join Natixis to see how they can support your clients in creating the right solutions together, by utilising each other’s strengths.

Presenter: Guillaume Calvino, Head of Financial Engineering, Equity Derivatives, Asia Pacific, Natixis Investment Banking

Leaders Conversation Panel 2: Bonds vs. Equities vs. Alternatives – Asia’s returns versus global benchmarks

With lower for longer rates, what kind of products should investors be buying in 2020 given the current global economic outlook? Should there be more focus on fixed income products? Which ones? In the equity arena, if investors have previously been under-exposed, how should they take on more exposure? Do thematic strategies still resonate and if so, should these still be broad based or are niche offerings the way forward? And in the alternatives space, is the strong demand for private equity and real estate likely to spill over into next year and if so, how can banks harness that demand?

Moderator:
Charlene Cong, CFA, Senior Reporter, Head of Investments Coverage, Asian Private Banker

Conversation catalysts:
Garth Bregman, Head of Investment Services, Asia Pacific, BNP Paribas Wealth Management
Marc Van de Walle, CFA, Managing Director, Global Head of Products, Bank of Singapore
Paul Stefansson, Managing Director, Global Head of Investment Funds, UBS Wealth Management
Rodolphe Larqué, Managing Director, Head of Managed Solutions, Asia Pacific, Credit Suisse