Best of the Best ASEAN Awards

Recognises the leading index provider in Southeast Asia that has made significant contributions to improving investor outcomes through innovative index development, research, and advisor support.

Judging Criteria

• The winner will have demonstrated a commitment to excellence, innovation, and meeting the evolving needs of the market.
  The judging panel will evaluate the firm's contributions to the industry, including the development of new indices, research initiatives, advisor support, technological advancements, and the positive impact on investor outcomes.

Submission Guidelines

• Provide information on innovative practices and investments in new technology or support infrastructure used to support the provision of indexes the firm provides and give details of the company’s online presence; provide evidence of having benefited from smoother operations and/or new value added services; and list significant contributions to the investment management industry.

Recognises the leading ETF index provider in Southeast Asia that has demonstrated exceptional innovation, accuracy and objectivity in developing indices.

Judging Criteria

• The winner will have played a pivotal role in driving the growth of the ETF market in the region by offering a diverse range of sophisticated index concepts that meet the evolving needs of investors and expanding their index offering on a regional level and across all asset classes.

Recognises the leading ESG index provider in Southeast Asia that has successfully met the growing demand for ESG-focused investment solutions.

Judging Criteria

• The judging panel will evaluate the firm's contributions to the ESG investing landscape in Southeast Asia and the impact of their indices on the market.

Submission Guidelines

• Explain how your institution is meeting client demands by structuring innovative indexes based on your proprietary research methodology.
  Provide supporting data on take-up and size of client assets that track these indices

Recognises the leading domestic custodian in Southeast Asia that has demonstrated exceptional performance and contributions to the market i.e. local banks in ASEAN which offer custody and related services in their home market.

Judging Criteria

• The winner will have a strong track record of asset growth, mandate wins, product innovation, and market advocacy.
  The judging panel will evaluate the firm's ability to navigate global market challenges, compete effectively with foreign and domestic custodians, meet heightened regulatory requirements, and address emerging trends such as digital assets and currencies.

Submission Guidelines

• Explain how your institution has fared in the market in the past 12 months in terms of assets growth, significant mandates won, new product/services introduced, market advocacy.
  Provide supporting data in your submission.

Recognises the pension fund in Southeast Asia that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to member engagement and education.

Judging Criteria

• The winner will have implemented effective communication strategies, utilised innovative technologies, and provided valuable resources to empower members to make informed decisions about their retirement savings. The judging panel will evaluate the fund's communication initiatives, member engagement programs, and the use of technology to enhance the overall member experience.

Submission Guidelines

• Explain steps that your pension fund has undertaken to improve the engagement process, new initiatives, raising investor education programmes, and the tools and technologies that have been used to convey the key messages.

Recognises the pension fund in Southeast Asia (government, state or corporate) that has demonstrated the most significant improvements in its operations, member benefits and features, and long-term sustainability.

Judging Criteria

• The winner will have implemented innovative features and benefits that enhance the value proposition for members while ensuring the fund's financial health. The judging panel will evaluate the fund's progress, supporting data, and the measures implemented to achieve these improvements.

Submission Guidelines

• Provide supporting data and measures implemented

Recognises the asset manager in Southeast Asia that has demonstrated exceptional integration of ESG factors into their investment processes.

Judging Criteria

• The winner will have a well-defined ESG approach, a robust research and investment methodology, and a strong track record of delivering positive ESG outcomes.

Submission Guidelines

• Explain how the three components are applied across your research and investment processes in ASEAN.
  Explain how your firm’s ESG policies and strategies have been adopted and integrated into your portfolios (whether firm wide or by specific asset classes) and the research methodology and scoring system used.
  ​​Provide supporting data on assets and third party endorsements, if any.

Recognises the leading ESG-focused asset manager in Southeast Asia.

Judging Criteria

• The winner will have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and a strong commitment to ESG principles.

Submission Guidelines

• Explain your firm’s ESG approach, its set up in ASEAN and provide specific examples of your ESG investment strategies in ASEAN.
  Indicate the size of your ESG team, resources, products and assets under management in Asia for the period to November 30 2024.

Recognises the leading impact investing manager in Southeast Asia.

Judging Criteria

• The winner will have demonstrated exceptional expertise in combining financial returns with positive social or environmental impact.

Submission Guidelines

• Explain how your firm is making a difference in deploying this strategy in either public markets or private markets, the research and investment process, and assets under management.

Recognises the pension fund in Southeast Asia that has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to integrating ESG factors into their investment strategies.

Judging Criteria

• The winner will have successfully implemented robust ESG practices, aligned their investments with sustainability goals, and demonstrated a positive impact on their beneficiaries.

Submission Guidelines

• Explain how your pension fund has incorporated ESG best practices into your portfolios and to ensure the long-term sustainability of these investments.

Recognises the asset management firm in Southeast Asia that has most effectively leveraged technology to enhance its products or services and deliver superior outcomes for clients.

Judging Criteria

• The winner will have demonstrated innovative use of fintech solutions, improved operational efficiency, and enhanced client experience.

Submission Guidelines

• Explain how your firm is deploying or has deployed cutting edge technology or technologies to offer better outcomes for your clients at the retail, wholesale or institutional level. Please explain your online presence and use of apps, if any.

Recognises the asset manager in Southeast Asia that has most effectively leveraged artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance their investment processes and deliver superior results for clients.

Judging Criteria

• The winner will have demonstrated innovative use of AI technologies to improve portfolio management, risk analysis, and decision-making.

Submission Guidelines

• Explain your firm’s AI initiatives, their impact on client outcomes, and their contribution to the advancement of AI in the asset management industry.

Recognises the institution (stock exchange, bank, asset manager, insurer, sovereign wealth fund, corporate) in Southeast Asia that has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to addressing climate change.

Judging Criteria

• The winner will have implemented effective strategies to reduce carbon emissions, promote sustainable practices, and contribute to the transition to a net-zero emissions economy.
  The judging panel will evaluate the institution's climate change initiatives, their impact on the environment, and their plans for future sustainability.

Submission Guidelines

• Explain how your institution is responding in ASEAN to this challenge and steps implemented to date and plans for the future

Recognises the leading financial institution in Southeast Asia that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace culture.

Judging Criteria

• The winner will have implemented effective DEI policies and practices, promoted diversity and inclusion initiatives, and made significant contributions to creating a more equitable workplac

Submission Guidelines

• Explain how your institution is structured in ASEAN, progress and achievements to date and plans for future initiatives.