Best of the Best Regional Awards

Recognises the outstanding CEO in the Asia-Pacific asset management industry

Judging Criteria

• The winner will have demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and the ability to navigate challenging market conditions.
  The judging panel will evaluate the CEO's performance in managing their firm during the past year, including their ability to manage stakeholder expectations and position the firm for future growth.

Submission Guidelines

• Explain how your franchise has fared and steps implemented to position your firm for growth going forward.
  Provide supporting data for the period to November 30 2024.

Recognises the outstanding Chief Investment Officer (CIO) in the Asia-Pacific asset management industry.

Judging Criteria

• The winner will have demonstrated exceptional investment leadership, strategic acumen, and the ability to navigate challenging market conditions.
  The judging panel will evaluate the CIO's performance in managing their portfolios, mitigating risks, and positioning the firm for future growth.

Submission Guidelines

• Explain how you have navigated the markets during the difficult conditions in the last 12 months, mitigate risks and position your portfolios for the next market cycle.
  Provide supporting data on the portfolios that you are responsible for, size of investment team, investment performance, and new initiatives, if any for the period to November 30 2024.

Recognise the role and contribution of an asset consultant to the funds and pensions industry in Asia

Submission Guidelines

• Demonstrate a solid track record in pensions advisory and a high level of strategic input for its clients.
  Explain new initiatives in the region in the past year and plans for the future.

Recognises an rising market participant in the Asia-Pacific region who has demonstrated exceptional potential and achieved significant success in a relatively short period.

Judging Criteria

• The winner will be a rising star in the asset management industry, showcasing significant financial achievement, enterprise, integrity, innovation and strategic development

Submission Guidelines

• Provide supporting data on assets under management

Recognises the top-performing asset management firm in Asia.

Judging Criteria

• The winner will demonstrate exceptional growth, innovation, and leadership in the post-pandemic landscape.

Submission Guidelines

• Explain how your firm is benefitting from the measures implemented in the past two years post-pandemic and how your firm is poised for the next chapter of growth in the region going forward as new opportunities beckon.
  Provide supporting data for the period to November 30 2024.

Celebrating the top-performing bond house in Asia.

Submission Guidelines

• Explain how your institution has progressed in the past one year and steps implemented to retain market share at a time of heightened competition.
  Provide supporting data on AUM, size of team and resources and new initiatives undertaken for the period to November 30 2024.

Recognises the leading multi-asset manager in the Asia-Pacific region

Judging Criteria

• The winner will demonstrate exceptional expertise in building and managing diversified portfolios, combining multiple asset classes to achieve optimal risk-adjusted returns.
  The judging panel will evaluate the firm's investment strategy, capital market and risk management expertise, and ability to deliver superior performance.

Submission Guidelines

• The judges will be looking for evidence of how thoughtful portfolio diversification is an investment strategy and proof that by combining multiple asset classes with low or negative correlations, an investor may achieve a higher portfolio return and a significant reduction in risk

Recognises the leading real assets manager in the Asia-Pacific region.

Judging Criteria

• The winner will have demonstrated exceptional performance and growth in their real assets investment strategy over the past year.

Submission Guidelines

• Evidence of success will include growth in assets under management, net inflows, stability of performance, product development and innovation, and increased acceptability and uptake in target markets.

Recognises the leading securities financing house in the Asia-Pacific region.

Judging Criteria

• The winner will demonstrate exceptional growth, innovation, and client service in the past 12 months

Submission Guidelines

• Explain how your institution has strengthened your franchise in the Asia-Pacific region in the past 12 months and new initiatives undertaken for the period to November 30 2024

Recognises the leading asset manager or pension fund in the Asia-Pacific region that has successfully implemented innovative smart beta strategies

Judging Criteria

• The winner will have demonstrated a deep understanding of smart beta principles, combined passive and active elements effectively, and delivered superior performance.
  The judging panel will evaluate the firm's smart beta strategies, their performance track record, and their ability to provide transparent, diversified, and cost-effective investments.

Submission Guidelines

• Explain how such strategies are put together and how they have performed over the past two years to November 30 2024.

Recognises the leading ETF manager in the Asia-Pacific region.

Judging Criteria

• The winner will have demonstrated exceptional performance, innovation, and growth in their ETF business over the past year.

Submission Guidelines

• Key criteria include the launch of new products, expansion of their franchise, scale of existing franchise, number of funds listed in the region, and efforts to promote investor education and ETF usage in the institutional and retail markets.
  The judging panel will evaluate the firm's achievements in these areas and their overall contribution to the development of the ETF market in the region for the period to November 30 2024.

Recognises the leading value investing manager in Asia.

Judging Criteria

• The winner will have demonstrated a consistent focus on fundamental value investing principles, a strong track record of delivering superior returns, and a deep understanding of the region's market

Submission Guidelines

• Explain how your firm is set up, size of AUM, track record and new initiatives in the past one year to November 30 2024

Recognises the fund in Asia that demonstrated exceptional resilience and performance during a challenging market environment marked by rising inflation, interest rates, and geopolitical risks.

Judging Criteria

• The winner will have successfully navigated these challenges and captured emerging opportunities while maintaining disciplined risk management.
  The judging panel will evaluate the fund's performance, investment strategies, and risk management practices over the past year.

Submission Guidelines

• Explain what strategies were in place to capture the emerging opportunities while retaining the risks parameters that your fund has in place.
  Provide performance data and size of fund for the period to November 30 2024.

Recognises the leading insurance asset manager in the Asia-Pacific region.

Judging Criteria

• The winner will demonstrate exceptional performance, innovative solutions, and a strong commitment to responsible investing.

Submission Guidelines

• Explain how the firm has embraced new technology to improve the services that it provides and the components the company has put in place to commit to responsible investing for the period to November 30 2024.

Recognises the leading technology provider in the Asia-Pacific region that offers innovative solutions to enhance the investment process, meet fast-evolving client and market needs, handle multiple asset classes, and achieve competitive advantages

Judging Criteria

• The winner will have demonstrated exceptional capabilities enabling investment firms and asset servicing organisations in Asia to optimise workflows, manage trade execution, collect and analyse data, manage risk and compliance, and deliver digital transformation.
  The judging panel will evaluate the firm's platform, its impact on clients' operations, and its contribution to the industry's technological advancement.

Submission Guidelines

• Provide supporting data on market adoption, aggregate assets under administration of your client base in the region, growth over the past 12 months, and client endorsements.

Recognises the leading financial technology firm in the Asia-Pacific region that has successfully implemented innovative solutions to enhance securities servicing.

Judging Criteria

• The winner will demonstrate how their fintech solutions have improved operational efficiency and enhanced the client experience.
  The judging panel will also evaluate the firm's approach to cybersecurity and its ability to address emerging challenges in the industry.

Recognises the leading custodian in the Asia-Pacific region that provides exceptional services for digital assets (such as cryptocurrencies, tokenisation of traditional assets, rollout of central bank digital currencies etc.).

Judging Criteria

• The winner will demonstrate a strong track record in serving institutional clients, leveraging advanced technology and a robust platform to ensure the safekeeping and management of digital assets.
  The judging panel will evaluate the firm's expertise in navigating the evolving digital asset landscape and its ability to meet the unique needs of institutional investors.

Submission Guidelines

• Explain how your firm is making its presence felt to serve the growing pool of institutional clients, your technology and the platform that has been established.

Recognises the leading global custodian in the Asia-Pacific region.

Judging Criteria

• The winner will demonstrate exceptional performance in terms of asset growth, mandate wins, market expansion, and client service.
  The judging panel will evaluate the firm's ability to navigate global market challenges, meet evolving client demands, address heightened risk and compliance requirements, and embrace emerging trends such as digital currencies and assets.

Submission Guidelines

• Explain how your institution has fared in the region in the past 12 months in terms of assets growth, significant mandates won, new markets developed.
  Supporting data on the firm's franchise in the region will also be considered.

Recognises the leading custodian in the Asia-Pacific region that has demonstrated exceptional growth and contributions to the financial markets over the past 30 years

Judging Criteria

• The winner will have a strong track record of expanding their franchise, increasing assets under administration, and developing their network and resources

Submission Guidelines

• Supporting data for the period from 1994 to November 30, 2024, is required to demonstrate the firm's long-term achievements

Recognises the leading domestic custodian in the Asia-Pacific region.

Judging Criteria

• The winner will demonstrate exceptional performance in terms of asset growth, mandate wins, product innovation, and market advocacy.
  The judging panel will evaluate the firm's ability to compete effectively in the market, meet heightened regulatory requirements, and address emerging trends such as digital assets and currencies.

Submission Guidelines

• Provide supporting data for the period to November 30 2024.

Recognises the leading infrastructure platform in the Asia-Pacific region such as by a public stock exchange, depository, clearing house or other related platform, that has made significant contributions to enhancing market efficiency and benefits for its participants.

Judging Criteria

• The winner will have implemented innovative initiatives to improve market liquidity, operational efficiency, cross-border connectivity, service delivery, instrument coverage, and risk mitigation.

Recognises the leading digital assets manager in the Asia-Pacific region

Judging Criteria

• The winner will have demonstrated expertise in managing a range of digital assets, including cryptocurrencies and tokenised assets.

Submission Guidelines

• Explain your firm’s strategy in managing these assets in Asia including tokenised assets, your specific focus and achievements and new initiatives in the past 12 months to November 30 2024.

Celebrates excellence in digital wealth management services in Asia.

Judging Criteria

• This award will recognise how your firm has been able to harness new technology to enhance the distribution of innovative investment products and to provide a platform for investors to manage their savings and investments in a timely and cost efficient manner.

Submission Guidelines

• Provide supporting data to show investment range of investment offerings, size of franchise and amounts raised in the past two years.

Recognises the leading fund administrator in the Asia-Pacific region that provides exceptional services to retail clients.

Judging Criteria

• The winner will demonstrate a commitment to meeting evolving regulatory requirements, implementing innovative and cost-effective solutions, and investing in technology to improve service delivery.
  The judging panel will also evaluate the firm's staff resources, expertise, and client mandates.

Submission Guidelines

• Provide a list of mandates won by types of clients and funds in the region in the last 12 months to November 30 2024.

Recognises the leading fund administrator in the Asia-Pacific region specialising in alternative investments.

Judging Criteria

• The winner will demonstrate exceptional expertise in managing complex alternative products, providing top-notch services, ensuring compliance, and leveraging the latest technologies.
  The judging panel will evaluate the firm's scale of operations, client mandates, and client satisfaction.

Submission Guidelines

• Provide supporting data on scale of franchise, mandates won by number and types of clients in the past 12 months to November 30 2024.
  Client endorsements will be helpful too.

Recognises the leading provider of middle and back office services for the buy side in the Asia-Pacific region.

Judging Criteria

• "The winner will demonstrate exceptional solutions, expertise, and a commitment to meeting evolving client demands in data and service delivery. The judging panel will evaluate the firm's ability to deliver timely data and services, enhance operational efficiency, and comply with regulatory requirements in the region."

Submission Guidelines

• Provide supporting data on the client base in the region, significant mandates won in 2024, and client testimonials from key clients will also be considered.

Recognises the outstanding progress and achievements of a pension fund in Asia

Judging Criteria

• The winner will have demonstrated exceptional performance, innovation, and leadership in managing their pension plan.
  The judging panel will evaluate the fund's investment performance, operational efficiency, member engagement strategies, and use of technology to enhance the overall experience.

Submission Guidelines

• Explain how your pension fund has coped in the past one year especially on managing investments and operations.
  Explain how the use of technology was deployed for member communications, reporting and engaging key stakeholders.

Celebrates the most effective ESG-focused asset manager in Asia

Submission Guidelines

• Explain your firm's approach to ESG investing.
  Detail your firm's ESG setup in Asia and provide specific examples of your ESG investment strategies in Asia.
  Indicate the size of your ESG team, resources, products, and assets under management in Asia for the period to November 30 2024.
  

Celebrates the most effective ESG engagement activities undertaken by a firm in Asia

Judging Criteria

• Given the growing adoption of ESG strategies and the importance of stewardship, institutional investors play a crucial role in enhancing corporate governance. Explain your firm's stewardship and engagement practices, including reporting on voting activities and market impact in Asia.

Submission Guidelines

• Detail the structure of your ESG team and the number of company engagements in the past 12 months in Asia and the outcomes.
  Provide information on the outcomes of these engagements up to November 30, 2024.

Recognises the leading ESG index provider in the Asia-Pacific region.

Judging Criteria

• The winner will have demonstrated exceptional expertise in developing innovative ESG indices that meet the growing demand from investors.
  The judging panel will evaluate the firm's proprietary research methodology, the adoption of their indices by clients, and the size of assets tracking their benchmarks.

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 a firm in 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 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 an institution (stock exchange, bank, asset manager, insurer, sovereign wealth fund, corporate) in the Asia-Pacific region 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.

Submission Guidelines

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

Honours the leading impact investing manager in Asia

Submission Guidelines

• Given the relatively new nature of impact investing, explain how your firm is making a positive impact combining financial returns and societal returns through your strategy.
  Discuss your firm's approach to impact investing in either public or private markets, including your research and investment processes.
  Provide information on the assets under management for your impact investing strategies.

Recognises the most innovative index (or a series of indices) launched in the Asia-Pacific region.

Judging Criteria

• The winner will have developed a groundbreaking index that captures emerging trends and opportunities in new sectors or industries, such as clean energy, technology, transportation, healthcare, and infrastructure.
  The judging panel will evaluate the index's innovation, its potential to meet investor needs, and its contribution to the development of the market.

Recognises the leading index provider in the Asia-Pacific region that has made significant contributions to improving investor outcomes.

Judging Criteria

• The winner will have demonstrated exceptional leadership in developing innovative indices, conducting in-depth research, and providing valuable support to advisors.
  The judging panel will evaluate the firm's impact on the market, the size of assets tracking their indices, and the number of funds using their benchmarks.

Submission Guidelines

• Provide information on size of assets and number of funds that track your indices in the region.

Recognises the leading ETF index provider in the Asia-Pacific region.

Judging Criteria

• The winner will have demonstrated a commitment to developing innovative, accurate, and objective indices that meet the evolving needs of the ETF market.
  The judging panel will evaluate the firm's expertise in index development, the range and diversity of their index offerings, and their contribution to the growth of the ETF market in the region and across all asset classes.

Recognises the asset manager in the Asia-Pacific region 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.
  The judging panel will evaluate the firm's AI initiatives, their impact on client outcomes, and their contribution to the advancement of AI in the asset management industry.

Submission Guidelines

• Explain how your institution is positioned for example in using generative AI and Large Language Models or other processes and their outcomes and impact for your clients in the region.

Recognises the most innovative fintech solution or application in the Asia-Pacific asset management industry.

Judging Criteria

• The winner will have successfully leveraged technology to enhance their products or services, improve client outcomes, and gain a competitive advantage at the retail, wholesale or institutional level.
  The judging panel will evaluate the firm's use of cutting-edge technology, its impact on clients, and its contribution to the industry's digital transformation.

Recognises the most innovative and efficient platform for securities trading in Asia.

Submission Guidelines

• Explain how your institution is capturing new volumes in Asia from market participants, its benefits and efficiency of execution whether for hard or local currency bonds.
  Provide supporting data and third party endorsements, if any.