The outlook for the penetration of the Variable Capital Company legislation as a fund structure is upbeat as it soldiers on against the unfortunate timing of its launch, amid a global pandemic. More importantly, in practice the legislation works well and the fund launches have been successful.
The ASEAN region has demonstrated itself as a major area for investment and potential growth. However, much of this growth is still on the horizon and yet to be materialised. For the prospects of the ASEAN region to reach their true potential, the current environment requires cost efficiency, scalability and talent. These are critical factors to creating a supportive ecosystem.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has been proactive and transparent with licensing requirements, compared to other jurisdictions. The Digital Acceleration Grant (DAG) programme incentivises firms to modernise operations, equipping smaller managers with the necessary technology and helping new funds get off the ground. This programme, coupled with geopolitical influences, contributes to Singapore accelerating as a safe-haven for money and financial institutions.
Asian digital asset platform OSL, a member of BC Technology Group, has secured an approval-in-principle for its application to operate a virtual asset trading platform under a license for Type 1 (dealing in securities) and Type 7 (automated trading service (ATS)) regulated activities under the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) virtual asset licensing framework in Hong Kong.
The size and growth of the mutual fund sector in China, combined with recent market liberalisation steps, will lead to more investment managers applying for onshore fund-management licenses, according to Fitch Ratings.
The Marlborough Group has expanded its global reach by registering its Ireland-domiciled UCITS fund of funds range with the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) in the United Arab Emirates and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
The MFEX’s Hong Kong subsidiary has been awarded the Type 1 license dealing in securities by Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission, received in early June.
FactSet has been selected to provide financial, non-financial, and benchmark data to the Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF) of Japan, as the fund builds its index data and analysis system to improve index provider governance.
Labuan International Business and Financial Centre Incorporated (Labuan IBFC), the market development agency for Labuan International Business and Financial Centre (Labuan IBFC), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Construction BankLabuan (CCBL) to allow CCBL to promote the benefits of Labuan IBFC to Chinese and Chinese related companies.
Union Bancaire Privée’s Singapore branch has received regulatory approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) for a wholesale bank license. UB P Singapore expects to commence operations as a wholesale bank from 1 April 2019.