Advisory
ESG scoring: Measured approach
Investors are encouraged to keep experimenting in quantifying and qualifying the real-world outcomes of their sustainable investment programs. Every report is imperfect yet worthwhile
ESG & operations: Compliance corner
Few mid-market private equity firms in Asia have dedicated ESG personnel and this is not necessarily an obstacle to progress. As compliance and reporting burdens increase, the status quo may change
Private equity & cybersecurity: Dark clouds
From fraudulent drawdown notices to ransomware, private equity firms and their portfolio companies are increasingly vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Training and vigilance are paramount
Q&A: Bain & Company's Henrik Naujoks
Henrik Naujoks, Bain & Company’s financial services lead for Asia, observes that investors must not ignore the increasing cohesion of the Greater Bay Area despite a relative lack of near-term gambits
Allen & Overy strengthens Asia fund formation capabilities
Allen & Overy has recruited James Ford from O’Melveny & Myers as a partner in its Asia Pacific funds and asset management group. He continues to be based in Hong Kong.
Asia family offices: Unfamiliar territory
The industrial backgrounds of family offices represent a strategic edge but also a potential hinderance to portfolio diversification. The same goes for principal-led governance structures
Asia fund administration: Odd jobs
COVID-19 is the latest in a growing list of drivers causing private equity firms to outsource various operations. The trend is implacable but inherently flexible
SIP brings PE value-add to COVID-19 hit HK social enterprises
Social Impact Partners (SIP), a Hong Kong-based venture philanthropy organization supported by several private equity firms, has been drawing on industry resources to support portfolio organizations that face financial and operational challenges because...
PE firms look to move fund management companies onshore - AVCJ Forum
Private equity investors are willing to reconsider their options regarding the location of their fund management companies even as they remain wedded to the Cayman Islands as a domicile for funds, the AVCJ Forum heard.
Singapore's KK Fund launches large business accelerator
Singapore-based VC firm KK Fund has launched an accelerator that will help large companies develop new technology businesses through cooperation with regional start-ups.
Asian GPs favor Singapore after Cayman as fund domicile - survey
Singapore would be the jurisdiction of choice for Asia-based private equity managers if they could no longer domicile their funds in the Cayman Islands, according to a survey by law firm Walkers.
Alternative fund structures: Alternate universe
Irregular fund structures, including single-asset platforms, are often the most appropriate inroad for investors in developing Asia. But it has taken a pandemic to bring them to the fore
Ex-Unigestion Asia head joins Campbell Lutyens
Eric Marchand, who left his role as Unigestion’s head of Asia Pacific private equity earlier this year, has joined Campbell Lutyens as a senior advisor.
China due diligence: Nightmare scenarios
Luckin Coffee’s precipitous rise and fall is a reminder of longstanding issues around corporate fraud in China. Failing to spot problems before they emerge remains a key concern for PE investors
Hong Kong vs Singapore: Onshore overtures
Hong Kong and Singapore both position themselves as the headquarters of choice for private equity firms in Asia. But the competitive dynamics – from politics to structures – are not straightforward
Cayman fund regulation: Marginal gains
Private equity firms that use the Cayman Islands as a fund domicile are coming to terms with the realities of registration. Is the cumulative weight of increased regulation making them consider other jurisdictions?
Coronavirus & fundraising: Comfort levels
Personal contact with the manager remains a prerequisite for LPs when making fund commitments, but to what extent will recent travel restrictions change the parameters for on-site due diligence?
Coronavirus & due diligence: Split screen
Finding the right balance between offline and online communication for completing due diligence processes is a tricky endeavor for PE and VC investment professionals in Asia
Australia's mid-market: The middlemen
Pure proprietary deals are a rarity in Australia’s mid-market. Most opportunities pass through a fragmented network of advisors, which means private equity firms must get noticed to stay relevant
Coronavirus & capital calls: Time to draw?
With GPs and LPs placing a premium on liquidity, there is more scrutiny of capital call processes. Some managers are pushing for changes to documentation, but will investors relent?
Ashurst hires Danny Tan as Asia investment funds head
Ashurst has recruited Danny Tan from Allen & Gledhill to lead its investment funds practice in Asia Pacific. He will continue to be based in Singapore.
Ex-CPE Capital executive Shane Gong joins Evercore
Shane Gong, who previously led the Singapore office at Australia's CHAMP Private Equity, now CPE Capital, has been recruited by Evercore to head up its PE secondaries business in Asia.
Retail investment in PE: Common stock
Signs are converging that increased retail investor participation in private equity is inevitable. Myriad roadblocks around access, alignment, and infrastructure will inhibit the transition
Australia's Business Growth Fund: Policy props
The Australian government has accumulated $365 million for a fund that will support small businesses. Private equity investors are unsure why it’s necessary and how it will be managed
