Investments
Impact investment: Gray areas
The notion of delivering measurable positive social and environmental impact while simultaneously generating risk-adjusted financial returns has struck a chord with many LPs. But impact strategies can still be a tough sell
Uncertain times: The outlook for Asia
Private equity activity is lagging in Asia across fundraising, investment and exits as a result of political and economic headwinds. But there is still appetite for new managers and strategies
Q&A: Oaktree Capital's Howard Marks
Howard Marks, co-chairman of Oaktree Capital Management, discusses populism, deficit, trade wars, the shift in focus from public to private markets, and why his default position is one of caution
GPs see specialization as antidote to challenging market - AVCJ Forum
Investors at the AVCJ Forum offered optimistic outlooks for 2020 but said tighter deal markets would demand specialization in defensive sectors and a closer watch on valuations.
Asian outposts: LPs see value in a local presence
Few institutional investors have the scale, resources or mandate to establish private markets platforms within Asia. Those that do are looking to make it pay off through co-investment
Investors uncertain on Hong Kong's future as financial hub - M&A Forum
Recent unrest in Hong Kong has harmed the territory’s economy, but industry participants are unsure whether its status as a financial center is under threat, given the scale of the existing infrastructure.
Advantage sells GP stake to Japanese strategic
Japanese mid-market private equity firm Advantage Partners has agreed to sell a minority stake in its fund management entity to domestic financial services company Tokyo Century Corporation.
Q&A: Natixis' Raghu Narain
Raghu Narain, head of investment banking for Asia Pacific at Natixis, discusses the macro backdrop for China’s M&A market and how shifting priorities will color deal flow to come
China investment regulation: Context clues
Revisions to China’s negative investment list show the country remains committed to widening access, but consistency in enforcement and clarity around political issues are significant challenges for investors
Profile: Traveloka’s Hendrik Susanto
Hendrik Susanto left a career in private equity and venture capital to head Traveloka’s inorganic growth strategy. The new role harnesses investment expertise to build a longer-lasting company
Profile: Ernest Higa
From lumber to fast food, Ernest Higa has found a market for US concepts in Japan. The entrepreneur – and oftentimes private equity collaborator – believes careful customization is the key to success
Carlyle's Rubenstein champions emerging markets
The bloom has faded from the rose in emerging markets in recent years, which means it is an opportune time to invest in these geographies, according to David Rubenstein (pictured), co-founder and co-executive chairman of The Carlyle Group.
Investors prioritize policy continuity in Indonesia - AVCJ Forum
Both candidates in Indonesia’s presidential election continue to claim victory, but unofficial counts conducted by polling agencies that point to another term for Joko “Jokowi” Widodo are a source of comfort for investors seeking stability.
China's foreign investment law: A level playing field?
China’s new foreign investment law appears to make life easier for overseas investors in some areas, but uncertainty remains in others. Industry participants are waiting for more details to emerge in 2020
Japan VC: Positive energy
Japan’s quiet venture capital space is booming within its own borders. Signs of a stronger exit market and an exuberant influx of corporate involvement are encouraging themes, but they will play out slowly
Asian PE firms still struggle with tech investments - Bain & Co
Private equity firms are deploying increasing amounts of capital into Chinese internet plays without having a clear understanding of what the target businesses are worth or how to add value to them, according to Bain & Company.
Brookfield to buy majority stake in Oaktree
Brookfield Asset Management has agreed to acquire a 62% stake in Oaktree Capital in a deal worth about $4.7 billion.
Australia co-investment: Too close for comfort?
Most Australian institutional investors want to participate in deals alongside private equity managers, but few have the bandwidth to do it effectively. Recruitment and risk controls are the key obstacles
China-US tensions: Foggy flashpoints
Rhetoric shaping the debate over China's ambitions to become the prime mover in global technology - and what the US could do in response - reflects the geopolitical significance of the issue. Private equity investors are not immune to its impact
Macro uncertainty: Mind games
A maze of strategies, philosophies, and preconceptions is underpinning a sense of confidence among alternatives investors as global economic uncertainty mounts. It must be navigated carefully
Domestic, international themes drive India opportunities
Companies that cater to international customers currently offer the most compelling PE investment opportunities in India, but GPs are increasingly excited about the rise of new segments in the domestic market.
Asia PE investment hits $183b in 2018
Private equity investment in Asia slowed to $183.3 billion in 2018 – from $207.3 billion the previous year – as a decline in large-scale buyout activity offset a surge in late-stage rounds for technology companies.
2018 in review: Volatility vortex
Pan-regional funds attract the bulk of capital while the renminbi space withers; mixed fortunes for internet IPOs and trade sales; big buyouts fail to deliver but growth-stage tech stays strong
Evolving India: Sophistication on demand
India's private equity market has reached a new level of maturity, and GPs must show they can keep pace with increasingly sophisticated entrepreneurs and LPs' expectations for returns
