LPs
CalPERS to launch direct private equity investment unit
California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS), the largest public pension fund in the US, plans to deploy up to $13 billion a year in direct private equity deals through two newly formed funds.
Japan Post Bank targets $76.5b alternatives portfolio
Japan Post Bank plans to increase the size of its alternatives portfolio more than fivefold in the next three years to JPY8.5 trillion ($76.5 billion). More than JPY2 trillion of this will be allocated to private equity.
CPPIB's Asia private equity exposure tops $13b
Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) continues to ramp up its exposure to Asian private equity, with called and uncalled commitments rising 27% to C$17.1 billion ($13.3 billion) for the 12 months ended March 2018.
Tech entrepreneurs and family offices: Collective might
Investment firms are emerging in Asia that leverage the collective wealth, knowledge and networks of the region's most successful internet entrepreneurs. These are family offices, but not necessarily in the traditional Western model
Indonesia VC: Levels of comfort
For all the fervor about technology opportunities in Indonesia, independent local VC firms are thin on the ground. Traditional LPs want to see more evidence of performance before getting involved
Australia's NAB to sell MLC wealth management arm
National Australia Bank (NAB) has confirmed it will sell MLC, a wealth management unit that operates the country’s largest retail superannuation fund.
PennSERS to invest $75m in Hahn & Co's Korea fund
Pennsylvania State Employees’ Retirement System (PennSERS) has agreed to commit up to $75 million to Hahn & Company’s third Korea-focused fund.
CPPIB promotes Kim in Asia leadership reshuffle
Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) has promoted Suyi Kim to the role of senior managing director and head of Asia Pacific, along with additional changes in the firm’s Asian leadership.
Australia's QIC receives $427m super fund mandate
The global private capital division of Australia’s QIC has received a A$550 million ($427 million) private equity mandate from domestic superannuation fund Rest.
LP interview: Hermes GPE
Hermes GPE has fine-tuned its co-investment strategy since establishing a presence in Asia. Iesan Tsai, the group’s regional head, will work with portfolio GPs or fund-less sponsors in pursuit of the right deal
Private equity AGMs: In the spotlight
The quality of a private equity firm’s AGM says a lot about the quality of the firm itself. LPs make their assessments based on informal conversations and observations as much as what happens on stage
Impact investment: A new breed
Global GPs have the potential to draw fresh sources of capital to Asia's impact investment funds
Impact agenda: Attracting institutional capital
Global PE firms are launching impact funds tailored to appeal to institutional investors that have so far largely ignored the space. There will be growing pains, but the benefits should be wide-ranging
LPs want stability plus innovation from Chinese GPs - AVCJ Forum
Team turnover remains a key concern for LPs making commitments to Chinese private equity firms, but even the most stable of GPs must demonstrate an ability to evolve in response to a fast-changing environment, investors caution.
HarbourVest closes flagship fund-of-funds at $1.7b
HarbourVest Partners has closed its latest fund-of-funds targeting European and Asian markets with $1.7 billion in commitments.
OTPP appoints Asia head
Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP) has appointed Datuk Ben Chan, formerly of Malaysia’s Khazanah Nasional, as regional managing director for Asia Pacific.
Southeast Asia: Wary voices
LPs are likely to remain reluctant on Southeast Asia funds until GPs can demonstrate a consistent ability to generate positive returns from the region
Long-term capital: The patient play
Permanent and long-term capital structures are an attractive proposition for a wide range of players in Asia’s PE market, but bringing them from theory into practice presents numerous challenges
Australia's Future Fund creates chief technology officer role
Australia’s Future Fund plans to hire a chief technology officer (CTO), part of whose remit will be to work with the investment team to develop technology solutions that support investment decision-making.
China family offices: In the money
Having made their fortunes turning start-ups into internet behemoths, Chinese tech founders are increasingly turning to family office structures for wealth management. It is an evolutionary process
Korea Post seeks managers for global co-investment
Korea Post plans to commit $200 million across two funds that offer global private equity co-investment exposure.
HarbourVest adds managing director in Hong Kong
HarbourVest Partners has promoted Till Burges, who covers primary investments out of the firm’s Hong Kong office, to managing director.
LPs open-minded on multi-product managers - AVCJ Forum
The perception that private equity firms introducing additional strategies will boost their fee income but at the expense of overall returns is unfounded, provided expansion is conducted thoughtfully and alignment of interest is maintained.
Future Fund seeks Australia venture capital exposure
Australia’s Future Fund is close to making its first commitment to a local venture capital manager as part of ongoing efforts to take advantage of technological disruption in the global economy.