LPs
Australia mid-market: Squeezed middle
Several Australian superannuation funds are eschewing commitments to smaller domestic GPs because they have to deploy a larger quantum of capital. If more follow suit, what does it mean for the middle market?
LP Interview: SunSuper's Michael Weaver and HOSTPLUS' Neil Stanford
Michael Weaver, private markets manager at SunSuper, and Neil Stanford, investment manager for private equity at HOSTPLUS, discuss portfolio composition and performance.
Australian pension funds most aggressive on alternatives – study
Australia’s superannuation funds have been the most aggressive of the major global pension players in developing alternatives exposure over the last 10 years, according a new study.
Japan's GPIF appoints new head of investment strategy
Japan's Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF) has named Atsushi Ikari as director general of its investment strategy department, replacing Tokihiko Shimizu.
Australia's Future Fund ups PE allocation to 9.5%
Australia’s Future Fund increased its private equity allocation from 7.7% to 9.5% over the course of 2014 as total assets under management reached A$109 billion ($85 billion). The return for the 12 months ended December was 13.2%.
Asian GPs and AIFMD: Shades of gray
Many Asian managers are coming to terms with how the EU’s Alternative Investment Fund Managers’ Directive might impact their fundraising plans. Unfortunately the legislation remains difficult to fathom
Taiwan’s NDF commits $84m to VC funds
Taiwan’s National Development Fund (NDF) will invest up to $84 million into four venture capital funds as part of efforts to support local start-ups.
CalPERS sees improvement in PE portfolio performance
The California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) saw an improvement in performance from its private equity portfolio in the year ended June 2014, although buoyant public markets led the strong short-term returns.
Western LPs still expect Asian PE to deliver a risk premium
Asia has become an established part of most North American and European LPs’ global private equity portfolios, but they still expect the region to deliver a risk premium over their home markets.
Deal-by-deal fundraising: Incremental approach
Deal-by-deal fundraising is on the rise in Asia, driven by the difficulties less experienced GPs face when raising a blind pool and LPs’ willingness to go direct. It’s a great strategy, provided you have momentum
Co-investment deals could be the next PE bubble LPs fear
Co-investment could represent the next bubble for global private equity says Erik Hirsch, global CIO for global fund-of-funds Hamilton Lane.
Japan's GPIF: Situations vacant
Hiro Mizuno is an intriguing choice as the first CIO of Japan's Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF). His qualifications are not about to be questioned here, but rather what his appointment means as the Japanese behemoth prepares to add helpings...
Japan's GPIF targets new hires as part of investment strategy shift
Japan's Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF) is trying to attract more talent with better pay in order to meet the demands of its changing investment strategy.
Sun Life Everbright, other Chinese insurers to launch PE fund
Sun Life Everbright Asset Management, an asset management arm of Sun Life Everbright Life Insurance, has launched a private equity fund alongside with other five Chinese insurers.
Chinese insurers win approval for SME-focused PE funds
Chinese insurance companies have been permitted to set up private equity funds that specifically focus on investing in local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Chinese insurers win approval to invest in VC funds
Chinese insurers have received regulatory clearance to invest in venture capital funds, the latest in a string of moves that are liberalizing investment channels for the sector and allowing greater exposure to alternative assets.
Musical chairs: Asia PE people moves
A selection of the transfers, promotions, arrivals and departures in the private equity community in 2014
China's NSSF and offshore PE: Still theory, no practice
Regulations proposed by the government for China’s National Social Security Fund include a provision that suggests the pension fund could invest in offshore private equity. But how soon?
LPs to Indian GPs: Be disciplined, not opportunistic - AVCJ Forum
Indian GPs should stick more to their investment strategies and focus on pricing discipline rather than chasing opportunistic plays, LPs told the AVCJ Forum.
GP-LP relations: Trust issues
“GPs think LPs are liars" - it is a sensational designed to draw attention to an issue that is nearly as old as institutional fund management itself. Numerous past surveys and mountains of anecdotal evidence suggest that communication problems and mutual...
Chinese steel manufacturer invests in $163m PE fund
Guangzheng Group, a Shenzhen-listed steel manufacturer, has invested RMB20 million ($8.25 million) in a private equity fund jointly launched by a unit of Tsinghua Holdings and Harvest Capital, which has a target size of RMB1 billion.
SummitView, Shanghai government launch $1.7b PE fund
SummitView Capital has partnered with the Shanghai government to launch a RMB10 billion ($1.7 billion) private equity fund, which will invest in semiconductor manufacturers.
India fundraising: Moment of truth
With investor sentiment in India’s public markets on a roll, a host of mid-market private equity firms are either in fundraising mode or about to enter it. For some managers, at least, it will be a difficult process
Arizona PSPRS commits to Trustbridge's fifth China fund
The Public Safety Personnel Retirement System of the State of Arizona (Arizona PSPRS) has committed $40 million to Trustbridge Partners’ fifth China-focused fund.