Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry and Company Overview - The report focuses on the thematic and sustainability investment landscape in Asia, particularly in China and Japan, highlighting investor interests and regulatory changes impacting these markets [1][2][7]. Core Insights and Arguments 1. **Investor Interest in Thematic and Sustainability Topics**: There is a strong interest among investors in China and Japan regarding thematic and sustainability investments, with discussions held with over 15 investors in Shanghai and Tokyo [1][7]. 2. **Impact of AMAC Guidance**: The new guidance from the Asset Management Association of China (AMAC) mandates shareholders with over 5% ownership to actively exercise their voting rights, which is seen as a long-term positive for corporate governance in China [7][8]. 3. **Governance Trends in Asia**: The governance theme is gaining traction in China, with lessons from Japan and Korea suggesting that increased global investor engagement could lead to higher valuations [7][9][17]. 4. **US-China Tensions and Sustainability**: Investors are keenly interested in the implications of US-China tensions, particularly regarding carbon markets and regulatory changes in Europe that may affect sustainability investments [7][8]. 5. **Sustainability and Thematic Investing Overlap**: The convergence of sustainability and thematic investing is significant, with a focus on diverse Asia-centric themes, including AI, energy transition, and health care [24][29]. Additional Important Insights 1. **Corporate Governance in China**: The AMAC's guidance outlines 13 matters where voting rights should be actively exercised, which includes issues related to shareholder rights, director elections, and environmental responsibilities [11][12][13]. 2. **Reform Momentum in Korea**: There is a noted reform momentum in Korea, with political commitment to governance reform, which is expected to be an inflection point for the market [23]. 3. **US Tariffs and Clean Tech**: The impact of US tariffs on sustainability and clean technology is under scrutiny, with potential implications for the pace of the US energy transition due to reliance on China for critical minerals [29][35]. 4. **EU Regulations and CBAM**: The incoming Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is set to start in 2026, which will drive interest in carbon capture technologies, particularly in the cement industry [39][42]. 5. **Defense Sector Exclusions**: There is a trend of easing defense sector exclusions among sustainability funds, indicating a shift in investment strategies in response to changing geopolitical dynamics [39][40]. This summary encapsulates the key themes and insights from the conference call, providing a comprehensive overview of the current landscape in thematic and sustainability investments in Asia, particularly focusing on China and Japan.

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported assets under management of $1.4 billion and operating revenues of $2.1 million for the quarter, with a net loss of $832,000, translating to a loss of $0.03 per share, which is an unfavorable change compared to a net loss of $35,000 in the same quarter last year [65][68] - Operating revenues decreased by $490,000 or 19% from $2.6 million in the same quarter last year, primarily due to decreases in assets under management, particularly in the JET ETF [66] - Operating expenses were $3 million, a decrease of $85,000 or 3%, mainly due to lower fund expenses [67] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The operational earnings consist of advisory services and other earnings, which are subject to market fluctuations [66] - The operating loss for the quarter was $893,000, an unfavorable change of $405,000 compared to the same quarter last year [67] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a significant decrease in assets under management, which impacted overall revenues [66] - Despite the challenges, the company maintains a strong balance sheet with high levels of cash and securities, and no long-term debt [68] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to create thematic products that are sustainable using a Smart Beta 2.0 strategy, which requires rigorous backtesting [13] - There is a strategic focus on increasing exposure to the Bitcoin ecosystem, with plans to deploy capital back into Bitcoin and Hive shares due to their growth potential [17][26] - The company is committed to stock buybacks and increasing dividends as part of its strategy to enhance shareholder value [49][51] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the airline industry transitioning from a cyclical to a growth business, citing strong performance from airlines like United [18][23] - There is a belief that gold will continue to perform well as a safe haven asset, especially with increasing central bank purchases and regulatory changes favoring physical gold [30][34] - The company acknowledges current market apathy but remains confident in the long-term growth potential of its products and strategies [45][59] Other Important Information - The company has been actively engaging with shareholders through various platforms, including social media and video content [70][73] - Upcoming participation in industry conferences to connect with potential shareholders and enhance market presence [71] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for the airline industry? - Management believes the airline industry will transition from being cyclical to a growth business, supported by strong demand and pricing power [18][23] Question: How does the company plan to address current market challenges? - The company plans to focus on stock buybacks and increasing dividends while maintaining a strong balance sheet to weather market volatility [49][51] Question: What is the company's stance on gold investments? - Management remains bullish on gold, citing its historical performance and the increasing interest from central banks as key factors for future growth [30][34]