Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's core EPS grew by 2% year-over-year, reflecting strong underlying business growth, although dampened by elevated U.S. mortality and expected credit loss provisions [12][13] - The balance sheet remains strong with a LICAT ratio of 136% and a leverage ratio well below the 25% target, while book value per share increased by 5% from the prior year [13][28] - Net income for the quarter was reported at $1.8 billion, an increase of $747 million compared to the prior year, driven by positive market experience [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The insurance segments generated over 30% growth in new business CSM, with AP sales increasing by 15% year-over-year, particularly strong in Asia and the U.S. [15][16] - Global Wealth and Asset Management (WAM) achieved nearly $1 billion in positive net flows, demonstrating the strength of its diversified platform [16][22] - Core earnings in Asia increased by 13% year-over-year, while the U.S. segment saw a 53% decrease in core earnings due to unfavorable mortality experience [21][26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Asia segment reported a 31% increase in APE, with significant contributions from Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Singapore [21] - In Canada, APE sales decreased by 34% year-over-year, primarily due to the non-recurrence of a large case sale in the Group Insurance business [24] - The U.S. segment experienced a 40% growth in AP sales, driven by demand for accumulation insurance products from affluent customers [26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing its digital capabilities and embedding AI across its businesses to drive growth and productivity [8][9] - The acquisition of Comvest Credit Partners is aimed at scaling the private markets business and enhancing existing private credit capabilities, expected to be immediately accretive to core EPS and ROE [10][31] - The leadership team is reviewing the company's strategy to assess potential refreshes to meet long-term ambitions [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to deliver sustainable growth despite short-term headwinds impacting core earnings [29] - The company remains committed to investing in high-quality growth opportunities and maintaining strong capital deployment priorities [9][10] - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by elevated mortality claims in the U.S. but views them as short-term headwinds rather than a trend [26][27] Other Important Information - The company has returned over $6.4 billion in capital to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks over the past year [28] - The transition to the new eMPF platform in Hong Kong is expected to impact core earnings, with a projected quarterly drag of approximately $25 million starting in 2026 [24][84] Q&A Session Summary Question: What other areas may the company want to bulk up in operations? - The company is focused on organic growth opportunities but is also looking for inorganic opportunities that could accelerate growth, particularly in private markets and alternatives [40][41] Question: What is the expected impact of the MPS on margins? - The transition to eMPF is expected to impact margins by approximately 150 basis points, with a recovery anticipated thereafter [46][47] Question: Can you provide details on the amortization of intangibles from the Comvest acquisition? - The acquisition is expected to add approximately $30 million annually in amortization of intangibles, which will be excluded from core earnings [49][50] Question: How does the company justify the valuation paid for Comvest? - The valuation reflects the future value expected from the acquisition, with significant growth opportunities in private credit and alignment of interests between the two firms [70][72] Question: What is the outlook for the Japan market? - The company sees continued growth potential in Japan, despite a decline in sales due to strong prior year performance, and is diversifying its product offerings [80][81]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses President Trump's upcoming executive order that will allow alternative assets such as private equity, real estate, and cryptocurrencies to be included in 401(k) retirement savings plans, potentially opening up approximately $12.5 trillion in retirement account funds to these industries [1][2][3]. Group 1: Executive Order Details - The executive order will instruct the Department of Labor to reassess the guidelines regarding alternative asset investments in retirement plans as stipulated by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 [2]. - The order will also clarify the government's fiduciary responsibilities when offering asset allocation funds that include alternative investments [2]. - The Labor Secretary will collaborate with federal regulatory agencies, including the Treasury and the SEC, to determine if modifications to existing rules are necessary [2]. Group 2: Market Implications - This initiative is seen as the largest move by the Trump administration to introduce private assets into defined contribution accounts and is a significant part of efforts to promote the cryptocurrency industry [3]. - The asset management industry views this as a new opportunity, as the current retirement investment portfolios are primarily focused on stocks and bonds, limiting exposure to less liquid and complex products [4]. - The move is expected to attract both alternative and traditional asset management firms to the defined contribution market, which is seen as the next frontier for growth [4]. Group 3: Potential Benefits and Risks - Allowing private market products in 401(k) plans will provide savers with more investment options and the potential for greater returns, although it may also introduce higher risks and costs [6]. - The initiative aligns with Trump's broader strategy to support the cryptocurrency sector, which includes recent actions such as hosting a "Crypto Week" and signing federal stablecoin regulation [7]. - The argument presented by asset management firms is that the shrinking public market has led to retirement portfolios that do not reflect changes in the financial industry, with private equity assets having more than doubled over the past decade [7].

特朗普将签署行政令，推动私募等另类资产向401K退休计划开放。 据媒体最新报道，美国总统特朗普将于当地时间周四签署行政令，允许私募股权、房地产、加密货币等 另类资产进入401K退休储蓄计划，为这些行业打开约12.5万亿美元退休账户资金的大门。 了解内情的人士透露，该行政令将指示劳工部重新评估《1974年雇员退休收入保障法》规定的退休计划 中另类资产投资的相关指导意见。劳工部还将负责澄清政府在提供包含另类投资的资产配置基金时的受 托责任立场。 该命令还将指示劳工部长Lori Chavez-DeRemer与财政部、证券交易委员会等联邦监管机构合作，确定 是否需要修改相关规则。SEC将被要求为参与者自主导向的退休计划提供另类资产投资便利。 此举预计将成为特朗普政府将私人资产引入固定缴费账户的最大举措，也是其推动加密货币产业发展努 力的重要组成部分。 资管行业迎来新机遇？ 白宫数月来一直在权衡这一指令，旨在缓解长期阻碍另类资产进入大多数员工固定缴费计划的法律担 忧。退休投资组合主要集中在股票和债券，部分原因是企业计划管理人不愿涉足流动性差且复杂的产 品。 另类资产和传统资产管理公司都渴望分享固定缴费市场这块蛋糕，将其 ...

Core Insights - The second "Hangkong Cup" private equity competition organized by AVIC Securities aims to deepen collaboration with private equity institutions and support high-quality industry development [1] - The competition will last for one year, starting from June 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025, and has attracted nearly 900 private equity managers [1] - The event has generated significant interest in the industry, showcasing the growth and breakthroughs of many private equity managers [1] - The competition concluded with the announcement of various awards, recognizing outstanding private equity managers across different strategies [1][2] Competition Overview - The competition provides a platform for private equity managers to demonstrate their talents and share insights, fostering a quality ecosystem for collaboration [1] - The awards include categories for quarterly, annual, two-year, and special honors, highlighting the performance of private equity managers in various strategies [2][3] Award Categories - **Subjective Long-Only Group**: Recognizes managers who excel in strategic partnerships and growth strategies [4][8][10] - **Quantitative Stock Group**: Acknowledges managers who demonstrate strong performance in quantitative strategies [20][29][31] - **Relative Value Group**: Awards managers who excel in relative value strategies [42][44][48] - **CTA Group**: Recognizes managers in the Commodity Trading Advisor category [62][68][71] - **Composite Strategy Group**: Highlights managers who utilize a combination of strategies [84][89][92] Market Insights - AVIC Securities emphasizes the importance of building a robust private equity ecosystem to support industry growth [1][106] - The competition serves as a bridge for AVIC Securities to connect with private equity institutions, offering comprehensive financial services [1][106] - The recognition of outstanding managers aims to inspire continued excellence and value creation in the private equity sector [1][106]

Core Insights - T. Rowe Price released the "2025 Hong Kong Retirement Survey," indicating that over half of respondents believe they need more than HKD 5 million in savings for a comfortable retirement [1] - The survey reveals a shift in retirement perceptions, with 52% of respondents changing the traditional view of retiring at 65, favoring flexible retirement options like "micro-retirement" and "post-retirement employment" [1] Summary by Categories Retirement Savings Expectations - 36% of respondents believe they need HKD 5.01-10 million for retirement, while 16% think they need over HKD 10 million [1] - 38% of respondents feel that HKD 2-5 million is sufficient for retirement, and 10% believe HKD 2 million or less is adequate [1] Changing Retirement Trends - 52% of respondents are moving away from the traditional retirement age of 65 [1] - 47% are inclined towards innovative retirement models such as "micro-retirement" and "post-retirement employment" [1] Micro-Retirement Insights - 80% of respondents prefer "micro-retirement," which involves planned short-term breaks during their careers [1] - The ideal age for "micro-retirement" is perceived to be after 50, lasting over a year, with most indicating a need to accumulate over HKD 2 million in assets before considering it [1] High-Income Respondents - 70% of high-income individuals prefer flexible retirement options [1] - Only 51% of high-income respondents have set retirement savings goals, the lowest among all income groups [1] Investment Strategy Implications - The emergence of trends like "micro-retirement" and "post-retirement employment" suggests that investment strategies should evolve accordingly [1]

Group 1 - Qatar Investment Promotion Agency (Invest Qatar) CEO Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al Thani led a delegation to China for high-level business exchanges, discussing cooperation opportunities with leading Chinese companies in energy, finance, and logistics [2] - Invest Qatar launched a $1 billion investment incentive program in May 2023, focusing on key growth areas identified in Qatar's National Development Strategy (NDS3), including advanced industries, logistics, IT and digital economy, and financial services [2] - The current phase includes four specialized incentive plans aimed at encouraging new investments, upgrading existing enterprises, promoting high-skilled employment, and enhancing knowledge transfer mechanisms [2][5] Group 2 - Meetings were held with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) to deepen investment cooperation between China and Qatar, and to enhance economic dialogue between China and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries [6] - A strategic discussion took place with China International Capital Corporation (CICC) to explore capital market trends and bilateral business cooperation [15] - High-level talks were conducted with major Chinese companies such as JD.com and Meituan, focusing on their strategic expansion in Qatar and the GCC region [19][22] Group 3 - The delegation visited Tsinghua University to discuss strategic cooperation in research and innovation, aiming to attract global top-tier innovation resources [9] - Meetings with leading industrial and agricultural companies, including Sinopec and Jiahua, were held to explore investment opportunities in Qatar, particularly in energy materials and high-tech agriculture [28] - A special event, "Qatar & Friends: A Hutong Evening," was organized to foster cultural exchange and strengthen ties with Chinese business leaders and partners [29][32]

Global Market Outlook - Morgan Asset Management's report highlights significant uncertainty in the global economy and financial markets due to U.S. trade, fiscal policies, and geopolitical risks, suggesting investors should build resilient portfolios with global asset allocation to diversify returns and reduce volatility [1] China Equity Market - The report anticipates a structural slowdown in China's economic growth in the second half of the year due to weak confidence in households and businesses, ongoing real estate sector challenges, and deflationary pressures [2] - A "barbell strategy" combining growth and defensive sectors is expected to become mainstream, with potential opportunities in sectors related to new productivity, AI, new consumption, and innovative pharmaceuticals [2][4] Overseas Stocks - The U.S. economic outlook is influenced by tariff reductions, tax policies, and the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions, with concerns about stagflation and declining consumer and business confidence [5] - European stocks are viewed favorably due to attractive valuations, reduced inflation pressures, and planned increases in defense spending and infrastructure investments, leading to a potential shift of investments back to Europe from U.S. markets [5] Asian Markets - Asian economies are experiencing reduced currency appreciation pressures, allowing central banks more room to lower interest rates to support growth, with Japan's stock market showing positive performance due to corporate transformation [6] Overseas Bonds - The report emphasizes focusing on non-U.S. bond markets, as central banks in mature markets and Asia may lower rates more aggressively than the Federal Reserve, presenting additional opportunities for bond investors [8] Alternative Assets - In uncertain environments, investors are encouraged to consider alternative assets such as infrastructure, real estate, and transportation, which historically have lower correlation with traditional stocks and bonds, providing predictable cash income and reducing portfolio volatility [10] Summary - The global economy faces downward risks and increased volatility, but a combination of fiscal and monetary policies may help mitigate risks outside the U.S. Investors are advised to diversify across regions and asset classes to enhance portfolio resilience against market shocks [13]

Group 1 - The expectation of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve is boosting the Asian bond market, with Indonesian bonds positioned to be the biggest beneficiaries [1][4] - Indonesian benchmark government bond yields are close to 6.5%, making them one of the highest-yielding sovereign bonds in Asia, which enhances the attractiveness of Indonesian rupiah bonds [1] - The Indonesian central bank's focus on stabilizing the currency allows for further monetary easing without the concern of currency depreciation, especially in a weakening dollar environment [1][3] Group 2 - The correlation between the dollar and Indonesian 10-year government bond yields has reached its highest level since July 2024, indicating that a weaker dollar will support the appreciation of the rupiah and lower bond yields [3] - Indonesian 10-year government bond yields fell by 9 basis points, marking the largest decline in emerging Asia, following a drop in U.S. Treasury yields due to disappointing non-farm payroll data [3] - The current yield spread between Indonesian and U.S. 10-year government bonds is approximately 220 basis points, which is 1.1 standard deviations below the five-year average, indicating increased sensitivity of Indonesian bonds to U.S. Treasury yield fluctuations [3] Group 3 - The expectation of further interest rate cuts by the Indonesian central bank is anticipated to alleviate some concerns regarding fiscal deficits, with the central bank having already cut rates by 75 basis points this year [3] - GAMA's De Mello predicts that the Indonesian central bank will implement at least two more 25 basis point cuts by the end of the year, supported by the Federal Reserve's easing cycle [4]

Core Insights - The global fund tokenization market is experiencing explosive growth, with major Wall Street firms entering this emerging field [1] - Goldman Sachs reports that the asset management scale of tokenized assets reached $23 billion in the first half of the year, a 260% increase since January [1] - By 2030, tokenized funds are expected to account for 1% of global asset management, exceeding $600 billion [1] Group 1: Tokenized Money Market Funds - Tokenized money market funds are leading the innovation wave, with over 335 types of tokenized physical asset products currently operating on-chain [2] - BlackRock's BUIDL fund, in collaboration with Securitize, has surpassed $2.9 billion in assets under management, becoming the largest tokenized money market fund globally [2] - The participation of major institutions indicates a growing market demand for blockchain-native liquidity [2] Group 2: Alternative Assets and Private Equity - Tokenization of private equity and alternative assets is gaining attention, with the market projected to expand from $40 billion in 2023 to $317 billion by 2028 [3] - A PwC survey indicates that 54% of institutional investors prefer private equity as their choice for tokenized alternative investments [3] - Apollo's diversified credit fund offers tokenized private credit strategies, providing compliant investment opportunities for qualified institutions [3] Group 3: Milestones in Tokenized Money Market Funds - The collaboration between Goldman Sachs and BNY Mellon marks a significant milestone for tokenized money market funds in the U.S. [6] - This solution allows U.S. fund management companies to subscribe to money market fund shares through BNY Mellon's LiquidityDirect platform, utilizing Goldman Sachs' blockchain-based GS DAP platform [6] - The potential of tokenized funds can alleviate friction in collateral management, enhancing the value of asset classes [6] Group 4: Regulatory Environment - Global regulatory bodies are generally adopting a positive stance towards fund tokenization, creating favorable conditions for market development [7] - The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission approved the world's first tokenized money market ETF in April 2025, indicating strong interest in interoperable token formats [7] - The UK's 2023 fund tokenization implementation blueprint aims to improve market efficiency and transparency, with the Financial Conduct Authority supporting industry efforts [7]

Core Viewpoint - The introduction of the "Interim Measures for the Supervision and Administration of Local Asset Management Companies" by the Financial Regulatory Bureau aims to enhance the operational safety and competitive capabilities of local asset management companies by enforcing stricter regulations and promoting a focus on core business areas [1][3][4]. Group 1: Regulatory Framework - The new regulations will curb the blind expansion of local asset management companies into non-core areas, thereby enhancing their operational safety and enabling them to better fulfill their role in mitigating regional financial risks [1][6]. - The measures fill a regulatory gap by providing unified rules for local asset management companies, guiding them towards standardized operations and promoting healthy industry development [2][3]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - Local asset management companies have grown significantly, with around 60 institutions now playing a crucial role in preventing and resolving local financial risks while supporting regional economic development [2]. - The share of local asset management companies in the primary market for non-performing assets has been increasing, presenting them with favorable opportunities as small and medium financial institutions intensify their asset disposal efforts [2][3]. Group 3: Compliance and Risk Management - The regulations set critical limits, including a 30% threshold for core business investments in non-performing assets, a leverage cap of three times net assets, and a 10% concentration limit on single client investments, which will guide local asset management companies towards compliant development [4][5]. - The emphasis on compliance is expected to lead to differentiation within the industry, where compliant firms will thrive while those that previously engaged in risky practices will face significant pressure to return to their core business [4][7]. Group 4: Competitive Landscape - The local asset management companies are expected to seek differentiated development paths in the increasingly competitive landscape, where they face challenges from national financial asset management companies and foreign investment firms [7][8]. - Collaboration among different types of institutions is anticipated, allowing local asset management companies to engage in joint investments or acquisitions, thereby fostering a cooperative yet competitive environment [8].