French asset management company Amundi has enhanced its thematic investment funds offering for investors in Asia. Amundi has launched six new offerings that cater to the growing demand for alternative source of return in Asia.
Five of these six new offerings are launched in Singapore which will be managed by CPR Asset Management. The new equity funds launched for Asia by Amundi will focus on climate action, education, food security, disruptive business models and population aging. While in Hong Kong, the firm introduced a global education-focused equities fund.
According to Amundi, education is a key investment theme and the sector has been increasingly attracting investors from Asia. This is caused by the growing global education expenditure and the rising demand for education services in developing countries which is driven by population growth and the increasing monetary power in the hand of emerging country’s middle class.
Vincent Mortier, deputy chief investment officer at Amundi told the media, “Asia is Amundi’s second domestic market and is underpinned by strong economic fundamentals and growing wealth.”
He added, “We believe education is the next long-term, sustainable theme. There are powerful, structural trends at play, making the sector an attractive opportunity for investors seeking huge growth potential.”
Last month, Amundi, along with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank announced a $500 million Asia Climate Bond Portfolio. It aims to accelerate climate action in the bank’s members and address the underdevelopment of the climate bond market.
The bond, which will become active on January 2020, will invest in labeled green bonds and unlabeled climate bonds. It will also engage in helping companies adopt a climate-friendly approach.