Introduction
Following the acquisition of DBS Asset Management Ltd (“DBSAM” established 1982) and
Nikko Asset Management Singapore Limited (“Nikko AMS”, established 1990), the combined
entity, Nikko Asset Management Asia Limited (“Nikko AM Asia”) is the Singapore based
subsidiary of the Nikko Asset Management Group (“Nikko AM Group”) which is headquartered
in Tokyo.
Nikko AM Asia’s principal place of business is Singapore, where it is authorized and regulated
by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (“MAS”) to provide fund management services which
include discretionary and non-discretionary investments services. Nikko AM Asia holds a
Capital Markets Services License with MAS. Further information about Nikko AM Asia can be
found at https://eservices.mas.gov.sg/fid
Corporate History
The history of the group parent, Nikko Asset Management Co., Ltd (“Nikko AM”) dates back
to 1959 when its predecessor Nikko Securities Investment Trust Co., Ltd., was established. It
subsequently merged with Nikko International Capital Management Co., Ltd. (established
1981) in 1999, to form Nikko AM.
As one of Japan’s largest asset management companies, Nikko AM has significantly
expanded its operations both in Asia and internationally, in pursuit of its primary business
objective: to become the world’s leading pan-Asian asset management group.
It is the Nikko AM Group’s core belief that there are great opportunities for specialist
investment managers in the fast growing Asian markets and what clients and distributors really
want is a strong, dedicated Asian based investment firm, like Nikko AM, which can grasp the
often nuanced and local characteristics of markets and global investor requirements.
By utilizing its deep knowledge of the local markets in Asia and leveraging the group’s global
presence and resources, Nikko AM aims to maximize the value it delivers to its clients
regardless of their geographic location.
The acquisitions of DBS Asset Management and Tyndall Investment Management Limited
during 2011, and Treasury Asia Asset Management Limited in 2013 have enabled the Nikko
AM Group to significantly strengthen its presence across Asia. Nikko AM also extended its
capabilities in Europe with the addition of an Edinburgh-based investment team, which
previously managed the high-alpha equity strategy at Scottish Widows Investment Partnership
in August 2014. The team now manages Nikko AM’s Global Equity strategy.
These acquisitions have significantly contributed to the diversity of Nikko AM Group’s assets
under management and client base, as well as its global team of investment professionals.
As a result, the group is able to offer global investment and distribution capabilities in Tokyo,
Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Sydney, Auckland, Edinburgh, London and New York.
Nikko AM also owns 40% of Rongtong Fund Management Co., Ltd. in China, 20% Affin Hwang
Asset Management Berhad (previously known as Hwang Investment Management Berhad) in
Malaysia; 20% of Yarra Capital Management in Australia and a minority stake in ARK
Investment Management LLC in the US.
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Ownership*
On 15 January 2021, Nikko AM became a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Mitsui Trust
Holdings, Inc. However, in March 2021, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust (Hong Kong) Limited also
became a shareholder of Nikko AM, receiving a 1.00% stake. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings
retained the remaining 99.00%.
As at March 22, 2021, Nikko AM Asia was wholly owned
by Nikko Asset Management
International Limited and Nikko Asset Management International Limited was in turn, wholly
owned by Nikko AM. Nikko AM was majority owned by Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc.
(SMTH).
*Ownership percentages have been rounded down to two decimal places.
Assets Under Management
As at March 31, 2023, consolidated assets under management and advice of the Nikko AM
Group were approximately USD 209.4 billion. Of this, Nikko AM Asia was responsible for USD
9.26 billion.
Advisory Services
In responding to the diverse needs of investors, the Nikko AM Group offers both active and
passive investment capabilities across equity, fixed income and alternative asset classes, with
key strengths in multiple pan-Asian asset strategies. The Nikko AM Group’s hybrid culture,
experience and Asia-focused perspective offers crucial insights into understanding the
nuances of opportunities and challenges within Asian markets. This informs investment
decisions in a way that is extremely hard for non-local firms to emulate. Moreover, as a group,
we have shown a deep commitment to the region, establishing a strong bench of investment
expertise within these specialized markets. Our experience of investing and advising clients
on Asian securities, broken down by region, is as follows:
➢ Japanese Equities—since 1959
➢ Asia Pacific ex Japan—since 1990
➢ Emerging Asia—since 1994
➢ China—since 2005
➢ Multi Assets—since 2014
➢ Global Equities—since 2014
Nikko AM believes the best way of managing regional portfolios is to rely on the expertise of
local professionals, based in the appropriate investment region. Portfolio managers and
research analysts are highly experienced professionals, with in-depth knowledge of their own
markets, as well as cultural and political aspects impacting them. The skills and expertise of
each team is combined and brought together to offer specialist regional asset management
services. As a result, mandates may be sub-delegated to specialist investment teams at Nikko
Nikko Asset Management Asia Limited
Nikko Asset Management International Limited
Nikko Asset Management Co., Ltd
Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings, Inc.
Sumitomo Mitsui Trust (Hong Kong) Limited
1% 99%
100%
100%
AM Group affiliates in Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney, Auckland, Edinburgh, London
and New York.
Additionally, the group also provides sub-advisory services via Nikko AM’s World Series Fund
Platform®. This is offered primarily to Asian investors, as a means of accessing products
managed by leading asset managers, world-wide.
Services are primarily provided to individual and institutional investors (clients), through
investment companies or other pooled investment vehicles, including mutual funds, closed
end investment companies, Japanese investment trusts, unit investment trusts, private
companies, hedge funds or offshore funds (“pooled investment vehicles”) and separate
(segregated) accounts.
Nikko AM Asia manages portfolios in accordance with the specified guidelines and objectives
of each individual client. In this regard, clients may impose restrictions on investing in certain
securities or types of securities. Services may also be limited by legal and regulatory
requirements. Such restrictions will be clearly specified in investment management
agreements, following consultations with clients and will consider the impact of the proposed
restriction of the investment strategy, relevant laws and regulatory requirements.