Explore Singularity Advisors Ltd
Market Entry and Expansion Strategies for Asset Managers into Asia and Europe
"Singularity"
Singularity, in a very simplified definition, is a point in space and time, where the normal laws of physics don't apply anymore and new ways of thinking are required. At Singularity Advisors, we apply outside-the-box approaches to help asset managers be successful in new markets.
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Our Value Proposition
We advise asset managers on developing successful Asia and/or Europe strategies, assessing their range of investment approaches for relevance in the respective markets as well as providing initial and ongoing governance advice on fund and company boards.
Where the Opportunity lies
In asset management, Asia is currently the fastest growing region in the world. This is mainly due to four main drivers. 1) Growth of the middle class, 2) over-aging of the population, 3) high level of underinsurance and 4) capital market headwinds. All of these provide opportunities for new managers with relevant investment strategies. At the same time Europe is going through a wave of regulatory changes that makes successfully manoeuvring this market difficult.
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Although the growth numbers in Asia and the market size of Europe are intriguing and enticing, they have to be taken with a grain of salt. What works in a manager’s home market does not necessarily lead to success in all the Asian markets. Success is aligned to having the right investment strategies, delivered in the right vehicle through effective channels in the most compatible market.
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Finding the most effective approach to enter new markets and continually challenging the status quo has been at the core of what we do. Not all markets will be profitable for all asset managers. The key for success is to find the market and segment that is most compatible to a manager’s range of investment strategies, corporate culture and philosophy.
Our Experience
Setting up, developing and executing business development and team build-out strategies in Asia and Europe for various asset managers
Establishment of regulated asset management businesses in Singapore, Japan, Korea and Germany
Initiation and negotiation of an insurance asset management joint venture in China
Corporate governance advice
Axel Maier
Founder
In 2019, Axel Maier started Singularity Advisors after two years of reflection having spent the previous 24 years in the asset management industry. Axel worked with very different organisations such as, Macquarie Investment Management as Head of Asian Business in Hong Kong, Wellington Management in London and Singapore covering Asia, Europe and the Middle East at various stages during this time and leaving as Wellington’s Head of Europe and as member of the board of Managing Directors for Baring Asset Management AG in Frankfurt.
What became clear during this time was that there is not "just one way" of being successful as an asset manager and that adaptability to a new business environment and regional culture is critical to succeed in a new market.
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With Singularity Advisors, Axel wants to help asset managers to be successful in new markets and learn from the mistakes others have already made.
