Bangkok--21 Jan--KASIKORN ASSET MANAGEMENT
Placing emphasis on KAsset's fund management leadership, its 2016 strategy includes enhanced platforms that make investment easy. The company vows to be the first to introduce investment portfolios customized for individuals' financial aspirations.
According to Mr. Vasin Vanichvoranun, KASIKORN ASSET MANAGEMENT Executive Chairman, KAsset focused on mutual fund product diversity and successfully launched new products to fulfill investors' needs in 2015. The company's investment products now span global markets, with varied asset types, specific industries and regions, while it is eager to expand its role towards serving as a "regional player".
In 2015, KAsset reported satisfactory performance in fund standards and management, with 12 of its funds ranked in the top-quartile by the standard set forth by Association of Investment Management Companies (AIMC), seven of which are money market funds, and five are equity and mixed (equity and fixed-income) funds. The company's six foreign funds' performance is outstanding as seen in Morningstar rankings, as well as a number of accolades presented by leading local and international institutions in 2015. Also in the past year, KAsset's new services were enhanced. Examples included "DIY Target Fund", a tool to assist customers in planning their own investments, and fund investment through K-Mobile Banking PLUS, etc.
"As for its 2016 business plan and strategies, KAsset wishes to advance its market leadership and become the first asset management firm to introduce investment portfolios customized for retail investors' financial success. Under the concept of 'Simplify Your Investment Life', meaning easy investment for individuals, KAsset is geared up to offer customers with three service advantages: diversity of funds suited to all investment life cycles; quality fund products; and assistance services and tools for easy, anywhere/anytime investment. The company always stands ready to provide insights and investment portfolios appropriate for every investor's individual needs," Mr. Vasin added.
KAsset foresees significant changes ahead due to three phenomena. Firstly, economic interconnectedness enables investment options to be more diverse. The company, therefore, has plans to extend investments across the globe. In February, besides foreign investment funds (FIF), KAsset will introduce K-AEC for direct investment in ASEAN stocks. The company will also launch an ASEAN fixed income fund in the second half of this year.
Secondly, demographic shifts have motivated KAsset to devise investment products that cater to every market's needs. For example, K-GA is suitable for investors who prefer to diversify their investments in various types of assets around the globe. K-STAR offers automatic investment unit redemption once the investment units reach their expected value, allowing investors with little time to follow the markets to yield profits. Additionally, K-GINCOME is for investors wishing to enjoy regular cash flow, etc.
Lastly, technological advancement allows customers to manage their own investment portfolios more conveniently. KAsset has been developing various cutting-edge, swift and simple-to-use systems to accommodate constant digital investment transactions. In the first half of this year, a new service called "Portfolio Simulation Program" will be launched for investors to try out in order to find the most suitable investment plans. Moreover, new features will be added to investment systems via the K-Mobile Banking PLUS application.
"With all the plans we have for 2016, we expect about 27,000 new customers this year. Moreover, we continue to focus on building growth of assets under management (AUM). As of December 31, 2015, KAsset's AUM stood at 1.136 trillion Baht, a growth of 4 percent YoY," said Mr. Vasin.