2 July 2024 (Wed) | 1:30pm – 5:00pm (SGT)

As the regulatory environment becomes more intricate, fund managers must remain proactive in understanding global and regional developments.  The IMAS 11th Regulatory Forum brought
together close to 100 industry professionals and thought leaders to discuss the evolving landscape of asset management across Asia. Speakers from Simmons & Simmons provided insights into the key global regulatory updates and considerations for fund managers across key jurisdictions, including Singapore, Hong Kong, and China. They explored ESG regulations, data governance, enforcement priorities, derivatives and trading rules, and evolving governance expectations.

In addition, they explored the practical approaches for integrating AI technologies in fund management, highlighting how they can optimise trade surveillance and automate document workflows to reduce operational costs. Attendees were treated to a live AI demonstration on the journey from trade tracking to comprehensive document generation, demonstrating the potential to harness AI for innovation and cost efficiency in their organisations.

Agenda

• Keynote Address by Teo Kok Ming, Executive Director, Capital Markets Group, Investment
  Intermediaries Department, Monetary Authority of Singapore.
• Session 1: Key global regulatory updates and considerations for fund managers.
• Session 2: Practical Applications of AI in Fund Management.

The keynote address by MAS covered the following:

• Liquidity risk management guidelines will be enhanced to align with global standards— introducing asset liquidity-based fund categorisation, broader use of liquidity tools, and stronger governance to improve market resilience.
• VCC managers are expected to strengthen governance through proper custody arrangements and robust AML/CFT controls, with directors held accountable for effective oversight, as flagged in MAS’ recent thematic findings.
• To provide more timely and comparable insights into funds’ risk profiles, a streamlined quarterly data collection framework will be rolled out progressively to licensed fund managers.
• Fund managers should step up cybersecurity measures and guard against impersonation scams by conducting regular system checks, scanning for fake sites, and swiftly alerting authorities to protect investors and preserve industry trust.

Key takeaways from the session:

• Increasing interest in alternative assets and newer investment vehicles in China and Hong Kong
  o In China, asset managers are increasingly exploring alternative assets in response to growing demand for shorter lock-up periods, greater liquidity, and simplified entry requirements. Onshore fund managers are also leveraging existing market access
  frameworks to pursue global diversification. Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, while Cayman fund structures remain prevalent, newer vehicles such as Limited Partnership Funds (LPFs), tokenised fund units, and Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs) are gaining momentum, particularly among institutional and high-net-worth
  investors seeking tailored investment solutions.
• Continued developments for retail access to private markets
  o Governments and regulators in Singapore and Hong Kong are actively exploring ways to broaden retail investor access to private markets. Singapore is adopting a principles-based approach focused on promoting sound governance, while Hong
  Kong is also working on new structures and frameworks to provide investors access to less liquid assets.
• Increasing usage of AI amidst fragmented legal landscape
  o Asset managers are increasingly using AI for investment research, customer engagement, and operational support. Robo-advisory platforms are expected to grow significantly, and generative AI is being used to propose new investment ideas.
  However, the legal landscape is fragmented—some jurisdictions like Korea have AI-specific laws, while others are evolving data privacy and intellectual property regulations. Firms must stay agile and informed to manage these risks effectively.

Event Details
Date: Wednesday, 2 July 2025
Time: 1:30pm to 5:00pm (SGT)
Location: JP Morgan Office, 88 Market Street,
CapitaSpring, Level 30 Client Centre, Singapore 048948

View session materials: