AIMA Japan Annual Forum

One of AIMA’s longest-running events, the annual AIMA Japan Forum, is now in its 12th year.

The 2017 Forum drew around 250 attendees across two days. The attendees, some of whom had travelled to Tokyo from around the region, included investment managers, institutional investors and service provider businesses. It was standing-room only for the sessions on 7-8 June 2017.

Representatives from Japan’s Financial Services Agency and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Advisory Panel were present. One of the big themes was the revitalisation of Tokyo as a financial centre. Recent reforms to corporate governance and stewardship rules were emphasised, as well as efforts to incentivise institutions to diversify away from government bonds.

At the event, AIMA and Eurekahedge released the findings of our fourth annual survey of Japanese and Japan-focused asset managers and institutional investors. The survey (here) highlighted the investments that alternative asset managers are making in regulatory compliance, as the Japanese sector continues to mature and evolve. It also found that most investors in Japan intend to at least maintain their current allocations to hedge funds and other alternatives.

As well as a number of discussions around issues facing hedge fund managers, the 2017 Forum also included specialist panels and streams on aspects of private equity and real estate investing, reflecting the popularity for the broad alternatives sector in general in Japan. The successful event was rounded off with networking drinks.

The 2018 event is provisionally scheduled to be held in Tokyo on 6-7 June 2018. Watch this space for updates.