Asset Management Awards: Marquee winners, explained part 1
In this series of detailed write-ups, we present the AsianInvestor Asset Management Awards’ Marquee winners.
These titles are regarded as the ‘best of the best’ in institutional investment management.
Today, we outline the rationale for the first group of winners in this category.
The Marquee distinctions recognise firms that have demonstrated sustained excellence, strong institutional client partnerships and meaningful market impact across Asia Pacific.
To see the announcement of our Marquee winners, click here.
Congratulations to all our recipients and a big thank you to our esteemed judging panel for their valuable insights and assessments.
Look out for Part 2, where we will present the next set of Marquee award winners and the thinking behind their selection.
BEST AI INNOVATION: BNP Paribas Asset Management
After already four decades of pioneering AI-driven asset management, combining deep quantitative expertise with continuous innovation, AXA Investment Managers’ Equity Quantitative Investing (EQI) team further advanced its capabilities during the award period.
In particular, there were two stand-out initiatives: firstly, an upgraded earnings surprise model leveraging neural networks and multi-source data; and secondly, a proprietary patent analytics framework processing over 5TB of filings to quantify corporate innovation.
These differentiated tools enhanced stock selection, uncovered low-correlation signals and identified forward-looking opportunities such as green innovation leaders.
EQI’s integrated AI platform – spanning NLP, large language models and big data – enabled superior insight generation, proactive risk management and dynamic portfolio positioning. Innovations such as the Dynamic Beta measure and machine learning-based distress signals demonstrably improved risk-adjusted returns and mitigated downside risks.
This technological edge was matched by strong, consistent outperformance across global and emerging market strategies. Underpinned by a scalable “white box” framework ensuring transparency and trust, and supported by a Singapore-based AI hub, EQI set new industry standards – delivering sustainable alpha and reinforcing its position at the forefront of next-generation asset management.
BEST AI INNOVATION: Robeco (Highly commended)
Robeco was notable during the award period as a pioneer in quantitative investing, combining decades of research leadership with cutting-edge AI innovation.
Managing over $110 billion in quant equities, the firm transformed its capabilities through advanced cloud-based infrastructure and next-generation data science. Its differentiated approach enhanced traditional factors with AI-driven insights, including NLP-powered theme detection and machine learning-based alpha signals.
Flagship innovations such as the Dynamic Theme Machine and ML-driven small-cap strategies demonstrated strong performance and global client adoption. Supported by a disciplined incubator framework and deep collaboration between quant and fundamental teams, the firm was able to deliver scalable, innovative and high-impact investment solutions.
BEST CO-INVESTMENT: EQT Partners
Project Minerva (Nord Anglia) exemplified EQT/BPEA’s market-leading, operationally driven private equity model – transforming a small school network into the world’s largest private K-12 education provider.
Underpinned by a compelling investment thesis – resilient global demand, premium positioning and significant operational upside – the firm executed a disciplined, repeatable value-creation playbook focused on centralised operations, academic innovation and strategic M&A. That drove sustained earnings growth through utilisation gains, pricing power and margin expansion.
The landmark sponsor-led transaction showcased exceptional execution and innovation in capital formation. EQT syndicated approximately $10 billion in co-investment across a diversified global investor base, combining institutional anchors with scaled private-wealth participation – in turn setting a new benchmark for large cross-border deals. The inclusion of existing investors through rollover stakes reinforced alignment, continuity and confidence.
Differentiated by its industrialised active-ownership model, multi-period track record and ability to mobilise flexible capital at scale, EQT demonstrated strong governance and resilience in volatile markets. Project Minerva not only delivered attractive realised and prospective returns but also established a replicable blueprint for scaling global, asset-light platforms and redefining co-investment structures in private equity.
BEST ALTERNATIVES MANAGER: IFS Asset Management
IFS Asset Management (IFSAM) established itself as a leading Asia Pacific (Apac) private credit manager through a differentiated, fully integrated ecosystem with PhillipCapital and IFS Capital – combining global distribution reach with deep regional underwriting expertise.
During the award period, the firm delivered revenue growth of around 30%, driven by strong inflows, expanded AUM and rapid traction in its flagship Fund II, which reached 30% of Fund I’s size within two months.
A standout achievement was the launch of the IFSAM Private Credit Income Fund, a semi-liquid, open-ended structure that represented a step-change innovation in the region’s private credit landscape. With lower minimums, shorter lock-ups and quarterly income, the Fund broadened access to private wealth investors while achieving 100% investor growth shortly after launch. Distribution scale across more than 15 markets further reinforced its leadership.
IFSAM also demonstrated effective client alignment and retention, achieving 100% reinvestment from Fund I into Fund II and securing a 5x allocation increase from an insurance investor through innovative structuring that significantly improved capital efficiency under MAS RBC2.
Enhanced digital onboarding, reporting automation and high-touch engagement further strengthened the client experience.
BEST EQUITY MANAGER (LARGE-CAP): Fisher Investments
Fisher Investments saw sustained growth as a global equity manager, capitalising on over 45 years of experience navigating diverse market cycles. Its expanding Asia Pacific footprint – anchored by offices in Tokyo, Sydney and, most recently, Singapore – enabled the firm to build strong local client relationships and grow regional AUM from $14.2 billion to over $19.5 billion within a year.
A key differentiator was Fisher’s flexible, top-down investment approach, which dynamically allocates across countries, sectors and styles based on macroeconomic, political and sentiment analysis. This distinctive methodology provided consistent outperformance, with selected strategies beating benchmarks 100% of the time over rolling three-year periods since inception, while also offering diversification benefits in multi-manager portfolios.
The firm’s approach also complemented investment excellence with a highly client-centric service model. Dedicated senior relationship managers, tailored reporting and extensive education initiatives positioned Fisher as an extension of clients’ own research capabilities, strengthening retention and trust.
Further, innovation underpinned the firm’s success, with significant investment in proprietary research, data infrastructure and technology. The expansion of its research team and ongoing enhancement of systems reinforced its ability to generate alpha, adapt to evolving markets and deliver long-term value for institutional investors.
BEST EQUITY MANAGER (MID/SMALL-CAP): Triata Capital
Triata Capital’s performance was underpinned by its prominent positioning in China mid- and small-cap equities, where information inefficiencies create significant alpha opportunities. By combining deep fundamental research with a powerful proprietary data ecosystem, the firm built a differentiated edge in identifying emerging companies early and scaling conviction as insights strengthen.
During the award period, Triata doubled AUM to $1.4 billion and delivered exceptional returns, with the flagship China Equity Master Fund generating +34% net, significantly outperforming the MSCI China Index. With performance consistently strong since inception, this highlighting the repeatability of its process – especially in under-researched mid- and small-cap segments.
Triata’s key innovation lay in its integration of 60% to 70% proprietary alternative data, enhanced by AI, NLP and large language models. This capability proved powerful with mid/small caps, where traditional coverage is limited. Its platform, TriataAlpha, enabled real-time validation of investment theses, while tools like TriataGPT enhanced due diligence, sentiment analysis and fraud detection.
Combined with strong global investor engagement and transparency, Triata established itself as a leading, next-generation China equity manager, excelling in capturing high-growth opportunities across the mid- and small-cap universe.
BEST ETF SOLUTIONS PROVIDER (LARGE-CAP): JP Morgan Asset Management
JP Morgan Asset Management reinforced its position as a global leader in the fast-growing ETF landscape, combining scale, innovation and performance to drive the evolution of active ETFs during the award period.
With $305 billion in ETF AUM – growing by $100 billion in under a year – the platform became a core pillar of the business, supported by nearly 100 active ETFs and industry-leading net inflows.
A key differentiator for JP Morgan Asset Management was its pioneering Equity Premium Income suite, including JEPI and JEPQ, which blend disciplined options strategies with equity exposure to deliver attractive, consistent income. Complementing this were innovative downside-protection strategies, alpha-generating active equity ETFs and the Research Enhanced Index (REI) range, which systematically integrates fundamental insights into index-like portfolios.
The firm’s capabilities were further strengthened by its global scale – over 1,200 investment professionals, advanced data science and significant technology investment – enabling robust research, execution and liquidity. Performance remained a cornerstone, with 94% of active equity and 96% of fixed income ETF AUM outperforming peers over three years.
With rapid expansion across Asia Pacific, continuous product innovation and a strong client-centric ecosystem, JP Morgan Asset Management shaped the active ETF market by setting new standards.
BEST ETF SOLUTIONS PROVIDER (MID/SMALL-CAP): Lion Global Investors
Lion Global Investors showcased its position as a leading Southeast Asian asset manager with its ETF platform emerging as a key growth engine.
AUM for this part of the business surged 57% during the award period, making the firm one of Singapore’s fastest-growing ETF issuers and the largest by product count on the SGX.
Lion Global’s success was underpinned by innovation and first-mover advantage. It pioneered Singapore’s first active fixed income ETF, combining decades of bond expertise with ETF efficiency, achieving a successful launch. The firm also became the only Singapore-headquartered manager to complete the SSE–SGX ETF Product Link pairing, unlocking cross-border access to China A-shares and launching the first CSI Dividend Index ETF outside mainland China.
Strategic partnerships, strong institutional inflows and effective retail engagement – including education-led campaigns and broad distribution alliances – helped expand LGI’s client base and strengthened its regional footprint.
By consistently delivering innovative, accessible and cost-efficient solutions, the firm demonstrated strong market presence, differentiated capabilities and a strong commitment to shaping the future of ETFs in Asia Pacific.
BEST ETF SOLUTIONS PROVIDER (MID/SMALL-CAP): CSOP Asset Management (Highly commended)
CSOP Asset Management reinforced its position as one of the leading ETF issuers in Hong Kong, with $28.6 billion AUM and over 64% year-on-year growth, supported by a diversified client base and robust ETF ecosystem.
Managing 62 ETPs, the firm dominates the leveraged and inverse segment with over 98% market share. During the award period, CSOP stood out for pioneering innovations, including Hong Kong’s first Bitcoin futures ETF and the world’s first Ether futures ETF.
The launch of 20 new products and six of Hong Kong’s top 10 most traded ETFs highlighted strong market relevance, while its global distribution strategy and client-centric approach underpinned sustained growth and industry leadership.