Aberdeen Standard Investments (ASI) can now provide offshore funds directly to Thai investors after securing a new licence.
The firm has secured a Limited Broker, Dealer and Underwriter Licence (LBDU) from Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission.
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ASI, which has been operating in Thailand since 2002, is said to be the first global mutual fund manager to secure the licence.
The licence offers Thai HNW investors access to ASI’s Luxemburg-domiciled global mutual funds.
Currently, local investors can access the firm’s over 20 domestic funds via third-party distributors.
Eventually, the firm will offer access to various funds under the Aberdeen Standard SICAV I umbrella to Thai investors.
These vehicles cover multiple asset classes such as frontier markets bonds, China A-share equity, multi-asset diversified income, and global smaller companies.
With the relaxation of capital market rules, sThailand now allows domestic investors to access global solutions via feeder funds.
ASI head of Thailand Robert Penaloza said: “As the world battles the coronavirus pandemic and its economic fallouts, investors are facing unprecedented challenges today and looking to build more resilient portfolios.
“It is more important than ever that we help them expand their investment horizons and diversify into a breadth of asset classes and markets.”
In 2019, ASI obtained the nod of the Asset Management Association of China (AMAC) to offer onshore investment advisory services in the country.
Other developments in Thai wealth space
In April last year, Julius Baer received a licence for wealth management JV in Thailand.
The business SCB Julius Baer is a JV between Julius Baer and Thailand’s Siam Commercial Bank (SCB).
Last February, Liechtenstein-based private bank LGT launched its wealth management office in Thailand after receiving clearance from regulators.
