Philippines hosts 13 Asian countries in 22nd AOIFA Conference

THE GLOBAL INVESTMENT landscape is in a flux. With the tide of change sweeping through the political and economic landscape, both investors and fund managers are facing challenges that have never before been seen: old economies struggling for growth, new ones rising, and nations experiencing changes in their respective governments.

As the global market heaves through this, the Asian region remains the bright spot with countries registering growth outperforming its global counterparts. The booming population, young demographics and good fundamentals make it a preferred choice for those chasing returns.

To greater address the challenges affecting the region’s investment climate, the Philippine Investment Funds Association (PIFA) — the country’s association of mutual fund companies composed of 57 memberfunds with a total Asset Under Management (AUM) of P243 billion as of Dec. 31 — will host the 22nd annual Asia Oceania Investment Funds Association (AOIFA) Regional meeting from March 26 to 30.

This five- day event will see various experts in the fi eld of fi nance and investments talk about the current trends as well as best practices in the mutual fund industry.

“The conference theme for 2017 is ‘One Asia’ which aims to house a diversified selection of experts, members, and delegates from the Asia Oceania Region under one roof for five days,” PIFA Chairman Ignacio Gimenez said. “We are honored to host this annual event here in the Philippines for the second time around as we also showcase the opportunities in our country,” he added.

The AOIFA regional meeting will also be attended by representatives from member countries including Australia, Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Taiwan.

For his part, PIFA President Ferdinand Berba believes that “the role that we play in the economy might not be the one that could create a paradigm shift overnight, but as we convene through events such as AOIFA, we believe that a significant part of the world is being touched, one country at a time.”

Key global players in the financial industry have also pledged their full support for the event. AOIFA 2017 Platinum Partners include: JP Morgan Asset Management, Philam Asset Management, Inc., Sun Life Asset Management Company, Inc. The event is also co- presented by Gold Partner Nomura Asset Management, with the help of Silver Partner BPI Investment Management, Inc., and in cooperation with Bronze partner First Metro Asset Management, Inc. The Tourism Promotions Board and BusinessWorld also joined these institutions as event partners.

For more information, visit www.aoifa2017-pifa.info.