It is common wisdom these days in the funds management business that a house must either have a niche specialization that forces distributors and consultants to seek it out, or it must be big, have a famous name and be able to provide every portfolio strategy under the sun. If you're not a boutique or Fidelity, then it will be difficult to win consultant recommendations or get on a distributor's shelf.
Mid-sized players trying to make a name for themselves in Asia have a hard task, but not an impossible one. Funds management is not a static industry and as economic conditions change, new possibilities arise.
First State Investments is one...
