Singapore Sees Assets Swell on Strong Private-Equity Performance

(Bloomberg) -- Assets managed in Singapore rose 17% last year amid strong gains from private equity funds and alternative investments, Monetary Authority of Singapore data showed.

Singapore’s assets under management climbed to S$4.7 trillion ($3.5 trillion) in 2020 from S$4 trillion a year earlier, according to the central bank’s annual survey released Wednesday. The growth was driven by both net inflows and valuation gains. 

Private equity and venture capital jumped by 54% to S$391 billion, compared to the 16% growth seen in 2019, as investors boosted exposure to these asset classes amid a search for yield, the MAS said. However, real estate saw a 56% plunge to S$221 million.

Other Key Findings 

• Some 78% of assets under management was sourced from outside Singapore in 2020
• About 68% of assets invested in Asia Pacific in 2020
• Net inflows from clients across Asia Pacific rose by 15%
• Funds invested into the Asia Pacific region saw growth of 16% in 2020
• Southeast Asian countries remained key investment destinations, making up 33% of investments into Asia Pacific

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