News

Explore the latest news from Balfour Capital Group, showcasing our strategic advancements and updates in the financial sector, reflecting our commitment to transparency and stakeholder communication.

China looks to third pillar to relieve financial pressure on the state

Published on August 8th, 2025

In a new Asia Asset Management feature, Steve Alain Lawrence, CIO at Balfour Capital Group, said China is closing its pension gap by adapting best practices from markets like the US and Switzerland to its diverse investor base. The country’s third-pillar private pension system, launched in 2022, now counts over 60 million accounts and RMB 45 billion in assets, with projections to reach RMB 7 trillion by 2030.

Sherry Si of YaoWang Law Office noted rapid growth in insurance products, driven by policy support and customised retirement solutions. Lawrence pointed to low public awareness and a modest annual tax-deduction cap (RMB 12,000) as current growth limits, though uptake is rising among middle-income earners. He emphasised that coordinated public–private innovation is key, calling the development of the third pillar “a vital part of the global evolution of pension systems.”

Taiwan launches offshore asset management bid from port city

Published on August 5th, 2025

In a recent AsianInvestor article, Steve Alain Lawrence, CIO at Balfour Capital Group, highlighted Kaohsiung’s rise as a strategic base for offshore asset management, driven by lower operational costs, policy incentives, and proximity to Taiwan’s Asia New Bay Area—a hub for AI, fintech, and 5G.

Lawrence noted Taiwan’s generous A-share market access compared to Singapore, Hong Kong, and Tokyo, attracting global managers like UBS, JP Morgan, Schroders, Fidelity, and Allianz. He cautioned, however, that compliance requirements, product restrictions, and China–Taiwan tensions could temper foreign inflows.

Eva-CY Huang, CEO of DWS Far Eastern Investments, cited Kaohsiung’s cost-efficient environment and flexible regulation as competitive advantages. Lawrence added that the city’s framework is aligned with Taiwan’s NT$1 trillion National Development Plan, targeting NT$38 trillion AUM by 2026.

Chinese equities lure institutional capital from overheated India

Published on July 30th, 2025

In a new AsianInvestor article, Steve Alain Lawrence, CIO at Balfour Capital Group, said institutional investors are tactically rotating into Chinese equities amid valuation appeal, policy tailwinds, and better scalability.

“Temasek, CPPIB, GIC and AIA are favouring Chinese names tied to AI and green tech via Hong Kong mandates,” he noted. Tencent, Baidu, and SenseTime saw 20–30% Q2 gains on ETF inflows and easing platform regulations.

Lawrence called India’s current outflows “a tactical rotation, not a structural reallocation,” citing overvalued small/mid-caps and opaque regulation.

Angela Lan of State Street IM highlighted successful US-China tariff talks and China’s discounted valuations as sentiment boosters, while Kai Wang of Morningstar urged caution, noting that inflows depend on new stimulus and earnings growth.

Market Views: How could US crypto regulations impact APAC investment strategies?

Published on July 25th, 2025

In a recent AsianInvestor article, Steve Alain Lawrence, CIO at Balfour Capital Group, said the GENIUS and CLARITY Acts and President Trump’s expected executive order allowing US pension funds to allocate to crypto mark “a structural repricing of the digital asset class.”

“For institutional allocators in APAC, this is no longer a theoretical trend but a real-time change to the investment landscape,” Lawrence noted, adding that Bitcoin is increasingly treated as macro infrastructure, while Ethereum and tokenised real-world assets are entering institutional portfolio models.

Christopher Jensen of Franklin Templeton said US regulatory momentum could accelerate digital asset inclusion in long-term APAC strategies, while David Chen of Tiger Brokers Hong Kong highlighted that regulatory convergence between the US and Asia will attract institutional capital and drive mature, globally integrated crypto allocations.

China Green Bond Sales to Remain Strong Amid Policy Support

Published on July 22nd, 2025

In a recent S&P Global Market Intelligence article, Steve Alain Lawrence, CIO at Balfour Capital Group, highlighted China’s strong green bond momentum, supported by policy incentives and robust investor demand.

“With continued policy support for the country’s dual-carbon goals and upcoming issuances from China Construction Bank and Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, momentum is expected to remain strong into the second half of 2025,” Lawrence said. He noted that the surge was led by ICBC and Bank of China, supported by the People’s Bank of China’s green relending facilities, with ESG-focused investors fueling cross-border flows.

Marissa Ramos and John Wu reported that China issued $39.50 billion in green bonds in Q2, maintaining its lead globally. Lawrence added that rising nonaligned domestic issuance reflects Beijing’s push toward a sovereign ESG framework backed by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange.

Trade tensions, yields cool global green bond market outlook

Published on July 21st, 2025

In a recent S&P Global Market Intelligence article, Steve Alain Lawrence, Chief Investment Officer at Balfour Capital Group, highlighted how Trump’s 30% tariff on EU goods is prompting European industrial issuers to delay green bond offerings.

“Some automakers are reportedly waiting for greater clarity on transatlantic trade conditions,” Lawrence said, adding that elevated U.S. Treasury yields are also pressuring municipal green bond issuance.

Takahide Kiuchi, Executive Economist at Nomura Research Institute, warned that tariffs are likely to ignite inflation and weigh on global growth, while Mana Nakazora, Chief ESG Strategist at BNP Paribas Japan, noted that investor appetite for ESG investments is cooling under these economic headwinds.

What do soaring US tech valuations mean for Asian investors?

Published on July 17th, 2025

In a new AsianInvestor article, soaring valuations of US tech giants like Nvidia—now the world’s most valuable company at $4 trillion—are forcing Asian investors to rethink concentrated exposure.

Steve Alain Lawrence, CIO at Balfour Capital Group, highlighted China’s surging chip demand, with Alibaba, Baidu, and Tencent placing substantial orders amid behind-the-scenes U.S.-China trade talks to maintain chip flows. He also noted the U.S. push to reindustrialise at scale, adding more than 6 gigawatts of power capacity to fuel AI data centres and secure a vertically integrated AI value chain.

David Chao of Invesco pointed to attractive valuations in Chinese tech as a diversification play, while Yan Taw Boon of Neuberger Berman stressed opportunities in the semiconductor “Golden Triangle” of Taiwan, Japan, and Korea. Sovereign funds like Japan’s GPIF and Singapore’s GIC are ramping up allocations to TSMC, SK Hynix, and Delta Electronics as part of this strategic shift.

What Taiwan-China Tensions Mean for Asian Investors

Published on July 10th, 2025

In a new AsianInvestor article, Taiwan’s largest-ever military drills and rising tensions with China are prompting investors to reassess regional risk. Steve Alain Lawrence, CIO at Balfour Capital Group, sees this as part of a broader geopolitical reset – with Taiwan’s semiconductor dominance at the center.

Xin-Yao Ng, Investment Director of Asian Equities at Aberdeen Investments, believes the risk of conflict remains low but warns of potential escalation if red lines are tested.

Sovereign wealth funds like GIC, Mubadala and NBIM are moving from passive exposure to actively managed strategies, while bond flows shift toward U.S. Treasuries, SGD and ASEAN credit.

Steve Alain Lawrence, CIO of Balfour Capital Group, was featured in Macao News commenting on China’s June 2025 PMI rebound.

Published on July 1st, 2025

As manufacturing activity returned to expansion, Steve emphasized investor interest in AI, clean energy and high-spec industrials. He noted growing institutional confidence in China’s private-sector momentum. The article also cited Jefferies, who said the shift to productivity-led growth could lift market sentiment in the second half of the year.

China’s AI Strategy Redraws Global Investment Focus

Published on July 1st, 2025

In FinanceAsia, Steve Alain Lawrence outlines how China’s AI ambitions – led by the launch of DeepSeek – are accelerating portfolio shifts away from U.S.-centric models. Simmons & Simmons’ Arijit Tiwari notes that falling development costs are prompting a revaluation of AI-linked firms, while Jefferies’ Aniket Shah suggests the disruption may open more opportunities than it closes. Strategic buyers like Huawei and state funds are further fueling the momentum across Asia’s evolving AI landscape.

Asian Markets React to US-Iran Tensions: Steve Lawrence Shares Insight

Published on June 27th, 2025

Steve Alain Lawrence offered key analysis to AsianInvestor following the US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. With the Strait of Hormuz under threat, Asian institutional investors are rebalancing portfolios, reducing exposure to oil-sensitive sectors in Japan and Korea, rotating into defensive names in China and increasing gold, crude and FX hedging.

Lawrence explains why this marks a structural shift in capital allocation – not just a temporary reaction to volatility.

Hong Kong’s Stock Market Surges on Tech and Capital Inflows

Published on June 23rd, 2025

Steve Alain Lawrence spoke to Macao News about Hong Kong’s strong performance in H1 2025, with the Hang Seng Index up nearly 20% – outpacing both the MSCI World and S&P 500.
He highlighted how a combination of attractive valuations, supportive policy signals from Beijing and renewed investor confidence in new economy sectors like EVs and AI has positioned Hong Kong as a key entry point for China exposure.
Despite U.S.-China tensions and high tariffs, IPOs rose 33%, led by CATL’s $5.2B listing. Lawrence sees global capital rotating structurally into Asia, with Hong Kong emerging as a benchmark for innovation sectors like AI and EVs, supported by policy clarity and monetary easing.

China’s Rare Earths Leverage Could Reshape Global Tech Dynamics

Published on June 18th, 2025

Steve Alain Lawrence recently spoke with AsianInvestor about the U.S./China dispute over rare earths and its global impact. With China processing over 85% of rare earths, the standoff – focused on military-grade materials and advanced tech – threatens supply chains across defense, AI, EVs and semiconductors, especially in South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan.
Steve noted rising investor interest in firms like MP Materials and Lynas and pointed to growth potential in Southeast Asia and India as supply chains shift.
Andrew Zurawski, Chief Economist at WTW, warned that ongoing uncertainty could slow investment across the region, while economies like Malaysia may benefit from the realignment.
The rare earths-semiconductor tug-of-war is shaping a new chapter in global tech strategy.

Analysis: Investors overlooking tariff noise benefit Hong Kong deal flows

Published on June 10th, 2025

Featured in AsianInvestor, Steve Alain Lawrence, CIO of Balfour Capital Group, joined BloombergIntelligence and Morgan Stanley in assessing Hong Kong’s IPO rebound amid ongoing US-China tensions.

“For issuers, [Hong Kong] means less scrutiny, more flexibility, and still-deep liquidity,” Lawrence said

Taiwan to launch 'long overdue' sovereign wealth fund

Published on June 9th, 2025

Featured in AsianInvestor, Steve Alain Lawrence, CIO of Balfour Capital Group, joined leading voices from State Street Global Advisors to assess Taiwan’s landmark decision to launch its first sovereign wealth fund.
“Taiwan’s shift from passive reserves to proactive, long-term investment marks a strategic evolution,” Lawrence said

Market Views: How will Hong Kong’s IPO rebound impact global asset allocation?

Published on June 5th, 2025

Featured in AsianInvestor, Steve Alain Lawrence, CIO of Balfour Capital Group, joined leaders from Invesco, Franklin Templeton, Morningstar, and Ashurst to assess the global implications of Hong Kong’s IPO resurgence.

“Hong Kong’s IPO market is staging a decisive comeback, signalling a renewed allocation of capital toward Asia,” said Lawrence.

Impact of tariffs on Chinese banks likely to be indirect, uneven

Published on June 4th, 2025

In a recent S&P Global article, Steve Alain Lawrence, Chief Investment Officer at Balfour Capital Group, offered perspective on the resilience of China’s state-owned banks in the face of rising U.S.-China trade tensions and escalating tariffs.

“Beijing won’t allow its financial system to show weakness on the world stage,” Lawrence said.

Market Views: How will the US-China manufacturing rivalry impact investors?

Published on May 29th, 2025

Featured in Asian Investor, Steve Alain Lawrence, CIO of Balfour Capital Group, joined leaders from JP Morgan AM, DWS, Federated Hermes, Aberdeen, and Value Partners and assesed China’s push for tech self-sufficiency under its updated “Made in China 2025” plan.

“Investors must watch firms investing in talent and domestic innovation. Momentum is building—and the time to act is now,” Lawrence said

Asia’s $7.5 Trillion Bet on US Assets Is Suddenly Unravelling

Published on May 27, 2025

Steve Alain Lawrence, Chief Investment Officer at Balfour Capital Group, was featured alongside senior voices from Allianz Global Investors, Gulf Analytica, UBS, Fidelity International, and JPMorgan Asset Management in Bloomberg’s deep-dive into Asia’s accelerating retreat from U.S. financial markets.
“Trump-era tariffs and policy volatility have reshaped risk frameworks,” Lawrence stated. “He’s accelerating preexisting de-dollarization and decoupling moves.”

No place to hide from any China-Taiwan conflict, investors say

Published on May 22, 2025

In an article published by Reuters on May 22, 2025, addressing rising geopolitical tensions in the Taiwan Strait, Steve Alain Lawrence, Chief Investment Officer at Balfour Capital Group, underscored the stark decisions now confronting global investors.

“If aggression toward Taiwan occurs, the investment decision becomes binary: stay exposed and absorb extreme volatility, or exit swiftly to preserve capital,” Lawrence stated.

Market Views: Is American exceptionalism fading with Asia’s rise?

Published on May 21st, 2025

In AsianInvestor’s latest feature on the fading narrative of American exceptionalism, Steve Alain Lawrence, Chief Investment Officer at Balfour Capital Group, highlighted the structural rebalancing of global capital flows toward Asia.

“The rise of Asia’s middle class, digital economy, and intra-regional trade—now surpassing Asia–US trade volumes—is structurally realigning global capital. Asia is no longer just a destination, but a driver.”

COVID's Impact: Chinese banks face muted profitability growth post-pandemic

Published on May 20th, 2025

In a recent interview with S&P Global Market Intelligence, Steve Alain Lawrence, Chief Investment Officer at Balfour Capital Group, commented on the evolving landscape for Chinese banks in the post-pandemic era. Lawrence noted “Credit is flowing to strategic areas like electric vehicle supply chains, semiconductors, and AI manufacturing zones in Shenzhen and Anhui,”

Market Views: How will the US-China tariff rollback impact Asia investment?

Published on May 16, 2025

Summary: Steve Alain Lawrence, CIO of Balfour Capital Group, was featured in AsianInvestor alongside senior figures from JP Morgan Asset Management, Amundi, Federated Hermes, Aberdeen Investments, and Bank of Singapore, offering views on how the US-China tariff rollback is shaping Asian investment strategy.

Lawrence said the 90-day tariff rollback offers a short-term window for strategic moves. He pointed to gains for Asian exporters like TNG, DBL Group, Yamaha Electronics, and automakers Toyota, Hyundai, and BYD. Port operators COSCO and MOL could also benefit, though he warned that investors should stay cautious amid ongoing trade talks.

India-Pakistan conflict stirs geopolitical risk concerns

Published on May 16th, 2025

AsianInvestor discussing rising geopolitical risks in South Asia. As India-Pakistan tensions grow, he noted that global managers are reassessing regional exposure, with many shifting toward ASEAN and Gulf markets for their stability and growth prospects.

Institutional investors including BlackRock, Fidelity, and Amundi are flagging South Asia as a risk zone, while hedge funds and sovereign wealth funds pivot toward more resilient sectors in safer jurisdictions.

Li Ka-shing’s China Clash Unnerves Rich Investors in Hong Kong

Published on May 13, 2025

Hersh Oberoi, Senior Wealth Advisor at Balfour Capital Group, was featured inBloomberg offering expert commentary on the evolving role of family offices in Hong Kong’s investment landscape. In the article, Oberoi highlighted the growing influence of geopolitics on capital allocation, referencing the Li Ka-shing case as a pivotal example. “Geopolitical perception is now financial reality,” he said. “Family offices can no longer view strategic investments—particularly in infrastructure, technology, and data—as apolitical. These sectors are increasingly seen as extensions of national power, raising the stakes for investors worldwide.”

Hong Kong lenders face risks from real estate exposure as prices cool

Published on May 12th, 2025

Balfour Capital Group’s Chief Investment Officer, Steve Alain Lawrence, was featured in S&P Global—a publication with a global audience of over 4 million—offering insights on the growing risks facing Hong Kong banks due to heightened real estate exposure. Steve noted that smaller banks may face greater vulnerabilities, especially those linked to overleveraged developers and nonprime holdings, highlighting the need for vigilant credit risk management.

Market Views: What impact has Trump’s first 100 days had on Asia?

Published on May 1st, 2025

Steve Alain Lawrence was featured in Asian Investor alongside leading global firms including JP Morgan, William Blair, Franklin Templeton, and Invesco, commenting on Trump’s first 100 days in office. He noted that the administration’s early “America First” policies prompted a strategic shift across Asia—fueling investment, innovation, and deeper regional integration.

Wealth Tips: Follow the 'Oracle of Omaha'—Can Beginners Profit in a Volatile Market?

Published on April 20th, 2025

Steve Alain Lawrence, CIO at Balfour Capital Group was recently quoted in the largest Singapore – Chinese publication Lianhe Zaobao (聯合早報) covering if investment novices can profit in volatility by following Warren Buffett’s investment strategy. Steve believes the more noteworthy focus is Berkshire Hathaway’s management transition- Greg Abel, the 61-year-old Vice Chairman, who oversees the decision-making power for investments, including stock allocations. “Abel is directing funds into physical assets, long-term cash flows, and global operations. These are still value investments, but on a larger scale” Lawrence noted.

Market Views: Is the US heading into a recession?

Published on April 7th, 2025

In AsianInvestor’s latest feature, “Is This Market Meltdown Signalling a Recession?”, Balfour Capital Group joins the conversation alongside top-tier institutions including Amundi Investment Institute, Aberdeen Investments, Invesco, First Eagle Investments, and Federated Hermes, to assess whether recent market volatility signals an impending recession or a short-term policy-driven correction.

Steve Alain Lawrence, Chief Investment Officer at Balfour Capital Group, offered a confident view of the U.S. economic trajectory, stating:

“Forget the noise. Despite headlines of geopolitical tension, rate debates, and tech decoupling, the U.S. economy isn’t just holding—it’s poised for a breakout.”

Asia-Pacific bank capital raising slumps as rate uncertainty weighs on market

Published on March 27th, 2025

Steve Alain Lawrence, chief investment officer at Balfour Capital Group, commented on the issue, attributing the sharp decline in bank debt issuance to deep-rooted anxiety driven by global inflation pressures and tense negotiation dynamics.

“The drastic plunge in bank debt issuance [in Asia-Pacific] this February wasn’t coincidental — it reflected deep-rooted anxiety driven by ongoing global inflation pressures and tense negotiation dynamics” Lawrence noted.

Chinese megabanks expected to post 2024 earnings dip amid margin pressures

Published on March 23rd, 2025

Steve Alain Lawrence, CIO of Balfour Capital Group, expressed confidence in the improvement of asset quality in Chinese banks, citing effective restructuring efforts focused on nonperforming assets in distressed sectors like real estate.

“Chinese banks are proactively implementing significant portfolio restructuring efforts, which makes me extremely optimistic about their future prospects,” Lawrence added.

CKH ports sale sparks mixed reactions amid geopolitical concerns

Published on March 20th, 2025

Steve Alain Lawrence, CIO of Balfour Capital Group, expressed optimism about the deal’s completion, highlighting BlackRock’s strategic expertise and resilience.

“While Chinese authorities could use media coverage as a geopolitical tool, BlackRock’s proven capability in managing political and diplomatic intricacies, coupled with strategic economic rationale, strengthens its position,” Lawrence said.

Analysis: Scrapped Nissan-Honda merger highlights Japan's restructuring challenges

Published on March 18th, 2025

Balfour Capital Group’s Lawrence notes that while ‘Japan Inc.’ may take a more cautious near-term approach due to trade tariffs, this doesn’t signal a return to defensive cash hoarding.

“Companies are likely to adjust capital allocation strategies selectively, balancing investments, buybacks, and dividends while navigating external pressures,” he said, underscoring that recent reforms have forced Japanese firms to unlock capital efficiency and to increase their return on equity (ROE).

Balfour Capital Group Announces Speaking Engagement by Johan Boos at Université Côte d’Azur

Published on March 16th, 2025

Balfour Capital Group is pleased to announce that Johan Boos, Head of the European Division at Balfour Capital, will be speaking at the esteemed Université Côte d’Azur (UCA) on April 2, 2025. The event will take place at 17:00 at Amphitheatre 6, Campus d’Angely.

Mr. Boos will address the university’s Finance Club, sharing his expertise on global markets and entrepreneurial strategies. As a distinguished member of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and holder of a seat on the COMEX, Mr. Boos will provide valuable insights into the dynamic and rapidly evolving financial marketplace.

Market Views: What do China's Two Sessions mean for investors

Published on March 13th, 2025

Beijing’s 2025 Two Sessions outlined a 5% GDP growth target amid economic challenges, prioritizing technological innovation, private sector revival, and environmental sustainability. Key initiatives highlighted include enhancing industrial productivity through investment in high-tech sectors and R&D. AsianInvestor gathered insights from leading financial experts, including Steve Alain Lawrence (CIO, Balfour Capital Group), Jenny Zeng (CIO, Allianz), Elliot Hentov (Head of Macro Policy Research, State Street Global Advisors), and Chaoping Zhu (Global Market Strategist, JP Morgan Asset Management), to assess investment implications for institutional investors.

China lowers bar for foreign managers to tap its pension market

Published on March 16th, 2025

Balfour Capital Group sees China’s pension market reforms as a prime opportunity, alongside firms like Allianz Global Investors and MFS Investments. With the private pension sector expected to hit 7 trillion yuan ($985.67 billion) by 2030, the demand for global investment solutions is set to grow. While challenges remain, success will hinge on localization, strategic partnerships, and innovative financial products—areas where Balfour, Allianz, and MFS are well-equipped to lead.

‘Both SARs remain pivotal in globalising RMB use and sustaining investor confidence in 2025,’ says Steven Alain Lawrence of Balfour Capital Group

Published on February 10th, 2025

For the chief investment officer of Balfour Capital Group and veteran hedge fund manager, the question is whether that momentum will carry into 2025 and how Macao will position its burgeoning financial ambitions alongside more established trading centres like Hong Kong. Despite the gap, Lawrence points to active participation from Chinese banks such as ICBC and BOC, as well as global underwriters like UBS, HSBC, and CICC, in drawing deals in Macao, which have included the participation of sovereign wealth funds and ESG-focused investors.

Analysis: What a crypto friendly White House means for Asia’s digital assets

Published on January 21st, 2025

“Shifting global regulations and regional competition from Singapore will require Hong Kong to strike a balance between maintaining its competitive edge and ensuring compliance with international standards,” noted Steve Alain Lawrence, Chief Investment Officer of Balfour Capital Group.

These nuances are new, requiring time to allow long term opportunities for well positioned investors to emerge, Lawrence says, adding that “at the end of the day, the largest institutions deeply invested in Hong Kong’s success will not allow [regulatory framework] to fail.”

Adani wipeout hurts but won’t derail foreign investor faith in India

Published on November 29th, 2024

“Foreign investors may grow more cautious about the transparency and governance practices of Indian companies,” said Steve Lawrence, chief investment officer at Balfour Capital.

Trump’s ‘tariff tantrums’ threaten Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam – and beyond

Published on November 23rd, 2024

Asian countries could retaliate with tariffs on the US and Western firms,” said Steve Alain Lawrence, chief investment officer of wealth management group Balfour Capital. “They could [also] impose non-tariff barriers, such as stricter regulatory measures or delays at customs, to frustrate American businesses.”