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Institutions and wealth managers in Asia propel outsourced-CIO demand in an uncertain world

Government-related entities and family offices in Asia are adding to a healthy pipeline of partnerships for outsourced chief investment officer services, say senior executives

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Natalie Koh

Published Mon, May 4, 2026 · 07:00 AM

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Katy Thorneycroft of JP Morgan Asset Management notes that client interest in OCIO services have ramped up in the Asia-Pacific since 2022. PHOTO: JPMAM
It is not uncommon for there to be a spike in demand for OCIO services after a period of crisis, says Rich Nuzum of Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions. PHOTO: FRANKLIN TEMPLETON
Paul Colwell of WTW says that OCIO services could benefit those looking to move from a portfolio of more traditional assets to "something broader, more diversified and more complex". PHOTO: WTW

[SINGAPORE] Institutional investors and wealth managers in Asia are increasingly turning to providers of outsourced chief investment officer (OCIO) services, as they seek to broaden their portfolio allocations and benefit from cost savings, experts said.

Also, unlike in North America and the UK, the OCIO market in Asia is not dominated by corporate pension funds. It is driven by government-related institutions and the wealth segment, they told The Business Times.

The global OCIO industry trebled in size over 10 years, growing from around US$1 trillion in 2015 to more than US$3.3 trillion by Dec 31, 2024, according to asset management research firm Cerulli Associates.

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