Pricing vs. Branding in Asset Management: Lessons from Deliveroo’s Exit
The abrupt departure of Deliveroo from Hong Kong—a brand lauded for its creative campaigns and cult-like customer loyalty—has ignited a fiery debate: Can even the most polished marketing withstand the pressure of cutthroat pricing? The rise of Keeta, a mainland-backed food delivery platform that undercut rivals with aggressive discounts, suggests that in some industries, price might be the ultimate trump card. But what does this mean for Hong Kong’s asset management sector, a crowded arena with over 1,800 licensed firms? Does competing on cost eclipse the need for brand-building and storytelling? Or is this a false dichotomy in a business where trust and differentiation are paramount?
March, 2025
READ MORERedefining Target Audiences in Asset Management Sector: Embracing a New Generation of Investors.
Hong Kong’s asset management industry has long catered to a well-defined clientele: high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and institutional investors. However, seismic shifts in the city’s demographic and economic landscape are challenging this traditional focus. With an influx of Mainland Chinese professionals, a rising cohort of young, digitally native investors, and evolving wealth distribution, asset managers must rethink their approach to audience targeting—or risk losing relevance in a rapidly diversifying market.
January, 2025
READ MOREETF vs. Active Funds: Why Marketing Strategy—Not Just Cost—Is Reshaping Investor Choices.
The rise of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has been one of the most disruptive trends in asset management. While lower fees and transparency are often cited as drivers of their growth, another critical factor is overlooked: ETF marketing strategies are fundamentally redefining how investors engage with financial products. As active funds lose ground, the industry must confront a pivotal question: Is their reliance on traditional distribution channels stifling their ability to compete in a digital-first, investor-centric era?
November, 2024
READ MOREGlobal Titans vs. Regional Challengers: The Battle for Hong Kong’s Asset Management Crown.
Hong Kong’s asset management industry, long shaped by global giants like JPMorgan Asset Management, Schroders, and Fidelity, is undergoing a seismic power shift. A new wave of local and regional players—from homegrown Value Partners to Chinese powerhouses like ChinaAMC and Korean entrants such as Mirae Asset—are aggressively carving out market share. This clash between entrenched international firms and ambitious challengers raises a critical question: In a market where trust and relevance are paramount, what strategies will define the next era of dominance?
October, 2024
READ MOREAI in Marketing: Not a Replacement, but a Force Multiplier for Creativity.
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in marketing has sparked heated debates: Will algorithms replace copywriters, designers, and strategists? But framing AI as a threat to creativity misses the point. Rather than displacing human ingenuity, AI is emerging as a transformative tool that amplifies marketer capabilities, enabling teams to work faster, smarter, and at unprecedented scale. The real opportunity lies not in fearing automation, but in leveraging AI to elevate strategic thinking and innovation.
Septmber, 2024
READ MORENavigating the Greater Bay Area Opportunity: Is Hong Kong's Financial Sector Ready for the Leap?
The Greater Bay Area (GBA), China’s ambitious plan to integrate Hong Kong, Macau, and nine mainland cities into a global economic powerhouse, has sparked a gold rush among Hong Kong’s financial institutions. With the Wealth Connect Scheme bridging markets, the region’s population of 86 million—10 times Hong Kong’s size—presents unparalleled opportunities for banks, asset managers, and insurers. Yet, amid the excitement, a critical question looms: Is Hong Kong’s financial sector truly prepared to navigate the complexities of this sprawling, heterogeneous market
August, 2024
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