Asia: a new direction?

Equity-linked structured products had a stellar year in Asia, with private bankers reporting impressive increases in volumes. But as equity markets show signs of nearing the end of a years-long bull run, private banks are advising clients to look into other asset classes. By Han-Nee Tay

Demand for structured equities from Asian high-net-worth investors soared in 2007 on the back of steep rises in equity markets during the past few years. Coupled with a low interest-rate environment, private bankers say investors were keen to gain exposure to equity markets to take advantage of sharply rising share prices.

Asian equities had indeed risen impressively over the last few years, but after reaching highs in October 2007, gains had started to taper off. However, the fact that the