Indosuez’s Qian Su recommends alts for diversification in pro

Indosuez’s Qian Su recommends alts for diversification in pro-risk stance Head of investment management Asia, Qian Su, has also added equity hedge funds with systematic strategies in the US and Asia and also natural resources funds. Head of investment management Asia, Qian Su, has also added equity hedge funds with systematic strategies in the US and Asia and also natural resources funds. As part of our series of exclusive gatekeeper interviews, FSA speaks with Qian Su, head of investment management, Asia, CA Indosuez As the head of investment management Asia, Qian is responsible for leading and developing Indosuez’s investment platform in the region and providing managed portfolios across different asset classes, in both public and private markets. She is currently in charge of discretionary portfolio management (DPM), public fund solutions and private markets. She also has a solid long-term record as a fund manager specialising in Asia and China equity investments since 2011, when she joined Indosuez in Switzerland, before re-locating to Singapore five years later. Qian has nearly 20 years of experience in financial markets, covering Mainland China, Asia and Western Europe. Qian holds a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering and a Master’s Degree in Economics and Management at IFP school (Paris). She is a Chartered Financial Analyst, and is fluent in English and French, and native in Chinese (Mandarin). What attracted you to the wealth management industry? My journey into wealth management has been both distinctive and a natural evolution shaped by my academic and international background. With dual master’s degrees in chemical engineering and finance, I began my career in commodity trading and capital markets in Paris and Geneva. While these roles provided a strong analytical foundation, I soon realised my true calling at the intersection of investment expertise and client engagement. This led me to Indosuez in Geneva, where I moved into wealth management as a discretionary portfolio and equity fund manager focused on emerging and Asian markets. This gave me the privilege of engaging with industry leaders and CEOs, deepening my investment acumen and instilling a disciplined, process-driven approach. My move to Asia marked a significant expansion of my responsibilities, allowing me to bridge European heritage with Asian dynamism. Using our investment strengths, I built a comprehensive platform in Asia to deliver highly bespoke solutions for clients’ nuanced needs. This chapter has been both the most challenging and rewarding of my career. A core focus has been transforming our DPM model to emphasise customisation and innovation, while accelerating our private markets platform and reinforcing our commitment to Indosuez’s proprietary funds. This progress has been helped by a culture of trust and empowerment from senior leadership in Asia and Europe. What I find most fulfilling is Indosuez’s commitment to a people-centric, sustainable growth culture. Building a strong investment platform and engaging in transparent dialogue with clients to craft tailored solutions is, in my view, the cornerstone of enduring success in wealth management. What is the highlight of your career so far? My career in wealth management has been defined by transformative milestones and enduring relationships. Evolving from equity fund manager and DPM to leading Indosuez’s investment platform in Asia has been both a privilege and a defining experience. In recent years, we have achieved not only remarkable and sustainable growth but have also crystallised our vision for the region into a substantive and lasting reality. The trust and human capital built across Europe and Asia are invaluable, allowing me to lead with a global perspective. While investment strategy remains a core passion, my broader strategic remit – encompassing the orchestration of business development initiatives for the increasingly sophisticated requirements of our Asian clients with both analytical precision and entrepreneurial foresight. Indosuez’s culture is distinguished by its blend of global reach and local depth, always placing human relationships at its centre. The trust and partnerships I’ve developed have enabled us to navigate market complexities with agility and confidence. Ultimately, these achievements are rooted in a culture of trust, collaboration, and strategic vision. What lessons have you learned from your work? One of the key lessons I have learned is that we operate in an increasingly complex and fast-evolving market environment. In a world where uncertainty and change is constant, it is vital to maintain a holistic approach to asset allocation, a disciplined investment process, and robust risk management. Equally, client engagement demands a highly tailored approach – there is no “one-size-fits-all.” Addressing behavioural biases coupled with different mindset and generational perspectives are essential to delivering bespoke solutions that prioritise wealth preservation and long-term growth. I have also learned the value of always challenging myself to overcome obstacles that may seem insurmountable. In this industry, innovation, agility, and a growth mindset are crucial. At Indosuez, our people-centric culture is deeply embedded in our DNA. Much like investing in equities, I value strategic leadership – investing in people and teams to foster sustainable growth and building a platform clients and stakeholders can trust with full confidence. What strategies are you recommending to your clients? Since mid-last year, we have advised clients to move from money markets, cash, and traditional fixed income, to adopting a more balanced approach with greater exposure to risk assets. We currently maintain a moderately pro-risk stance, with a slight overweight in equities – favouring US and emerging markets. While technology-driven large caps remain foundational, we also see selective opportunities in small- and mid-caps for meaningful alpha. In fixed income, we like the front end of the curve to mitigate inflation risk and capture attractive carry through high-quality credits and see value in emerging market local currency debt for diversification and higher real yields. Beyond public markets and for diversification, to capture secular growth in artificial intelligence and energy, we recommend targeted private market exposure via infrastructure funds, as these themes span the value chain and offer enduring opportunities. Finally, we continue to back a strategic allocation to precious metals, especially gold, as a diversifier and hedge against systemic risk – qualities especially relevant today. What types of funds have you onboarded recently? We maintain a rigorous approach to fund selection and asset class review, ensuring our portfolios are resilient and diversified. In public markets, we have introduced equity hedge funds with systematic strategies in the US and Asia and added natural resources funds to further diversify and hedge against inflation. In fixed income, we diversify income streams through long-short credit strategies. Leveraging our in-house capabilities, we have launched five-year fixed maturity bond funds in both Euro and US dollar, offering clients attractive entry points. In private markets, we have expanded with infrastructure funds to meet demand for evergreen strategies, complementing our private equity and credit solutions. What keeps you awake at night? I am accustomed to a demanding pace, yet I rest well knowing our clients are well served. I remain aware of the impact unforeseen market shocks or regulatory changes can have on portfolios, and ensuring we are well prepared to protect our clients’ interests is always the priority. Our global “one team” approach ensures we provide consistent, accurate guidance to clients in 15 locations worldwide, helping them cut through market noise and stay focused on long-term goals. Ultimately, success lies in maintaining holistic asset allocation and diversification, underpinned by disciplined investment philosophy and rigorous risk management. Infrastructure equities are seeing a growth inflection not yet recognised by the market, according to James Wigley, portfolio manager at Pictet Asset Management. AXA will continue its partnership as a principal investor in Ardian’s funds, as existing shareholders increase their stake in the firm. The strategy focuses on Asian technology innovators.