2013: micro-managing finances through the mobile

Consumers attempting to stick to a budget have a number of tools available to them through their mobile phones to aid the management of their money. Regular micro-management of finances facilitates saving and keeps track of everyday spending. Third-party providers are currently leading the field but these tools are a clear next step for mainstream banking apps.

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A broad portfolio of wealth management services is necessary to attract Australian investors

The wealth management sector in Australia is experiencing rapid growth. Consequently it has become a target market for many international players, as well as domestic competitors looking to expand. However, providers of wealth management services need to offer a flexible portfolio, which appeals both to the self-governing investor as well as to those who require more financial guidance.

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A time bomb: China's wealth management products

In China, investments in wealth management products have soared in recent years. However, these products' underlying assets are often linked to high-risk real estate investments, which means that in the event of an economic slowdown the risk may not be systematic, but defaults, especially among smaller lenders, are likely.

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Aegon/Ranbaxy: joining forces for the long term

With its surging macroeconomic growth and vast population, Dutch investments provider Aegon's decision to team up with local firm Ranbaxy to offer asset management and insurance services in India is underpinned by sound logic. However both firms must realize that their partnership will take time to bear fruit in a market unfamiliar with the complexities of advanced investment products.

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Alternative investments to flourish in Hong Kong

Measures proposed by the Hong Kong government to develop the country's alternative asset industry are expected to drive demand for hedge funds and private equity, meaning wealth managers should position their product and service offerings accordingly.

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Asia Pacific growth driven by deposits

Asia Pacific (excluding Japan) retail savings and investments are concentrated in deposits, which will be responsible for much of the growth in the years to 2017. The astounding economic performance in the region has resulted in strong wealth creation, most of which has remained trapped in deposits, a situation that is not expected to change for the foreseeable future.

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Asia Pacific wealth: burgeoning market for philanthropic services

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Australia: Basel III is set to trigger product development in the household deposits space

Datamonitor sees Basel III triggering new product development in the deposits space and a rethink by banks on their pricing and customer interaction strategies. New savings products will be increasingly tailored to encourage behavior that results in fewer regulatory issues for the banks compared to products that are currently available.

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Australia: Challenger and AXA trade businesses

Challenger and AXA have agreed to trade business, with Challenger exchanging its financial planning division for AXA's closed annuities portfolio and a consideration of $100 million. The asset swap has been welcomed by industry observers, as it will allow AXA to free up capital and gain financial planners, while Challenger will reap scale benefits for its annuities.

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Australia: interest rates on hold as economy slides toward recession

The Reserve Bank of Australia has left interest rates on hold, contradicting most analysts' expectations of a modest cut. However, subsequent economic data show that the Australian economy contracted by 0.5% in the December quarter, bringing the country closer to technical recession. Now, with the benefit of hindsight, the bank may well be regretting its decision.

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