Workshops
Workshops
Navigating the Risks and Opportunities in High Yield
Against a backdrop of steadily narrowing credit spreads, there are concerns from some fixed income investors about making an allocation to high yield in the current elevated interest rate environment. We explore the current fundamentals of the high yield market as well as assess the likely outlook from here.
Workshop Objective: Investors will learn the potential strategies they can adopt to avoid issuers with a higher likelihood of default and steer their portfolio towards issuers with a lower likelihood of default, and BNY Investments’ active investment approach.
Company Profile: BNY is a global financial services company that helps make money work for the world — managing it, moving it and keeping it safe. For 240 years we have partnered alongside our clients, putting our expertise and platforms to work to help them achieve their ambitions. Today we help over 90% of Fortune 100 companies and nearly all the top 100 banks globally access the money they need. We support governments in funding local projects and work with over 90% of the top 100 pension plans to safeguard investments for millions of individuals, and so much more. As of March 31, 2024, we oversee $48.8 trillion in assets under custody and/or administration and $2.0 trillion in assets under management.
BNY is the corporate brand of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE: BK). We are headquartered in New York City, employ over 50,000 people globally and have been named among Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies and Fast Company’s Best Workplaces for Innovators.
BNY Investments is one of the world’s largest asset managers, managing $2 trillion* across a range of traditional and alternative assets through seven specialist investment firms — ARX, Dreyfus, Insight, Mellon, Newton, Siguler Guff and Walter Scott. For more information, go to www.bnymellonim.com.
*As at 31 March 2024.
Speakers
Cathy Braganza
Co-Portfolio Manager and Senior Credit Analyst, High Yield
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Cathy is a Portfolio Manager in Insight’s European High Yield and Loans Team. She originally joined Insight Investment (a BNY Investments' firm) in September 2012.
She originally joined Insight in September 2012 as a Senior Credit Analyst within the Fixed Income Group. Prior to this role, she worked at Citi where she was an Analyst focussing on high yield and distressed stocks. Cathy has previously worked as a Portfolio Manager at Saudi International Bank (now Gulf International Bank). She began her industry career in 1994 as a Portfolio Manager with AMP Asset Management.
Cathy holds a B Commerce degree in Finance/Economics from the University of New South Wales.
Representatives
Brett Kennedy
Vice President, Intermediary Distribution
Brett joined BNY Mellon Investment Management in 2013 in London and relocated to Singapore with the firm in 2017. Brett has held different roles covering client servicing and business development focusing on Private banks and intermediaries during his tenure.
Prior to joining BNY Mellon Brett held a similar role at Jupiter Asset Management in London and started his career in 2009 at UK funds platform Cofunds.
Brett holds an Honors degree in Financial Management from the University of Essex UK.
Dr. Jon Wongswan
Workshops
Workshops
A New Revolution in Infrastructure and Manufacturing
The rapid move towards a deglobalizing world has ushered in a wave of spending on AI Infrastructure, onshoring of manufacturing and the needed upgrade and replacement of aging facilities globally. In this session, we will take you into the impacts and opportunities presented by this wave of investment which began in the US and has rapidly led to a call to action in Europe. Labelled The EU Competitiveness Compass, initiatives focused on decarbonization, innovation and Europe’s answer to global competition, winners and losers will emerge and this discussion will help frame how to identify them.
Workshop Objective: Learn the opportunities in the current macro infrastructure trends and our investment approach to listed infrastructure equity to better position your portfolio.
Company Profile: BNY is a global financial services company that helps make money work for the world – managing it, moving it and keeping it safe. For more than 240 years BNY has partnered alongside clients, putting its expertise and platforms to work to help them achieve their ambitions. Today BNY helps over 90% of Fortune 100 companies and nearly all the top 100 banks globally to access the money they need. BNY supports governments in funding local projects and works with over 90% of the top 100 pension plans to safeguard investments for millions of individuals, and so much more. As of December 31, 2024, BNY oversees $52.1 trillion in assets under custody and/or administration and $2.0 trillion in assets under management.
BNY is the corporate brand of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE: BK). Headquartered in New York City, BNY employs over 50,000 people globally and has been named among Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies and Fast Company’s Best Workplaces for Innovators.
BNY Investments is one of the world’s largest asset managers, managing almost $2 trillion across a range of traditional and alternative assets through seven specialist investment firms — ARX Investimentos, Dreyfus, Insight Investment, Mellon Investments Corporation, Newton Investment Management, Siguler Guff & Company, and Walter Scott & Partners. For more information, visit www.bny.com/investments.
Speakers
Brian Blongastainer, CFA, CMT
Global Investment Strategist (Real Assets and Thematic)
Brian is a global investment strategist leading Newton’s (a BNY Investments’ firm) thematic investing business and guiding the messaging and positioning of the Real Assets strategies (Global Natural Resources and Infrastructure). As a member of the investment team, Brian works collaboratively with the investors to identify, develop and implement themes into the firm’s multidimensional research process, as well as to cultivate thematic products. Previously, Brian was member of Newton’s equity research team, covering the consumer discretionary sector globally.
Brian has a BA from Bates College, an MBA from Babson College and a master's degree in Education from Cambridge College.
Representatives
Sabrina Yu
Vice President, Intermediary Distribution Southeast Asia
Prior to joining BNY Investments, Sabrina was Associate Director for Institutional Sales at Abrdn in Taiwan.
Sabrina holds a Master of Science in Money and Banking from the National Chengchi University in Taiwan.
Brett Kennedy
Vice President, Intermediary Distribution Southeast Asia
Brett joined BNY Investments in 2013 in London and relocated to Singapore with the firm in 2017. Brett has held different roles covering client servicing and business development focusing on Private banks and intermediaries during his tenure. Prior to joining BNY Investments, Brett held a similar role at Jupiter Asset Management in London and started his career in 2009 at UK funds platform Cofunds.
Brett holds an Honors degree in Financial Management from the University of Essex UK.
EQT: Enabling the Future of Infrastructure
The presentation will provide an overview of the private infrastructure asset class, focusing on key investment dynamics, emerging trends, and opportunities in the sector. We will explore how infrastructure investments offer resilience, inflation protection, and stable long-term returns, supported by global megatrends such as digitalization, sustainability, and demographic shifts.
We will also explore what differentiates EQT in the infrastructure investment landscape. EQT’s thematic, hands-on approach, local-with-locals model, and active value creation strategy drive superior returns while future-proofing businesses. Unlike traditional models, EQT integrates sustainability, data-driven decision-making, and industrial expertise to unlock proprietary opportunities and long-term growth.
Workshop Objectives:
• Share insights on the private infrastructure asset class and its investment dynamics – highlighting key trends and opportunities in infrastructure investing
• Share what differentiates EQT’s approach to infrastructure investing compared to peers
Company Profile:
Company profile - 120 words EQT is a global investment firm with a 30-year track record of driving sustainable growth and transformation across industries. With €246 billion in assets under management and a presence in 25+ countries, EQT combines deep sector expertise with a thematic, hands-on investment approach.
Rooted in Nordic heritage and backed by the Wallenberg family, EQT is a top 3 private equity and top 5 infrastructure investor globally
. Its local-with-locals model, extensive industrial advisor network, and data-driven decision-making enable EQT to unlock proprietary investment opportunities.
With a focus on value creation, sustainability, and digitalization, EQT partners with businesses to future-proof them for long-term success while delivering attractive risk-adjusted returns
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Speakers
Sueann Yeo
Managing Director and Head of Asia Pacific Private Wealth Client Relations and Capital Raising
Sueann Yeo is a Managing Director and Head of Asia-Pacific Private Wealth Client Relations and Capital Raising, based in Singapore.
Prior to joining EQT Partners, Sueann was an Executive Director and Head of Alternative Investments (Southeast Asia) at J.P. Morgan Private Bank.
Sueann received a BBM with a major in Finance from Singapore Management University. She is also a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) charter holder.
Representatives
Jeremy Tan
Vice President, Private Wealth Client Relations & Capital Raising
Prior to joining EQT Partners, Jeremy worked at Vontobel Pte Ltd in the Asia Sales team, covering Private Banks, Family Offices and Institutional clients in South-east Asia. Prior to Vontobel, Jeremy was at DWS (Deutsche Bank) in the Asia Intermediary Sales team.
Jeremy received a BBM with a major in Finance from Singapore Management University.
Keith Looi
Vice President, Private Wealth Client Relations & Capital Raising
Prior to joining EQT Partners, Keith worked at Goldman Sachs Asset Management (GSAM) on the Third Party Distribution Sales team. Prior to GSAM, he also worked in a fintech startup and HSBC Private Bank.
Keith holds a Bachelor's Degree in Accountancy from Nanyang Technological University.
Fund Group Workshop - Asia ex. Japan Equities
Speakers
James Cook
Investment Director, Emerging Markets, Head of Investment Specialists, Federated Hermes Limited
James joined in November 2011 and is Head of Investment Specialists. Within his role, he oversees the team of investment specialists supporting all equity, fixed income and multi-asset products and is also investment director for emerging markets strategies. He joined from Fidelity Worldwide Investments, where he was product director for emerging markets equities from October 2005 until May 2011. He previously worked at Threadneedle Investments in investment communications. James has a degree in Economics from Royal Holloway, University of London, and holds the Investment Management Certificate.
Asset-based credit: The Latest Frontier
Private credit has been one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing asset classes over the last 15 years. With private credit experiencing a strong annual growth rate, driven by the retrenchment of banks and shifting capital markets, asset-backed credit has emerged as a key opportunity for investors seeking enhanced yields, diversification, and downside protection. As a key component of the modern financial ecosystem, we believe that asset-based credit is developing into a structural allocation within private credit portfolios.
In this session we will explore the structural trends supporting asset-based credit and opportunities within this asset class. We will also discuss Neuberger Berman’s expertise in Private Market, our team’s philosophy, deal sourcing approach our innovative solution to this attractive asset class.
Workshop Objectives: Increase brand awareness around NB’s capability and expertise in Private Market Space, promote our latest thoughts around asset-based credit and introduce our new semi-liquid solution for investors.
Company Profile: Neuberger Berman is an employee-owned, private, independent investment manager founded in 1939 with over 2,800 employees in 26 countries. The firm manages $508 billion of equities, fixed income, private equity, real estate and hedge fund portfolios for global institutions, advisors and individuals. Neuberger Berman’s investment philosophy is founded on active management, fundamental research and engaged ownership. In 2024, Neuberger Berman was named #1 Best Place to Work in Money Management by Pensions & Investments for firms with more than 1,000 employees, marking its fourth top ranking—the most of any firm in the category. Overall, the firm has placed #1 or #2 for 11 consecutive years. Visit www.nb.com for more information. Data as of December 31, 2024.
Speakers
Sachin Patel
Managing Director, Speciality Finance
Sachin Patel is a Managing Director in Specialty Finance team. Prior to joining the firm, Sachin founded and built the Global Capital Markets group at Funding Circle Holdings Plc and served on the boards of its listed and private asset management companies. Sachin was responsible for its many capital raises and funding transactions, including the IPO of the Funding Circle SME Income Fund, launching the U.K. and U.S. securitization programs, and building the private debt funds business. He also developed Funding Circle’s partnerships with U.S., U.K. and European governments and led the funding of loans under the government-backed Recovery Loan Scheme and Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme to support small businesses through the pandemic.
Representatives
Madeline Ho
Head of Intermediary – Singapore and Southeast Asia
Prior to joining Neuberger Berman, Madeline previously headed up Natixis Investments Manager as its CEO for Singapore and Head of Fund Distribution, APAC. Prior to that, she held senior leadership roles at Fidelity International and Franklin Templeton in Singapore.
Chua Hui Qing
Vice President
Jose Cosio
Head of Intermediary – Global ex US
José Cosio, Managing Director, joined the firm in May 2019. Jose heads our Global Ex-U.S. Intermediary efforts. He leads our Intermediary Teams in EMEA, Asia and Latin America, working closely with the various sales teams across the regions and partnering with our intermediary colleagues in the U.S. Jose is a member of the firm’s Partners Committee.
Jose has a depth of experience in distribution, strategy and relationship management across the full spectrum of intermediary clients with specific proficiency across the largest multi-regional firms. Prior to Neuberger Berman, Jose spent nine years at Alliance Bernstein in various business development and senior management roles, including SVP/Managing Director of Global Financial Intermediaries, U.K., MENA & Southern Europe.
Real Assets in 2025: Opportunities in a new market regime
As markets reach an inflection point, real assets stand out for their potential to diversify, protect against inflation and provide solid returns. As the world’s largest active manager specializing in liquid real assets, Cohen & Steers offers unmatched expertise in this space. Thoughtful diversification across real assets is likely to deliver improved risk/reward outcomes, without sacrificing growth potential. Learn how to implement the potential benefits of real assets in a portfolio with Cohen & Steers.
Workshop Objectives: To understand the key strategic benefits of diversified real assets, why the next several years remain critical to maintaining and adding an allocation, and Cohen & Steers’ unique investment approach.
Company Profile: Dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in everything we do, Cohen & Steers, New York Stock Exchange listed company, is a leading global investment manager specializing in real assets and alternative income, focused on delivering alpha, income and diversification. Our teams are relentless in their drive to provide superior investment solutions and passionate about constantly innovating to meet the needs of clients today and anticipate their challenges of tomorrow.
Speakers
Allie Quine, CFA
Portfolio Specialist
Allie Quine, CFA, is a member of Cohen & Steers’ Portfolio Specialist Group, which represents the company’s investment teams in client interactions. Ms. Quine joined in 2022, after serving at The Vanguard Group, as a bank and institutional investment sales consultant, specializing in taxable fixed income. Ms. Quine has a BA from the University of Kentucky and is based in New York.
Representatives
Liyen Wee
Head of Wealth Asia Pacific
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Liyen Wee is Head of Wealth, Asia Pacific, responsible for managing relationships with financial intermediaries. She has 19 years of experience. Prior to joining the firm in 2023, Ms. Wee was with Lazard where she led the Southeast Asia and wholesale distribution business. Previously, she held various distribution roles at Amundi, Aberdeen, and OCBC. Ms. Wee has a BA from the University of California Irvine and is based in Singapore.
Representative Name
CEO, Barclays
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David Conway is Head of International Wholesale Distribution. He has 30 years of experience. Before joining the firm in 2020, he was Global Sales Director at Jupiter Asset Management, where he built the Global Financial Institutional business and established its Japan distribution model and first Asia office. His prior role was in investment sales at Royal Skandia. Mr. Conway holds a BA from Hertfordshire University and is based in London.
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Jason Sosa
Jason is an entrepreneur, technologist, keynote speaker, and global business advisor. He has successfully led high-performance teams, clients, and startups in the fields of artificial intelligence, blockchain, and VR, raising $100M+ in total for projects. Jason has advised dozens of Seed-Series B startups working directly with founders/CEOs. He was previously the CEO/founder of IMRSV, an NYC venture-backed AI company. Jason was also an EIR/advisor to a $20M early-stage VC fund based in SF. He has early-stage startup validation as TechStars, 500Startups, and Plug and Play alumni. In 2017, Jason founded a blockchain community around a ‘statement of work’ protocol for remote work. Today, he works with a team of PhD researchers at Azara.AI to make artificial intelligence more accessible for business.
Jason has been a Forbes contributing writer along with appearances on CNN, Wired, Esquire Singapore, and The New York Times. He is an internationally recognized speaker at Carnegie Mellon Silicon Valley, Singularity University Global Summit, NUS Business School, MIT Enterprise Forum, and a four-time TEDx speaker. He has also been a keynote speaker at Stryker Corporation and USC Aiken Chancellor Signature Series.