The Zeal Connect China Fund is a relatively new concept multi-asset Fund that primarily invests in equities and debt with a China focus, including those linked to the China- Hong Kong Stock Connect.

The Manager already has a successful track record and proven investment style in the Greater China equity market. He was commended for its originality in launching a Fund that has a mandate to include domestic Chinese equities permittable under the Stock Connect Agreement between stock exchanges in Hong Kong and China.

The Manager uses a traditional bottom-up and disciplined investment process, leveraging an investment team highly experienced in the China and Hong Kong market.

As a relatively new fund and strategy, we noted that it would take time to differentiate itself and grow assets under management. Yet, the current approach to focus on growth companies was deemed appropriate.

ESG and stewardship are challenging in China, so ESG scores will typically be lower. That said, the Manager believes there is potential for meaningful improvements here and information transparency that can drive longer-term performance and valuation re-ratings.

This Fund has been reviewed by four industry veterans of the Benchmark judging committee.