The First Sentier Asian Bridge Fund is a balanced mixed-asset Fund that invests predominately across Asian equities (ex-Japan) and fixed income to achieve capital growth and income over the medium term. The fund has a well-established investment approach focusing on achieving absolute returns and outperformed its peers over most periods.

First Sentier’s signature investment style is a bottom-up selection of quality businesses with sustainable competitive advantages, overseen by a well-structured and strong team.

On the fixed-income side, its quality filter means it is restricted to Investment Grade bonds. The Aladdin Enterprise Investment System is used to manage the investment process, which combines risk analytics with portfolio management, trading, and operations tools.

The fund has outperformed peers over most periods with a robust and consistent management story and team. Nonetheless, active returns are modest compared with the benchmark, impacting the value (fees paid vs. active return) to investors.

ESG policy is fully integrated into investment decision-making, and ongoing stewardship is rated exemplary with evident engagement to drive best practice with Asian investee companies.

This fund has been reviewed by three industry veterans of the Benchmark judging committee.