Asia is growing richer at a startling rate, in theory creating opportunities for those in the fund management industry. In practice, many would-be managers lack the expertise to invest in Asian markets or to deal with the region’s investors and this knowledge gap presents an opening for those in business education.

Private wealth in Asia, excluding Japan, increased to $28tn in 2012, an increase of 17 per cent over the previous year, according to a recently released report from Boston Consulting Group. A similar report issued by Bain in association with China Merchants Bank in May estimated that the number of Chinese with at least $1.6m in investable assets would grow by 20 per cent this year, and that their investment management demands were growing more sophisticated.

Regional business schools offering fund management training are seeing the benefits. Annie Koh, vice-president of business development at Singapore Management University, says she has noticed a growth in interest over the past five years in those seeking fund management education. This is evident in the growing numbers sitting the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) and CAIA (Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst) examinations, she says.