Introduction
Established in 1984, Nikko Asset Management Europe Ltd (Nikko AME) is the London
based subsidiary of the Nikko Asset Management Group (Nikko AM Group), which is
headquartered in Tokyo.
Nikko AME’s principal place of business is in the UK where it is authorized and regulated
by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) to provide investment advisory and asset
management services. Further information about Nikko AME can be found at
http://www.fsa.gov.uk/register/home.do, using the reference number 122084.
Corporate History
The history of the group parent, Nikko Asset Management Co., Ltd. (“Nikko AM”) dates
back to 1959, when its predecessor Nikko Securities Investment Trust Co., Ltd. was
established. It subsequently merged with Nikko International Capital Management Co.,
Ltd. (established 1981), in 1999 to form Nikko AM.
As one of Japan’s largest asset management companies, Nikko AM has significantly
expanded its operations both in Asia and internationally, in pursuit of its primary business
objective: to become the world’s leading pan-Asian asset management group.
It is the Nikko AM Group’s core belief that there are great opportunities for specialist
investment managers in the fast growing Asian markets and what clients and distributors
really want is a strong, dedicated Asian based investment firm, like Nikko AM, which can
grasp the often nuanced and local characteristics of markets and global investor
requirements. By utilizing its deep knowledge of the local markets in Asia and leveraging
the group’s global presence and resources, Nikko AM aims to maximize the value it
delivers to its clients regardless of their geographic location.
The acquisitions of DBS Asset Management Ltd and Tyndall Investment Management
Limited during 2011, and Treasury Asia Asset Management Limited in 2013 have enabled
the Nikko AM group to significantly strengthen its presence across Asia. Nikko AM also
extended its capabilities in Europe with the addition of an Edinburgh-based investment
team, which previously managed the high-alpha equity strategy at Scottish Widows
Investment Partnership in August 2014. The team now managed Nikko AM’s Global Equity
strategy
As a result, the group is able to offer global investment and distribution capabilities in
Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney, Auckland, Melbourne, London, Edinburgh and
New York. Nikko AM also owns 40% of Rongtong Fund Management in China, as well
as 30% of Affin Hwang Asset Management Berhad in Malaysia.
These acquisitions have significantly contributed to the diversity of group’s assets under
management and client base, as well as investment professionals offering on the ground
support, that complements client services and marketing/sales activities.
Form ADV Part 2A Ownership
As at 1s t July 2019, Nikko AME is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nikko AM. Nikko AM
was majority owned by Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc. (SMT Holdings), a holding
company of the Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group.
*Ownership percentages have been rounded down to two decimal places.
Assets Under Management
As at March 31, 2019, consolidated assets under management and advice of the Nikko
AM Group were approximately USD 21 4. 18 billion. Of this, Nikko AME was responsible
for approximately USD 19.7 billion, which can be broken down as follows:
Type of Asset AUM (in USD Mn) Discretionary Assets 183,521.72 Non-Discretionary Assets 13,285.57
TOTAL 196,807.29 Exchange rates at March 31 2018 GBP/USD 1.3055
GBP/YEN 144.85
GBP/AUD 1.8422
GBP/NZD 1.9236
Form ADV Part 2A Advisory Services
In responding to the diverse needs of investors, the Nikko AM group offers both active
and passive investment capabilities across equity, fixed income and alternative asset
classes, with key strengths in multiple pan-Asian asset strategies. The Nikko AM group’s
hybrid culture, experience and Asia-focused perspective offers crucial insights into
understanding the nuances of opportunities and challenges within Asian markets. This
informs investment decisions in a way that is extremely hard for non-local firms to
emulate. Moreover, as a group, we have shown a deep commitment to the region,
establishing a strong bench of investment expertise within these specialized markets.
Our experience of investing and advising clients on Asian securities, broken down by
region, is as follows:
Japanese Equities – since 1959
Asia Pacific ex Japan – since 1990
Emerging Asia – since 1994
China - since 2005
Global Equities – since 2014
Multi Assets – since 2014
Nikko AM believes the best way of managing regional portfolios is to rely on the expertise
of local professionals, based in the appropriate investment region. Portfolio managers
and research analysts are highly experienced professionals, with in-depth knowledge of
their own markets, as well as cultural and political aspects impacting them. The skills and
expertise of each team is combined and brought together to offer specialist regional asset
management services. As a result mandates may be sub-delegated to specialist
investment teams at Nikko AM group affiliates in Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney,
Auckland, London, Edinburgh and New York.
Additionally, the group also provides sub-advisory services via Nikko AM’s World Series
Fund Platform®. This is offered primarily to Asian investors, as a means of accessing
products managed by leading asset managers, world-wide.
Services are primarily provided to individual and institutional investors (clients), through
investment companies or other pooled investment vehicles, including mutual funds, closed-
end investment companies, Japanese Investment Trusts, unit investment trusts, private
companies, hedge funds or offshore funds (“pooled investment vehicles”) and separate
(segregated) accounts.
Nikko AME manages portfolios in accordance with the specified guidelines and objectives
of each individual client. In this regard, clients may impose restrictions on investing in
certain securities or types of securities. Services may also be limited by legal and
regulatory requirements. Such restrictions will be clearly specified in investment
management agreements, following consultations with clients and will consider the impact
of the proposed restriction of the investment strategy, relevant laws, and regulatory
requirements.
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This Brochure is intended for use by U.S. retirement plan sponsors, endowments,
foundations, and other institutional investors. Accounts are generally subject to a minimum
account size, which may be waived by Nikko AME.
Generally, Nikko AME’s fee arrangements are based on a percentage of the market value
of assets under management or advisement, although Nikko AME may also charge
performance-based fees, flat fees, or apply other alternative fee structures. The specific
fee arrangements with respect to any given account are negotiable on a client-by-client
basis. When determining appropriate fees, Nikko AME may take into account, among
other things, the account’s investment strategy, whether the account is a discretionary
account, the level of servicing required by the account and the scope of Nikko AME’s
relationship with the client and its affiliates across all accounts and strategies. Nikko AME
generally bills clients quarterly in arrears.
Separate account clients are responsible for third party expenses associated with
managing the account including but not limited to, for example, brokerage commissions,
ticket charges and other fees. Nikko AME’s brokerage practices are discussed in Item 12
of this Brochure. The allocation of these expenses will be made in accordance with the
agreement in place between Nikko AME and the separate account client. Nikko AME
does not select account custodians on behalf of separate account clients or serve as the
custodian of separate account client account assets. Clients will be responsible for
charges imposed by custodians, such as custodial fees.
Generally, Nikko AME’s investment advisory agreements provide that either party may
terminate the agreement upon a mutually agreed time upon prior written notice. Upon
termination, clients pay the pro-rata portion of fees through the effective date of
termination.
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Where Nikko AME enters into performance based fee arrangements with qualified clients,
fees will be negotiated on an individual basis and structured in accordance with Section
205(a)(1) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Advisers Act”) (in accordance with
available exemptions thereunder, including the exemption set forth in Rule 205‐3).
Performance based fee arrangements may create an incentive for Nikko AME to
recommend certain investments, which may be riskier or more speculative than those
which would have been recommended under a different fee arrangement. Such
arrangements also create an incentive to favour higher fee paying accounts over other
accounts, in the allocation of investment opportunities.
Nikko AME’s procedures are designed and implemented to ensure that all clients are
treated fairly and equally, to prevent this conflict from influencing the allocation of
investment opportunities between clients. Policies are also implemented to ensure that
all accounts are managed in line with client objectives and guidelines, which further
mitigates such risk.
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Nikko AME’s clients generally include institutional investors, such as corporations,
pension funds, trust banks, charitable organizations, government agencies and funds,
supranational organizations, as well as pooled investment vehicles, including Japanese
Investment Trusts, U.S. registered investment companies, insurance companies and
Nikko AM group affiliates.
Nikko AME may also engage affiliates or third-parties as sub-advisers, who may be
delegated either full discretionary trading authority or non-trading related services.
Minimum investment amounts vary depending on the product type, strategy, and
distributor (where appropriate). The minimum amount required to open an investment
advisory account is determined by Nikko AME on a case by case basis, relying on a
number of factors including (but not limited to) the types of investments to be made for
the account.
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Nikko Asset Management Europe Ltd
Form ADV Part 2A
Investment advice is based on the objectives and terms set out in individual client
investment management agreements, relevant fund prospectuses or offering
memoranda.
Methods of Analysis
The Nikko AM group’s commitment and dedication to investing on behalf of its clients is
reflected throughout the organization. It is evidenced not only by the organization
structure, but also by the intensity of our research efforts and the disciplined nature of our
investment and risk control processes.
Specialist teams throughout the Nikko AM Group’s global network are dedicated to
providing analysis on macro-economic factors, specific asset classes, strategies and
styles, as follows:
Macro-Economic Analysis: The Investment Strategy group provides macroeconomic
insight on factors influencing markets, working in conjunction with investment
professionals throughout the Nikko AM group’s global network. The team also chairs
Nikko AM’s Global Investment Committee, which is comprised of senior investment
professionals based in Tokyo, London, New York, Singapore and Sydney, who meet
at least on a quarterly basis to share market insight and determine global asset allocation.
Equity Research: Equity analysts are assigned responsibilities based on geographic
regions, sectors or investment styles. The Nikko AM group’s general approach focuses
on fundamental bottom up analysis; although it will vary depending on specific
requirements of the investment strategy pursued and is tailored accordingly. Investment
teams and research analysts have an integral relationship that adds value to uncovering
and responding to investment opportunities quickly. Communication efforts are designed
to ensure that analysts fully understand the investment philosophy and research
requirements of investment teams as well as the current view of individual portfolio
managers. Analysts and portfolio managers are grouped together both organizationally
and physically, which builds teamwork and solid understanding. Through constant two-
way communication and discussions regarding company views and portfolio holdings,
analysts seek to maximize their contribution to the investment process.
Fixed Income & Currency Analysis: Dedicated credit and currency analysts use various
models and tools, some of which have been developed in-house, to carry out detailed
analysis. The Nikko AM group provides broad coverage of global fixed income markets
and currencies, with consideration to the following factors:
Macro Fundamentals: Underlying economic outlook on a country by country
basis, including medium term growth prospects, fiscal policy, government debt
levels, progress on reforms, current account/trade position, and the political
environment.
Interest Rates: Combining positive fundamental analysis with attractive interest
rates to provide a strong total return, taking into consideration short and long term
market rates and future monetary policy direction versus market expectation.
Market Liquidity: Market accessibility and the ease of obtaining/building a
position.
Investor Positioning/Relative Performance: How investors are currently
positioned: Has there been an increase in the amount of foreign buying? How
sustainable is it? Is it speculative or foreign direct investment related? How has
the currency performed relative to other currencies?
Quantitative Analysis: A dedicated team develop and maintain quantitative tools and
models, based on the latest academic theories, to support Nikko AM’s quantitative
investment approaches. Providing sophisticated risk and market analysis, high level
Nikko Asset Management Europe Ltd
Form ADV Part 2A
quantitative technology is connected directly to investment processes and are reflected in
many of Nikko AM’s products.
Performance Analysis: Performance is analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively,
using a combination of proprietary and third party tools and models, to ensure assets are
being appropriately managed in-line with specific investment strategies, guidelines, and
risk levels.
Investment Strategies To respond to the diverse needs of investors, the Nikko AM group offers both active and
passive global investment capabilities across equity, fixed income and alternative asset
classes with key strengths in Asian products. This includes (but is not limited to), the
following:
Risk of Loss
Investing in securities involves a risk of loss that clients should be prepared to bear. The
value of investments and the income from them may go down as well as up and investors
may not get back the original amount invested; past performance is not a guide to future
results. Even when the value of the securities sold is greater than the price paid, there is
a risk that the appreciation will be less than inflation.
For the majority of accounts managed, Nikko AME aims to hold diversified positions to
minimize risk levels. However, it may concentrate holdings in industries, geographic
regions or companies which, in light of investment considerations, market risks and other
factors, it believes will provide the best opportunity for attractive risk adjusted returns.
The concentration of assets may subject clients to a greater degree of risk.
Securities denominated in foreign currencies are also exposed to foreign exchange risk
and where the market size or trading volume is small, the portfolios may be subject
to unexpected losses from being unable to sell portfolio holdings at expected prices.
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Registered investment advisers are required to disclose all material facts regarding any
legal or disciplinary events that would be material to your evaluation of Nikko AME or the
integrity of its management. Nikko AME and its management have no such events to
report.
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Nikko AME is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nikko AM, which in turn is majority owned by
SMTB, a leading Japanese trust bank whose parent is Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings
Inc., a holding company with various subsidiaries, including other financial services
companies. Nikko AME may have relationships with or enter into transactions with these
companies, which could create actual and perceived conflicts of interest.
In order to address any actual or perceived conflicts of interest, the Nikko AM group has
established a variety of policies and procedures, including “Conflict of Interest Control
Regulations”. Key components of these regulations include: (i) identification of types of
potential conflict of interest transactions; (ii) method of conflict of interest control; and (iii)
internal control systems.
Broker-Dealers When Nikko AME places orders on behalf of its clients with affiliated broker-dealers, an
actual or apparent conflict could arise. To manage such potential conflicts, Nikko AME will
obtain prior client consent and/or disclose these transactions to clients. Furthermore, Nikko
AME has established broker-dealer selection guidelines and a best execution policy to
ensure that it places the interests of clients above its own, when selecting broker-
dealers and pursues best execution when making trading decisions.
Investment Companies
Nikko AME provides investment management services to investment companies,
including group affiliates. Nikko AME discloses that it is a related person of the investment
companies for which it provides investment management services. The provision of
investment management services to multiple investment companies could result in a
conflict of interest when multiple investment companies are interested in the same
investment opportunity or in transacting in the same security. Nikko AME has adopted
trade aggregation and allocation policies and procedures to manage such potential conflicts.
Other Investment Advisers
Nikko AME has relationships or arrangements with the following affiliated investment
advisers under the Advisers Act: Nikko Asset Management Co., Ltd., Nikko Asset
Management Americas, Inc., and Nikko Asset Management Asia Ltd. (“Affiliates”). From time
to time Nikko AME may, with prior client consent, and to the extent permitted by applicable
law, delegate some or all of our responsibilities, duties and authority under an investment
management agreement to one or more of our Affiliates. Affiliates may also provide
investment management services as an adviser or a sub-adviser to clients of other affiliated
and unaffiliated advisers.
Banking or Thrift Institutions
SMTB is the ultimate parent company of Nikko AM and serves as distributor for several of
Nikko AM’s pooled investment vehicles. SMTB may provide administrative, custodial and
other services to Nikko AM’s products and clients. Nikko AM may have an incentive to
appoint affiliated banking institutions as trustees for its Japanese Investment Trusts.
For U.S. clients, the selection of custodians is the responsibility of the client, not Nikko AM.
Whenever Nikko AM appoints a custodian, such as for a Japanese Investment Trust, it
conducts due diligence on that institution, negotiates arms-length arrangements and fully
discloses the affiliation to the client.
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and Personal Trading
Nikko AME is committed to upholding the highest standards of business ethics and
conduct. We are proud of this commitment and consider it fundamental to earning and
maintaining the trust of our clients and prospective clients.
Nikko AME operates under a Code of Ethics and Business Conduct (the “Code”) that
complies with Rule 204A-1 of the Advisers Act. The Code serves to emphasize our
commitment to upholding the highest standards by setting forth basic principles of business
ethics and conduct that apply to all directors, officers and employees. Chief among the
commitments set forth in the Code is our commitment to fulfil our fiduciary duty to our
clients.
The Code also incorporates Nikko AM group’s personal trading policy (the “Policy”). The
Policy is guided by the principle that as a fiduciary entrusted with the management of
client assets our foremost concern is and must always be to protect the interests of our
clients.
The Policy aims to effectuate this principle by establishing a framework for managing
personal trading by directors, officers and employees that protects the interests of our
clients, while permitting responsible investing by our directors, officers and employees.
Key components of our personal trading policy include: (i) prohibitions and restrictions on
certain types of transactions; (ii) preclearance requirements that allow the
appropriateness of the proposed transaction to be assessed, prior to permitting a
transaction; and (iii) reporting requirements that allow Nikko AME to monitor trading
activity and review transaction histories in order to assess compliance with the Policy.
Nikko AME will provide a copy of the Code to any client or prospective client upon
request at no charge.
Please see the section of this Brochure entitled “Other Financial Industry Activities and
Affiliations” for a discussion of Nikko AME’s affiliations with other Nikko AM Group entities
and how those affiliations may affect clients of Nikko AME
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Broker-Dealer Selection and Best Execution
Nikko AME has a fiduciary duty to place the interests of clients above its own or any third
party when selecting broker-dealers and placing trades for client portfolios. Accordingly,
Nikko AME has adopted a Global Best Execution Policy and Global Trading Policy, in
accordance with which, the Risk Management Division assesses and monitors
counterparty risk and determines whether to commence or continue trading with the
broker-dealer and reviews risk limits where necessary. When assessing a broker-dealer,
the Risk Management Division considers credit, operational and reputational risk, in
addition to compliance with external regulatory requirements.
Nikko AME's Global Best Execution Policy establishes principles and standards to be
followed when trading as a fiduciary on behalf of clients or pooled investment vehicles in
order to achieve "best execution". This is defined as the most favourable overall result for
the client under the circumstances, giving regard to the following execution factors: price,
costs, speed, likelihood of execution and settlement, size, nature or any other
consideration relevant to the execution of an order.
Key components of Nikko AME’s Global Best Execution Policy include: (i) procedures for
broker-dealer selection and order placement; and (ii) the prohibition of transactions
involving inherent conflicts.
Soft Dollars
Since the introduction of MiFID II on the 3rd January 2018, where asset management
activities are undertaken by Nikko AME, the firm has taken the decision to pay for
investment research out of its own resources.
Therefore the firm does not enter into any soft dollar arrangements.
Trade Aggregation and Allocation
Nikko AME may group orders to obtain economies of scale that may be available on larger
transactions, where:
It has been determined that an investment decision is appropriate for each
participating portfolio; and
It is consistent with the terms of individual investment management
agreements, applicable laws and industry association rules.
Moreover, transactions are not aggregated unless they are consistent with the duty to
seek best execution. This policy applies to all types of investments and no client is
favoured over any other, when orders are aggregated. Where orders are partially filled,
allocation will typically be made on a pro rata basis.
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Monitoring
Nikko AME conducts regular daily, weekly and quarterly reviews as part of its general
monitoring processes, in addition to ad-hoc reviews, as necessary.
Daily Reviews
Portfolios are reviewed by portfolio managers, risk analysts and compliance personnel.
Portfolio managers review the holdings and monitor performance for the products for
which they are responsible. Risk analysts monitor portfolios across a number of risk
factors, including (but not limited to), liquidity, market, credit, volatility, factor, concentration
and capacity risk. Compliance personnel also review portfolios to assess whether they
are being managed in accordance with applicable investment guidelines and restrictions.
Weekly Reviews
Portfolio and risk characteristics for all accounts are reviewed on a weekly basis and
reported to Nikko AME’s Acting Chief Investment Officer.
Monthly Reviews
Monthly reviews of individual strategies are undertaken by investment teams and heads
of investment departments to evaluate investment performance, discuss the details related
to portfolio management during the reporting period and confirm the strategy going
forward.
Quarterly Reviews Quarterly review meetings are held by the Risk Management Department and attended
by portfolio managers and heads of investment departments. During the meeting portfolio
performance is reviewed from a range perspectives (such as risk/return), feedback is
provided to each portfolio manager and any issues which arise are reported to Nikko AM’s
Investment Risk Committee. Results of quarterly review meetings are also provided to the
Acting Chief Investment Officer. Special issues may also be reported to Nikko AM’s Risk
Oversight Committee, which is chaired by the Acting Chief Executive Officer and
convened on a quarterly basis.
Ad Hoc Reviews
Ad hoc reviews may also be undertaken when necessary. For example, when the size of
a portfolio has rapidly expanded or portfolio performance significantly deteriorates, which
may require the appropriateness of a product to be re-assessed. Furthermore, portfolio
managers also frequently assess portfolio risk levels using both Barra and proprietary risk
models.
Reconciliation
Reconciliation is carried out on an ongoing basis for accounts managed by Nikko AME.
Statements are received from a client’s custodian and are reconciled to Nikko AME’s
records. Reconciliation of cash statements is undertaken at least monthly, but may occur
more frequently (i.e. every time there are cash movements in a portfolio).
During the reconciliation process, if any discrepancies are found, they are fully
investigated, addressed and resolved, with full documentation.
Client Reporting
Nikko AME produces periodic statements and investment review reports in writing,
(typically on a monthly and/or quarterly basis), for each client in accordance with the
requirements set out in individual investment management agreements.
Statements
Periodic statements may include details of purchases and sales during the period,
securities and cash holdings, performance, realized/unrealized gains/losses, dividend,
and corporate actions.
Investment Review Reports
In line with specific client requirements, investment review reports may include (but not be
limited to):
Performance overview for the relevant period and since inception
Financial Market Review
Summary of investment activity
Details of largest transactions undertaken during the reporting period
Summary of portfolio characteristics at the end of the reporting period
Commentary on the top positive/negative contributors to performance
Performance attribution
Market outlook
Investment policies
Nikko Asset Management Europe Ltd
Form ADV Part 2A
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From time to time, Nikko AME and its affiliates may pay solicitation or referral fees to
persons who introduce clients to Nikko AME or to pooled investment vehicles managed
by Nikko AME. These fees are disclosed to the client and governed by written agreements,
as permitted by Rule 206(4)-3 under the Advisers Act.
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Clients should receive at least quarterly statements from broker-dealers, banks or other
qualified custodians that hold and maintain client investment assets. Nikko AME urges its
clients to carefully review such statements and compare official custodial records to
account statements provided by Nikko AME. Variations may occur based on accounting
procedures, reporting dates, pricing sources, time periods or valuation methodologies of
certain securities.
Clients are required to appoint custodians who are responsible for the safe custody of
investments and money, settling transactions and registering investments.
Nikko AME usually receives discretionary authority from a client at the outset of an
advisory relationship, to select securities and the amount to be bought or sold. In all
cases however, such discretion is exercised in a manner consistent with the stated
investment guidelines for a particular portfolio.
When selecting securities and determining amounts, Nikko AME observes the investment
policies, limitations and any restrictions set by the client for which it is acting. For registered
investment companies, Nikko AME’s authority to trade securities may also be limited by
certain federal securities and tax laws that require diversification of investments and favour
the holding of investments once made.
Investment guidelines and restrictions must be provided to Nikko AME in writing.
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Nikko AME usually receives discretionary authority from a client at the outset of an
advisory relationship, to select securities and the amount to be bought or sold. In all
cases however, such discretion is exercised in a manner consistent with the stated
investment guidelines for a particular portfolio.
When selecting securities and determining amounts, Nikko AME observes the investment
policies, limitations and restrictions of the client for which it is acting. For registered
investment companies, Nikko AME’s authority to trade securities may also be limited by
certain federal securities and tax laws that require diversification of investments and favour
the holding of investments once made.
Investment guidelines and restrictions must be provided to Nikko AME in writing.
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Voting rights are part of the value of an investment and should be constructively used in a
clients’ best interest. Nikko AME’s general approach is to vote at general meetings of
companies in which it invests on behalf of its clients, but recognizes the practical difficulties
which may prevent this in some markets.
Rule 2.2.3R of the Conduct of Business Sourcebook (COBS) of the UK FCA Handbook
requires that a firm which manages investments for a professional client discloses clearly
on its website, or if it does not have a website in another accessible form:
a. the nature of its commitment to the Financial Reporting Council
(https://www.frc.org.uk/ )’s Stewardship Code (the “Code”); or where it does not
commit to the Code, its alternative investment strategy.
b. Nikko AME supports good practice in this area and endorses the principles
on engagement with investee companies set out in the Code subject to the
following qualifications:
Nikko AME’s investment mandates are predominantly (approximately 80% of
assets under management and advice) in the area of money markets and fixed
income which fall outside the scope of the Code;
c. Nikko AME’s equities mandates are predominantly for Japanese equities the
investment management of which (including the discretion to vote) is
outsourced to the Company’s head office in Tokyo, Japan, i.e. Nikko Asset
Management Co., Ltd (“Nikko AM”). Nikko AM has a publicly available policy
on the exercise of voting rights
(http://en.nikkoam.com/voting-rights) as well as
on the disclosure of the results of such voting
(http://en.nikkoam.com/voting-
rights/results). d. The Company manages itself the European equities as part of a larger
balanced mandate. The investment management of this mandate is delegated
to the Company by Nikko AM but the latter retains the discretion to exercise
the voting rights. Nikko AM’s policy is to vote on resolutions in all AGM’s and
EGM’s across all regions.
Nikko AME’s Global Equity team uses ISS to manage its voting requirements and where it
believes proposed decisions are not in the best interests of investors, they will communicate
with ISS. As part of ISS which is used by many fund managers, it provides added leverage
in terms of voting percentages for proposing changes to what may have been recommended
or proposed by the investee’s company senior management.
ISS will retain the voting records for the Global Equity team.
Conflicts of Interest
Nikko AME recognizes that circumstances can occur where an actual or perceived
material conflict of interest may arise in effecting voting policies
Potential conflicts of interest may include (but not be limited to) instances where Nikko
AME*:
Manages assets for companies whose management are soliciting proxies and the
failure to vote in favour of management resolutions may harm Nikko AME’s
relationship with the company.
May have a business relationship with a proponent of a proxy proposal and may
manage assets for the proponent.
Or any employee has personal or business relationships with participants in proxy
contests, corporate directors or candidates for corporate directorships, or where
any member employee may have a personal interest in the outcome of a particular
matter before shareholders.
Where such conflicts arise, arrangements will be made to ensure that decisions are taken in
the long term interests of clients as a whole. These arrangements may include:
Referring decisions to senior managers unconnected with the day to day
management of the portfolio or pooled investment vehicle concerned.
Using the advice of an external body.
Approaching clients directly.
In order to avoid even the appearance of impropriety, in the event that Nikko AME*
manages assets for a company, its pension plan, or related entity, Nikko AME will not
take into consideration this relationship and will vote all proxies solely in the best interest of
its clients.
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Nikko AME is required to provide certain information or disclosures about the firm’s
financial condition. In this respect, Nikko AME has no financial commitment that impairs its
ability to meet contractual and fiduciary commitments to clients and has not been the
subject of a bankruptcy proceeding.
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