FROM THE EDITOR
Toasting 2023
While the dire human crisis in Ukraine remains; markets reflect escalating geopolitical concerns; and the World Health Organisation (WHO) maintains global pandemic status; there is a degree of buoyancy permeating 1Q23, so far. China’s reopening heralds a new era of cautious optimism. In Hong Kong, there are positive murmurings around the likely lift of the mask mandate. I find it pertinent that in trying times, consumers seek solace in small pleasures. Hair salon appointments soar, fragrance sales flourish, and – as I’ve discovered through research for this edition’s features – for those with cash to spare, luxury goods outperform traditional markets. It’s certainly the case that during peak Covid-19 restrictions, my own apartment “bar” was kept well stocked to unwind at the end of my home office day. Meanwhile, in interviews, globally acclaimed Hong Kong-based wine critic, James Suckling, attributes the pandemic to having saved his Staunton Street establishment. With equal measure of hope and hedonism in mind, in this issue, senior reporter Sara Velezmoro and I explore Asian investors’ increasing allocation to fine wine: Sara conducts an exclusive interview with tech-entrepreneur, Anthony Zhang, who is working to democratise access to the alternative asset class through digital platforms; we discuss the sector’s robust returns; and investigate the ever-expanding geographic scope of wine production that sees viticultural advancement in Asia. I speak to Hong Kong-based master of wine (MW), Sarah Heller, who is just one of 498 individuals to have passed the MW exam since 1953 (fewer than those to have travelled to space!) – and rates the Mainland’s cultivation of the Marselan grape. Then of course, there are the stellar sales by the region’s top auction houses, including Christie’s trade of property tycoon, Joseph Lau’s own wine collections. Echoing the opportunity offered by forging new connections with China, is ex-CEO of the HKEX, Charles Li, who is on a mission to connect global capital with the market’s burgeoning SME community. He discusses the opportunity for international investors to contribute to on-the-ground social impact. In the sustainability space, we turn to China’s efforts to align its bond frameworks with international best practices in a bid to achieve its net zero goals; and in feature format, Christopher Chu explores the implications of the FTX crypto collapse on Asian virtual asset regulation. It is also in this first edition of 2023, that I am so delighted to announce the launch of FA’ s inaugural Editorial Board. I am very honoured to welcome the involvement of nine esteemed Asia-based experts who cover different corners of the region’s capital markets. Offering guidance to help shape content coverage, the members will work closely with the editorial capability to ensure that published work remains timely, refreshed and relevant. Finally, I hope you’ll join me in raising a glass to toast the outstanding winners of the FA Achievement Awards, as we celebrate their much-deserved
CONTACT ME
ella.arwyn-jones@haymarket.asia
success in the face of economic adversity. Chin, chin: here’s to a positive year ahead.
Please let us know what you think of this issue at www. financeasia.com/ Info/Feedback.aspx
Ella Arwyn Jones, Editor
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VOLUME ONE 2023
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