Top ER firms in Asia?

Looking for insights on the top firms providing Asia coverage? I am thinking about firms domiciled in HK, Singapore and Japan. 

I know that some of the more local banks are pretty dominant. Eg HSBC, DBS, Mizuho. But I have heard that some of the larger US companies like JPM and MS are still very relevant. 

Hoping to get a tier list similar to previously posted discussions but this time focusing on Asian ER

2 Comments
 

When it comes to Equity Research (ER) in Asia, the landscape is shaped by a mix of global heavyweights and dominant local players. Here's a breakdown based on the most helpful WSO content:

Top Global Players in Asia ER

  1. Morgan Stanley (MS) - Known for strong China coverage and a robust presence across Asia.
  2. J.P. Morgan (JPM) - Maintains relevance with comprehensive regional coverage.
  3. Credit Suisse (CS) - Particularly strong in Asia, with a significant presence in markets like Indonesia and Greater China.
  4. UBS - A major player in Asia, with a strong focus on regional equities.
  5. Goldman Sachs (GS) - While still relevant, GS has reportedly fallen slightly behind MS and CS in certain Asian markets.

Dominant Local Players

  1. HSBC - A powerhouse in Asia, especially in Hong Kong and Greater China.
  2. DBS - A leader in Southeast Asia, with a stronghold in Singapore.
  3. Mizuho - A key player in Japan, leveraging its local expertise.
  4. Nomura - Highly active in Japan and across Asia, with a strong local focus.
  5. Maybank - Prominent in Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia and Indonesia.

Regional Insights

  • Hong Kong/Greater China: MS, CS, and HSBC dominate, with UBS and JPM also being strong contenders.
  • Singapore/Southeast Asia: DBS and Maybank lead the pack, with global players like CS and UBS maintaining a presence.
  • Japan: Mizuho and Nomura are the go-to firms, with some competition from global players like MS and JPM.

Additional Notes

  • Local banks often have an edge in their respective markets due to language, cultural understanding, and established relationships.
  • Global firms bring broader sector expertise and access to international markets, making them competitive in cross-border research.

This tier list should give you a solid starting point for understanding the ER landscape in Asia!

Sources: Non US/Europe IB/PE Overview, Non US/Europe IB/PE Overview, What would you like to know about Equity Sales / Research?, What would you like to know about Equity Sales / Research?, HK/SG Investment Bank Rankings

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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