Watch videoAbout this series
Building Asia is a collection of business stories on CNA that examines the financial forces driving Asia’s position as an economic powerhouse.
Keppel Capital – Investing in a global relationship is the 17th episode in the Building Asia with UOB series and was first aired on 1 November 2021. It looks at how Keppel Capital creates and protects the value of its quality real assets globally, supported by the insights and tailor-made solutions of long-term financial partner UOB.
Transcript
Christina Tan (Chief Executive Officer, Keppel Capital Holdings):
At Keppel Capital, we strive to be the best-in-class asset management platform and a trusted partner for our investors.
Keppel Capital is the asset management arm of the Keppel Group.
Being part of the larger Group allows us to leverage Keppel’s extensive network and deep operational insights to create, operate and manage quality real assets in sectors fuelled by urbanisation trends.
Data centres, desalination plants, as well as power and waste-to-energy plants are just some examples of the spectrum of cashflow-generating real assets that the Keppel Group develops, owns and operates.
The team at Keppel Capital is guided by our responsibility as a protector of capital and creator of value for our investors in all that we do.
Lim Lay Wah (Managing Director, Head of Global Financial Institutions Group, UOB):
In our long-standing key client relationship with Keppel, we believe in being a trusted partner. As they drive their strategic objectives and investments globally, we provide insights. This can range from macro economy and industry trends, to interest rate and currency views.
And when they identify the right investment, we tailor financing according to their needs.
Christina Tan:
Long-term relationships with our banking partners, such as UOB, are critical to our growth in Singapore and overseas.
For example, when Keppel REIT acquired Pinnacle Office Park in Sydney, UOB supported us with a green loan. That not only allowed us to expand our footprint into Australia’s metropolitan office market, but also strengthened our focus on sustainability-focused funding.
Lim Lay Wah:
Given the global nature of Keppel Capital’s business, we also help them manage exposure risk by hedging against interest rate and currency fluctuations.
We are active through the entire life cycle of the fund, from fund raising through our customer base, all the way to divestment of the assets.
UOB’s relationship with Keppel is anchored through a central point of contact that has coverage teams in Singapore coordinating with product specialists to tailor solutions fit for purpose, and deliver them promptly.
We call this relationship “One UOB One Keppel”, bringing value to investors in Singapore and beyond.
Christina Tan:
We will continue to seize opportunities presented by macro-trends, complemented by the commitment of a long-term financial partner.
Our OneKeppel approach will see us harness the synergies of the Group as we continue to create quality investment solutions for our investors.
