In this episode, recorded on 15 December 2021, we welcome back Insight Provider Michael Causton, who covers changes in Japanese consumer spending during Covid, longer-term issues in the country's consumer market, and how both are impacting, and will impact retail and brands in the next five years.

Follow Michael's work: https://skr.ma/s4JYXRwLT8RQAmn67

Smartkarma users can find the presentation slides here: https://skr.ma/CiVR8nYq53m6uuPB9

Michael Causton is co-founder and partner at Japan Consuming. JapanConsuming is a specialist research firm producing intelligence on Japanese retail and consumer markets. Founded in 2000, it has become the leading provider of insights on Japanese retailers and consumer trends to retailers, brands, government agencies and investors. 

Michael set up and ran a consumer distribution business in Tokyo for 10 years and developed this into a business responsible for annual imports to Japan of several billion Yen, at the same time building up an inside knowledge of how Japanese distribution works and developing a network of contacts across the industry. Seeing the lack of quality market intelligence on Japanese markets, he co-founded JapanConsuming in 2000. He divides his time between Japan and Europe/US consulting for companies, governments and investors, including providing talks, seminars, and webinars as well as writing reports and books.

This podcast is provided for general informational and entertainment purposes only, and is not intended to provide financial, investment or other professional advice. Views expressed by third parties do not necessarily represent Smartkarma’s views. Smartkarma assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy, compliance or completeness of the podcast or the information it contains. Users should not rely on the podcast or the information it contains when making individual, business or other strategic decisions and should always consult a qualified expert or professional adviser.

In this episode, the third in Kyle Rudden's series on ESG investing in collaboration with SGX, we tackle the thorny topic of ESG Alpha by debunking some commonly-cited "proofs", exploring case specificity and ESG assessments, and going over current literature on the ESG Alpha question along with examples, case studies, and other critical considerations.

Follow Kyle’s work: https://skr.ma/qcJeXohxz1dgqW5m7

Smartkarma users can find the presentation slides here: https://skr.ma/csUCL25G6VsiPksd9

Listen to Part 1 of the series here: https://on.skr.ma/3ouX8yf

Listen to Part 2 of the series here: https://on.skr.ma/3fBBOBe

Kyle Rudden is an ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) analyst with an alpha-centric approach to ESG research. After all, ESG investing is, first and foremost, investing. "Alpha-centric" does not mean apathetic, however. Quite the contrary. Kyle believes global sustainability – i.e., environmental stewardship, social equality, and economic prosperity – is imperative, and private-sector capital is its cornerstone. Private-sector capital still has fiduciary responsibilities. Profitability is necessary for sustained impact. The Triple Bottom Line. People, Planet, AND Profit.

This podcast is provided for general informational and entertainment purposes only, and is not intended to provide financial, investment or other professional advice. Views expressed by third parties do not necessarily represent Smartkarma’s views. Smartkarma assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy, compliance or completeness of the podcast or the information it contains. Users should not rely on the podcast or the information it contains when making individual, business or other strategic decisions and should always consult a qualified expert or professional adviser.

In this episode, recorded on 27 October 2021, Insight Provider Scott Foster presents his hand-picked ideas in Japan's semiconductor sector, highlighting stocks and analysing the overall market.

Follow Scott's work: https://skr.ma/vJKWkFqSQWdkaBFr9

Smartkarma users can find the presentation here: https://skr.ma/7BX6MS7mYUmVY16s8

Scott Foster is a securities analyst who has been covering electronics, precision equipment & robotics, engineering, construction, transport, and other sectors for more than 25 years in Japan and 3 years in Korea.

This podcast is provided for general informational and entertainment purposes only, and is not intended to provide financial, investment or other professional advice. Views expressed by third parties do not necessarily represent Smartkarma’s views. Smartkarma assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy, compliance or completeness of the podcast or the information it contains. Users should not rely on the podcast or the information it contains when making individual, business or other strategic decisions and should always consult a qualified expert or professional adviser.

In this special episode, we welcome Insight Provider Josh Du, who shares his insights on how to conduct fundamental analysis on crypto assets. For this session, Josh uses decentralised exchange Uniswap (UNI CURNCY) as a case study to break down the key concepts and issues that investors need to be aware of.

Follow Josh's work: https://skr.ma/t6dyHoDd2Rh4DYhq7

Smartkarma users can find the presentation slides here: https://skr.ma/5Rco2JC5y39dND1t6

Josh Du has been an investor throughout his career with experiences across multiple asset classes, worked at shops like Horizon (PM), Ninemasts (PM), Kelusa (Analyst), Morgan Stanley (Research), Deutsche Bank (Special Sits). Currently, his focus is 100% directed at identifying, investing in, and sharing investment ideas in the crypto asset class as he believes this will the fastest growing space for years to come. Although he's a major believer in the macro thesis of crypto, his research is bottoms-up-focused and will break down crypto investments into their fundamental components that investors with institutional experiences will be familiar with.

This podcast is provided for general informational and entertainment purposes only, and is not intended to provide financial, investment or other professional advice. Views expressed by third parties do not necessarily represent Smartkarma’s views. Smartkarma assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy, compliance or completeness of the podcast or the information it contains. Users should not rely on the podcast or the information it contains when making individual, business or other strategic decisions and should always consult a qualified expert or professional adviser.

On this episode, recorded on 17 November 2021, Insight Provider Brian Freitas covers the latest rebalance of the Hong Kong Hang Seng Index (HSI INDEX) as it pushes towards its target of 80 index members by mid-2022. 

Smartkarma subscribers can access Brian's presentation here: https://skr.ma/GsLYGhgvv68AN789A

Brian Freitas is a highly experienced ex-delta one trader with over 17 years of experience. He was previously with Barclays, Macquarie, Credit Suisse and BNP Paribas. Follow his work: https://skr.ma/mqJboLCC8hszjQ5T7

This podcast is provided for general informational and entertainment purposes only, and is not intended to provide financial, investment or other professional advice. Views expressed by third parties do not necessarily represent Smartkarma’s views. Smartkarma assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy, compliance or completeness of the podcast or the information it contains. Users should not rely on the podcast or the information it contains when making individual, business or other strategic decisions and should always consult a qualified expert or professional adviser.

In this episode, Insight Provider Howard J Klein goes over his outlook on the casino and gaming sector in Asia for 2022, and presents opportunities for investors in this space, including Las Vegas Sands, MGM, and more.

Follow Howard's work: https://skr.ma/vicnCCqb4fjtgJQ87

Howard J Klein has 25+ years of experience as a C-level executive of the casino industry in operations, marketing, international development, and strategic planning. He is currently a consultant specialising in the casino space, an industry expert contributor, and publisher of a subscription letter called "The House Edge". He gained extensive experience in marketing and development in the Asian gaming market while a senior executive at Caesars, Ballys Grand, and Trump Taj Mahal, and he was part of senior executive teams that valued acquisitions and mergers with companies in the casino, hotel, entertainment, and restaurant space.

This podcast is provided for general informational and entertainment purposes only, and is not intended to provide financial, investment or other professional advice. Views expressed by third parties do not necessarily represent Smartkarma’s views. Smartkarma assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy, compliance or completeness of the podcast or the information it contains. Users should not rely on the podcast or the information it contains when making individual, business or other strategic decisions and should always consult a qualified expert or professional adviser.

In this episode, recorded on 22 September 2021, we are excited to welcome Insight Provider Jason Yap, CFA who shares his insights on Forensic Accounting and how to apply it to the investment process. Jason goes over how to bridge existing knowledge gaps of traditional fundamental analysis, with the ultimate aim of maximising portfolio returns. 

Follow Jason's work: https://skr.ma/DhHCgLqRWQpiw2E66

Smartkarma users can find the presentation slides here: https://skr.ma/1qb89j7BLvQd7kzY8

Jason Yap is an independent Forensic Analyst with 11 years of experience. He was previously a Senior Forensic Analyst at a Singapore- and Shanghai-based fund with approximately US$2.5 billion in AUM, with an investment focus on China A/H shares and ADRs. Prior to that, he worked at leading Asia-based restructuring and forensic accounting firms, Borrelli Walsh Limited and nTan Corporate Advisory Pte Ltd.

This podcast is provided for general informational and entertainment purposes only, and is not intended to provide financial, investment or other professional advice. Views expressed by third parties do not necessarily represent Smartkarma’s views. Smartkarma assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy, compliance or completeness of the podcast or the information it contains. Users should not rely on the podcast or the information it contains when making individual, business or other strategic decisions and should always consult a qualified expert or professional adviser.

In this episode, recorded on 10 September 2021, we have the pleasure of welcoming Insight Provider Evelyn Zhang, who examines the impact of recent policy decisions on the future of China's tech companies.

Follow Evelyn's work: https://skr.ma/Nw38gLPVBVcN691s8

Evelyn Zhang has over a decade of experience at firms like Morgan Stanley, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Agricultural Bank of China, and Lenovo. Her expertise includes research and investment into tech companies of all stages. She has a particular focus on emerging technologies, but is experienced in asset management, private equity, strategic investment, investment banking, equity research, and corporate finance.

This podcast is provided for general informational and entertainment purposes only, and is not intended to provide financial, investment or other professional advice. Views expressed by third parties do not necessarily represent Smartkarma’s views. Smartkarma assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy, compliance or completeness of the podcast or the information it contains. Users should not rely on the podcast or the information it contains when making individual, business or other strategic decisions and should always consult a qualified expert or professional adviser.

On this episode, Insight Provider Kyle Rudden continues his series on ESG investing with an overview of the “Metrics and Materiality” issue and debate, and its implications for Corporate ESG Reporting and ESG Investing. This session was organised jointly by Smartkarma and SGX.

Follow Kyle’s work: https://skr.ma/qcJeXohxz1dgqW5m7

Smartkarma users can find the presentation slides here: https://on.skr.ma/3ummkHK

Listen to the first part of the series here: https://on.skr.ma/3ouX8yf

Kyle Rudden is an ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) analyst with an alpha-centric approach to ESG research. After all, ESG investing is, first and foremost, investing. "Alpha-centric" does not mean apathetic, however. Quite the contrary. Kyle believes global sustainability – i.e., environmental stewardship, social equality, and economic prosperity – is imperative, and private-sector capital is its cornerstone. Private-sector capital still has fiduciary responsibilities. Profitability is necessary for sustained impact. The Triple Bottom Line. People, Planet, AND Profit.

This podcast is provided for general informational and entertainment purposes only, and is not intended to provide financial, investment or other professional advice. Views expressed by third parties do not necessarily represent Smartkarma’s views. Smartkarma assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy, compliance or completeness of the podcast or the information it contains. Users should not rely on the podcast or the information it contains when making individual, business or other strategic decisions and should always consult a qualified expert or professional adviser.

On this episode, recorded on 18 August, we welcome Insight Provider Stanley Tsai, who presents his views on positioning in China financials for the remainder of 2021 in the face of a slowing economy, renewed concerns over Covid-19, and asset quality challenges.

Follow Stanley’s work: https://skr.ma/ipP46ku3fZ2P3zRd9

Smartkarma users can find the presentation slides here: https://skr.ma/Nq6EcnSCqwZPu5Jg9

Stanley Tsai has over two decades' experience as a financials specialist across equities and fixed income. He is currently an advisor to a private investment fund and a non-executive director of a US VC fund.

This podcast is provided for general informational and entertainment purposes only, and is not intended to provide financial, investment or other professional advice. Views expressed by third parties do not necessarily represent Smartkarma’s views. Smartkarma assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy, compliance or completeness of the podcast or the information it contains. Users should not rely on the podcast or the information it contains when making individual, business or other strategic decisions and should always consult a qualified expert or professional adviser.