Threadneedle, the UK-headquartered asset management firm, has announced ten new and upgraded fund licenses in Singapore and Hong Kong, a sign of its continuing growth in Asia. 

Ten funds under the Threadneedle (Lux) scheme are now recognised and registered schemes in Singapore, including the Emerging Market Corporate Bond Fund, Emerging Market Debt Fund, Global Emerging Market Short-Term Bonds Fund, Global Asset Allocation Fund, Pan European Equities Fund, Pan European Smaller Companies Fund, Global Technology Fund, Enhanced Commodities Fund, Target Return (US$) Fund and the US$ High Income Bonds Fund. The Threadneedle (Lux) SICAV fund also now accepts Singapore dollar hedged share classes.

In Hong Kong, from a professional investor status, Threadneedle is now allowed to market to retail clients, in addition to distributing funds via third-party financial institutions. 

The changes are key milestones for the asset manager, which has been operating in both Asian countries since 2008. Before these changes, Threadneedle Singapore featured only six funds. Hong Kong already comprises 14.8 per cent of the company's Asia fund size, which totalled $12.4 million as of 31 October 2011.