KAsset and Lombard Odier drive sustainable investing in Thailand

Kasikorn Asset Management Co., Ltd. (KAsset), in collaboration with Swiss private bank Lombard Odier, are championing the integration of sustainability principles in Thailand’s investment landscape, combining global best practices with local insight to create long-term economic, social and environmental value.

KAsset and Lombard Odier successfully co-organised the forum ‘Decoding Global Sustainability Practices: The Implications for Thailand’ in Bangkok. The half-day event convened leading voices from the global financial, corporate and academic sectors to explore how international sustainability trends are influencing investment strategies and market practices in Thailand.

The forum is a key initiative under the Alliance on Sustainability between KAsset and Lombard Odier, which was formalised through a sustainability agreement in February 2024. This strategic partnership is designed to elevate Thailand’s sustainable investment standards to align with international benchmarks. Lombard Odier serves as a consulting partner, supporting KAsset in formulating strategies and developing sustainable investment offerings tailored to the Thai market.

This forum marks a milestone in the ongoing collaboration between KAsset and Lombard Odier, reinforcing their shared commitment to knowledge exchange and capacity building in sustainable investment. Through initiatives like this, both organisations seek to promote environmental, social and governance (ESG) integration and responsible investing, contributing to a more resilient and inclusive guide to financial ecosystem in Thailand.

KAsset aims to be Thailand’s leader in sustainable investing by leveraging deep insights and understanding to deliver tangible outcomes that create economic, social and environmental value through targeted actions. The company currently holds the largest market share in ESG and Sustainable and Responsible Investment (SRI) funds in Thailand, with a combined value exceeding THB 60 billion ($1.8 billion), underscoring its role as a driving force in advancing responsible investment practices.

As one of Southeast Asia’s leading economies, Thailand is increasingly aligning with global sustainability standards, spurred by regulatory developments, and heightened public awareness. Socio-economic development and environmental challenges are also driving a shift towards more transparent and responsible business practices.

Hubert Keller, senior managing partner, Lombard Odier, said, “At Lombard Odier, we view sustainability as fundamental to long-term value creation. Our collaboration with KAsset reflects a shared vision to embed sustainability into locally relevant investment strategies. This forum is a testament to our commitment to equipping investors in Thailand with the necessary information to navigate the transition, while seeking to maximise value creation in our clients’ portfolios.”

Vincent Magnenat, Limited partner and global head of strategic alliances, Lombard Odier, said, “Our strategic alliance with KAsset plays an essential role in shaping the future of sustainable finance in Thailand. By combining global best practices with local insight, we hope to empower Thai investors with the tools, knowledge and frameworks needed to align portfolios with meaningful sustainability goals that ultimately create impact that matters.”

Pipatpong Poshyanonda, chairman of the board, KAsset and president, KBank stated that the forum aims to foster meaningful exchange of global and local perspectives on
sustainability, which has become a core principle in business and investment worldwide. He noted the growing influence of ESG standards, particularly in Europe and Asia, on institutional decision-making, despite short-term policy uncertainties in some regions. Pipatpong expressed hope that the event would inspire investment approaches that not only deliver financial returns but also create long-term value for society.

Win Phromphaet, CFA, executive chairman of KAsset, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to leading sustainable investing in Thailand through its “Insight to Impact”
philosophy—an approach focused on generating meaningful economic, social and environmental outcomes. With a strong track record and the largest market share in ESG and SRI funds, KAsset continues to set industry benchmarks through innovation, transparency, and long-term value creation. He also expressed sincere appreciation to Lombard Odier for being a trusted sustainability partner. Their strategic collaboration has played a vital role in helping KAsset develop investment solutions that meet international standards and elevate Thailand’s position in the global sustainable finance arena.

Key highlights from the forum include:

Decoding global sustainability practices

The workshop provided a comprehensive overview of the sustainable finance regulatory landscape across the UK, Europe and Asia, alongside broader market developments in
sustainability. It also offered an in-depth look at how asset owners and asset managers integrate sustainability principles to the market. Particular focus was put on looking at the support provided by practical frameworks involving sustainability research, data-driven approaches, and forward-looking thinking rooted in fundamental economics. Participants gained strategic insights into incorporating sustainability into portfolios of various asset classes.

Thailand’s Sustainability Practices: Aligning with Global Trends

The panel discussion addressing Thailand’s readiness to align policies and business practices with international sustainability standards, the implementation of ESG strategies beyond compliance, and the importance of cross-sector collaboration to overcome challenges and deliver measurable impact. These sessions brought together experts from government, business, and academia to share insights and best practices, reinforcing the forum’s role as a platform for advancing sustainable investment in Thailand.

Re-disseminated by  Wealth and Society