Positive sentiment in Asia Pacific drives property investment funds to expand its workforce

Front-office functions, portfolio management, accounting, and sustainability roles to be in demand

In a joint survey conducted by the Asian Association for Investors in Non-listed Real Estate Vehicles Limited (Anrev) and accounting firm PwC, real estate investment funds in Asia Pacific disclosed their plans to either maintain or increase its headcount in 2022, reported the South China Morning Post (SCMP). 

The current study discovered that 42 percent of participants are looking to grow their staff in 2022, while the numbers add up to 88 percent if including those who wish to keep their current tally. 

Partner at PwC Paul Walters said: “The hiring [plans] captured in this survey indicate a positive outlook for Asia Pacific business in 2022 and beyond.” 

Their findings underline the improving sentiment in the region that is known to have been able to control the outbreak quite well. For instance, SCMP shared that China was the only major economy to grow 2.3 percent in 2020, despite this being its most sluggish in decades. 

The survey involved 31 fund managers around the globe with major operations in the region, managing property assets worth over USD1 trillion worldwide.

More: Industrial and logistics investments across Asia Pacific to flourish in 2022

“[The results of the study show] that industry players still retain a positive outlook for business in Asia Pacific in 2022,” stated an Anrev spokesperson. “Mostly front-office functions, portfolio management, accounting, and sustainability are the areas where more than 77 percent of the respondents are hiring.” 

The organisers of the study, however, commented that the recruitment procedure may not be straightforward in all instances, adding that these firms may encounter difficulties in finding the right talent for some roles, including portfolio management. 

The Property Report editors wrote this article. For more information, email: [email protected].