Alpha Uncovered
The Frontier Boom You Didn’t See Coming | Alpha Uncovered x Ruchir Desai, AFC
07 Mar 2025
📅 Recorded on: 10 Dec, 2024🎙 Guest: Ruchir Desai, Co-Investment Manager, AFC Asia Frontier Fund🎙 Host: Alvin Fan, CEO, OPIM(00:00) - Teaser(00:33) - Introducing Ruchir Desai & AFC Asia Frontier Fund(02:05) - Why Frontier Markets Are Underresearched Yet Profitable(05:10) - Navigating Macro & Political Risks in These Markets(09:20) - Frontier Markets & Global Macroeconomic Cycles(12:40) - Bottom-Up Research in Undercovered Markets(16:05) - Demographics & Consumption Growth in Pakistan, Bangladesh & Vietnam(20:32) - Sri Lanka’s Resurgence: Tourism, Trade & Indian Leverage(26:10) - How Central Asia Is Thriving Amid Global Shifts(30:25) - Georgia’s Black Sea Trade & Kazakhstan’s Fintech Boom(36:15) - The Rise of Digital Banking & Super Apps in Central Asia(41:05) - Investment Strategies: Large Caps vs. Small Caps(45:18) - Why Frontier Markets Offer a Multi-Year Growth Opportunity(50:12) - Lessons Learned from 12 Years in Frontier Investing(54:30) - Closing ThoughtsIn this episode, Ruchir Desai, co-investment manager of AFC Asia Frontier Fund, shares insights on investing in often-overlooked markets like Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Central Asia. From demographic-driven growth to supply chain shifts and financial innovation, Desai explains why these economies are at an inflection point. We explore how macro risks are managed, why digital banking and fintech are thriving, and how investors can capitalize on this once-in-a-generation opportunity.FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLYThis video shall not be published, circulated, reproduced distributed, or commercially exploited in any manner otherwise, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of OPIM. Any trademarks, logos, and related intellectual property rights in this video are either owned by OPIM or other third parties. This video or any of its contents have not been reviewed by the SFC or any other regulatory body. All information is provided solely for informational purposes only and is neither to be taken as advice or recommendation for any specific investment product, strategy, plan, feature or other purpose in any jurisdiction nor intended as an offer or solicitation of an offer for purchase or sale of units of any funds, shares of securities or any financial instruments. This video or any of its contents do not constitute an endorsement, offer, or solicitation of an offer for the purchase or sale of any financial instruments or services by OPIM. All information including facts, opinions, projections, and estimates based on the judgement of the author is provided “as is” and may be subject to change without notice. OPIM has no obligation to ensure such updates are brought to your attention. The information in this video has been prepared from sources OPIM believes to be reliable and without consideration of the objectives, financial situations, or needs of any particular viewer. OPIM does not warrant the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of any material or information and does not assume responsibility for any error of facts or opinions or for damages arising out of any person’s reliance upon such material or information. You should make an independent assessment of any legal, regulatory, tax, credit, and accounting implications and consult with a professional advisor(s) as you consider necessary regarding any information provided in this video. Investment involves risks. Past performance, yields, and any predictions, projections, or forecasts on the economy, securities markets, or the economic trends of the markets are not reliable indicators of current or future results. Any figures, opinions or investment techniques and strategies referred to herein may be based on certain assumptions, evaluations, and current market conditions and are subject to change.
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