Deals
Japan Banks Turn to Private Equity, Hedge Funds for Returns
- Lenders say in survey asset allocation is getting difficult
- No regional banks say Japanese government bonds are attractive
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Japan’s regional banks are turning toward private equity, hedge funds and real estate in search of higher returns as regulatory concerns restrict ownership of foreign bonds.
Alternative assets was the favored choice of investment for five lenders, according to a Bloomberg survey of 11 regional banks conducted in August. Foreign bonds was picked by three respondents, while none of the lenders said they found Japanese government debt attractive given depressed yields.