FSSA Investment Managers to rebrand as First State Investments, reflecting a return to its investment heritage
London, 24 September 2026: FSSA Investment Managers (“FSSA”), an affiliate1 of First Sentier Group, has today announced it will be rebranded as First State Investments (“First State”) on 24 November 2026, returning to its heritage name under which it has built its reputation as a leading investor in Asian and emerging markets equities.
Established in 1988, the investment team manages more than £22 billion in assets* and for nearly two decades was globally known as First State before adopting the FSSA name in 2019. Throughout this period, the First State name has remained synonymous with a distinct investment approach focused on identifying high-quality companies, building deep relationships with management teams, and investing with a long-term mindset.
Michael Stapleton, Managing Partner of FSSA said: “Our rebrand to First State Investments reflects both our heritage and future aspirations, and enables us to return to a name that many people continue to associate with our business today.
“The First State name resonates strongly with our clients, particularly in markets such as the UK and Asia where we have built long-standing relationships over many years.
“It also reconnects our team with our investment heritage while providing a strong platform for future growth, reaffirming the principles that have guided our business for almost 40 years.”
Mr Stapleton added that the evolution of the brand identity does not signal any change to the team’s investment philosophy, process, leadership or commitment to clients: “Our focus remains on helping our clients access long-term opportunities presented by Asia and emerging markets. While our visual identity is evolving, the principles that have guided our business for almost 40 years remain unchanged.
“We continue to look beyond the numbers to understand the people behind the businesses we invest in, invest with conviction alongside our clients and focus on preserving capital through market cycles. By immersing ourselves in the markets and companies we invest in and maintaining an on-the-ground presence across Asia and emerging markets, we gain the local insight and perspective needed to do this well.”
Harry Moore, Chief Executive Officer of First Sentier Group said: “The decision to return to the First State name reflects the strength of our affiliate model. As a specialist investment team, FSSA retains its identity and autonomy, but is supported by the scale, resources and global distribution capabilities of First Sentier Group. This combination enables their team to remain focused on investing while positioning the business for its next phase of growth.”
“We believe Asia and emerging markets will continue to play an increasingly important role in the global economy and, as a specialist in these markets, the business will be well positioned as First State Investments to deliver long-term opportunities for clients.”
The First State name and new visual identity will be rolled out across Asia, Europe and the United States.
*As at 30 June 2026.
Footnote
1 Where we use the word affiliate, we are describing investment teams that form part of the First Sentier Group – the legal structure of our affiliate investment teams varies – some affiliates are separate legal entities, some are not.
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About FSSA Investment Managers
FSSA Investment Managers are specialists in Asia Pacific and Global Emerging Markets equity strategies. We manage £22 billion* on behalf of clients globally. Operating as an autonomous investment team within First Sentier Group, we are a team of dedicated investment professionals based in Hong Kong and Singapore.
We are bottom-up investors, using fundamental research and analysis to construct high-conviction portfolios. We conduct more than a thousand direct company meetings a year, seeking to identify high quality companies that we can invest in for the long term.
As responsible, long-term shareholders, we have integrated ESG analysis into our investment process and engage extensively on environmental, labour and governance issues.
*As at 30 June 2026
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In the United Kingdom, this document is issued by First Sentier Investors (UK) Funds Limited which is authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority (registration number 143359). Registered office: Finsbury Circus House, 15 Finsbury Circus, London, EC2M 7EB, number 2294743. In the EEA, issued by First Sentier Investors (Ireland) Limited which is authorised and regulated in Ireland by the Central Bank of Ireland (registered number C182306. Registered office: 70 Sir John Rogerson's Quay, Dublin 2, Ireland number 629188.
Outside the UK and EEA, issued by First Sentier Investors International IM Limited which is authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority (registration number 122512). Registered office 23 St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH2 1BB number SC079063.