A familiar name, a renewed chapter
The First State Investments name has long stood for investing in high-quality companies across Asia and emerging markets – and it's a name that continues to resonate strongly with our clients.
On 24th November 2026, FSSA Investment Managers, an affiliate of First Sentier Group*, will rebrand to First State Investments.
What isn't changing
Reverting to First State Investments reconnects the business with its investment roots and builds on a name that remains well respected and widely recognised.
This is not a change to who we are or how we invest. You can expect:
The same team managing your investments
The same investment philosophy and long-term approach
The same commitment to you, supported by First Sentier Group
Our name and visual identity will evolve, but the way the business is managed, our investment philosophy and our dedication to clients remain exactly as they are. As equity partners in the business, we're more committed than ever to helping our clients access the opportunities presented by the growth of Asia and emerging markets. This is a renewed chapter – and we'll be sharing more very soon.
Questions & Answers
The rebrand to First State Investments reflects both the heritage and future aspirations of the business and enables it to return to a name that many continue to associate with the business today.
Prior to being rebranded to FSSA in 2019, the investment team was recognised globally as First State, a name which became synonymous with a distinct investment approach of identifying high-quality companies, building deep relationships with management teams, and investing with a long-term mindset.
The First State Investments name and brand continues to resonate strongly with clients, intermediaries and partners, particularly in core heritage markets such as the UK and Asia. The return to First State is not simply a change of name. It reconnects the team with its investment heritage while providing a stronger platform for future growth, reaffirming the principles that have guided the business for almost 40 years.
FSSA Investment Managers will become First State Investments on 24th November 2026.
In Australia, the FSSA Investment Managers brand will be retained; however, a refreshed visual identity will be rolled out.
No, this is a change in name and visual identity, not a change to our investment philosophy, culture, ownership or client commitments. The fundamentals of what we do and how we serve clients remain the same.
There are no changes to the investment team. The team remain committed to the business for the long-term, with Managing Partners, Michael Stapleton and Martin Lau continuing to lead the business.
Martin, along with Helen Chen, Rasmus Nemmoe, Rizi Mohanty, Sree Agarwal and Winston Ke will continue to manage portfolios, ensuring continuity for clients and investors.
We are taking a phased approach to the rollout. Given the regulatory requirements, our priority is ensuring key stakeholders, including shareholders, are informed about the name change through appropriate channels.
The visual identity will be launched on 24th November 2026 as part of a coordinated rollout dovetailing with the launch of the new website.
Clients invested in FSSA and Stewart Investor funds via the UK OEIC and Irish VCC vehicles were notified via shareholder notices on 23rd September 2026.
* 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.