More than half a year into this pandemic, we hope that you are continuing to stay safe. Whenever we see signs of improvements where we live, we also notice setbacks in other parts of the world. It appears this health crisis is not going away anytime soon.

This crisis has forced central banks such as the Federal Reserve to step in to ensure ample liquidity in the financial markets. However, this has resulted in interest rates staying lower for longer. As investors search for yield, Asia’s local currency bond markets are drawing interest selectively from institutional investors. Who are the Most Astute Investors in Asian Local Currency Bond Markets? Find out how the top-rated individuals and houses ranked in Asset Benchmark Research annual survey, which is revealed in this issue.

Another accelerating trend is digitalization, which has become an important part of our lives. In our cover feature, we discuss the rise and rise of digital assets. Not too long ago, we think of them as part of the cryptocurrency conversation. Yes, Bitcoin has doubled in value from its low in middle of March 2020, which is generating a lot of interest. But digital assets beyond cryptocurrencies are also attracting interest from mainstream investors.

While this may be in part due to recent actions by regulators, the growing understanding of the technology of distributed ledgers that underpin digital assets is moving them into the mainstream of investing. In turn, this has given rise to the custody of digital assets and why in the coming years, they are the new streams of revenue for financial institutions. We also reveal The Asset Leadership Awards: Custodians capturing change and the winners and nominees of the Triple A Asset Servicing Awards.