Going Long Podcast: Mark Konyn on Building Resilient Portfolios Across Asia’s Shifting Economies

In this episode of the Going Long Podcast, Sarah Williamson speaks with Mark Konyn, Group Chief Investment Officer at AIA Group. Drawing on decades of experience across the region, Konyn explores Asia’s structural diversity, the role of long-term capital, China’s economic transition, and why technology adoption across Asia may reshape markets faster than many expect.

Topics Include:

• [00:00:00] Asia is not a single investment story
Konyn opens by challenging the idea of Asia as a homogeneous region, emphasizing the importance of understanding local legal systems, financial structures, demographics, and development paths.
• [00:07:00] How long-term capital is mobilized in Asia
The role life insurers play in aggregating domestic savings, matching long-dated liabilities and assets, and supporting the development of capital markets and infrastructure.
• [00:12:00] Hong Kong’s renewed role as a financial hub
What “Hong Kong is back” looks like on the ground, pointing to IPO activity, returning international engagement, and the city’s continued role as a conduit for capital.
• [00:20:00] China’s structural transition and the confidence challenge
China’s property overhang, demographic shifts, and the way confidence, rather than capital availability, is shaping savings behavior and investment outcomes.
• [00:46:00] Why technology adoption may surprise investors
Looking ahead, Konyn explains why Asia’s speed and willingness to adopt digital finance, automation, and AI could reshape markets over the next decade.