Key Takeaways
- Sector: Real Estate.
- Geography: Singapore.
Analysis
HSBC Asset Management (HSBC AM) has named Karim Ghannam as its new Global Head of Real Assets and Head of Alternatives, Singapore, strengthening its leadership team amid growing demand for real assets and alternative investment solutions worldwide.
With over 25 years of experience in global private markets, Ghannam joins HSBC AM from 8F Asset Management, a private equity firm he co-founded in 2016, where he most recently served as Chief Investment Officer. His previous roles include senior positions at Deutsche Bank and Argan Capital, giving him a deep background in alternatives, private equity, and sustainable investments.
Based in Singapore, Ghannam will be responsible for shaping and expanding HSBC’s global real assets strategy, which includes listed, direct and indirect exposure across real estate, infrastructure, and sustainable physical assets. He will report directly to Joanna Munro, CEO of Alternatives at HSBC AM.
“Karim brings valuable industry insight as we scale our alternatives platform and continue delivering innovative real asset solutions to clients globally,” said Munro. “Singapore’s position as a strategic wealth and investment hub makes it the ideal base for this next phase of expansion.”
His appointment comes as institutional demand for real assets and ESG-integrated strategies accelerates, driven by inflation hedging, yield needs, and a global infrastructure investment boom. HSBC AM’s real assets business aims to serve retail, private, and institutional investors seeking long-term, stable income solutions beyond traditional public markets.
As of June 30, 2025, HSBC Asset Management managed $808 billion in assets globally (excluding its China joint venture), with a growing allocation toward private markets. The firm has been steadily expanding its alternatives capabilities in Asia, competing with regional platforms from UBS, BlackRock, Schroders, and JP Morgan, all of which are strengthening their presence in Singapore and Hong Kong.
With macroeconomic uncertainty and rising rates prompting investors to rethink portfolio construction, HSBC’s real assets strategy is positioned as a core pillar of its global growth roadmap. Ghannam's hire signals a continued push toward sustainable and impact-linked investing as the firm develops new strategies across energy transition, infrastructure, and real estate innovation.
Karim Ghannam will officially assume the role on August 8, 2025.