How reform in Asia is shaking up the dividend story

Reform agenda

Mike Kerley, director of Pan Asian equities at Henderson Global Investors, explores the region's unique income profile, which saw it deliver almost $116bn in annual dividends in 2014.

UK companies are known for their strong dividend culture. The investment environment serves the shareholder well: companies are transparent and democratic, and good corporate governance is a priority as it contributes to strong returns. A recent report by Henderson Global Investors demonstrated 2014 was indeed the UK's highest year for dividends: totalling $135.2bn, helped in part by a Vodafone special. Asia is generally not viewed with such reverence, though change is afoot in this regard. The raft of new governments installed in major Asian economies, such as China, Indonesia, Thail...