Celebrating 20 years of Aberdeen Asian Income Fund
2025 marked the 20 year anniversary of Aberdeen Asian Income Fund. To mark the occasion, we were delighted to close the market at the London Stock Exchange on Monday 2nd March 2026.
Duration: 4 Mins
Date: 05 Mar 2026
On Monday, 2nd March, Aberdeen Asian Income Fund closed the market at the London Stock Exchange to mark the investment trust’s 20th anniversary.
Launched in 2005, the Trust invests in a diversified portfolio of Asian equities with the aim of delivering income alongside long‑term capital growth. Over that period, Asia’s economic profile and its role within global equity markets have changed markedly, with a growing number of companies across the region now paying and growing dividends.
Despite this, Asia remains relatively under‑represented in the income portfolios of many UK investors. The Trust’s Board has sought to address this by maintaining a consistent focus on income while adapting to changing market conditions. In 2025, it introduced an enhanced dividend policy, and as at the end of January 2026 the Trust was yielding 5.8%*.
The portfolio is managed by Isaac Thong and Eric Chan of Aberdeen Group plc, who are based in Asia and invest directly in the markets in which the Trust operates.
Isaac Thong, Lead Portfolio Manager, said:
“Asia is often thought of primarily as a growth region, but over time it has also become an increasingly important source of income. Many Asian companies now have strong balance sheets, improving governance and a clear commitment to returning capital to shareholders. Being based in the region allows us to assess those developments first‑hand and to focus on companies where we believe income is sustainable over the long term.”
Ian Cadby, Chair of Aberdeen Asian Income Fund, said:
“Having lived and worked in Asia, the region has long been close to my heart, and it has been a privilege to chair the Trust as it reaches its 20th anniversary. Asia has changed profoundly over that time, offering a broader and more dynamic opportunity set than ever before. The investment trust sector is facing a challenging backdrop, but its long history shows that adaptation is key, and those trusts that evolve to meet the needs of private investors are well placed to endure.”
The Board was also pleased to welcome a number of shareholders to join them for the market close ceremony. Shareholders who would like to hear about similar events and updates in future can register via the Company’s website at www.asian-income.co.uk. The market close ceremony marks both a milestone for the Trust and an opportunity to reflect on the evolving role Asia can play for UK investors seeking diversified sources of income.
* Source: Aberdeen
Important information
Risk factors you should consider prior to investing:
- The value of investments, and the income from them, can go down as well as up and investors may get back less than the amount invested.
- Past performance is not a guide to future results.
Issued by abrdn Fund Managers Limited, registered in England and Wales (740118) at 280 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 4AG. The company is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK.
The Aberdeen Asian Income Fund Key Information Document can be obtained here.
Find out more at aberdeeninvestments.com/aaif, or register for updates. You can also follow us on X, Facebook and LinkedIn.
