35 years in—Grounded in our history and focused on the future
From the start of our journey 35 years ago, Matthews has been guided by a set of principles that remain at the heart of everything we do: disciplined investing and a genuine commitment to our clients and shareholders.
G. Paul Matthews founded the firm in 1991 with the conviction that Asia’s growth would outpace the rest of the world, and that a specialized focus would provide the best opportunity to participate. I joined him in 1995, and together we built an investment-led boutique firm. At the heart of our work was a philosophy grounded in our belief about the future of Asia, the most dynamic growth region of the 21st century, and a dedication to understanding the intricacies of the markets and the companies within them.
As we look ahead, we are now entering the next chapter of our journey, and it's a privilege to share that Paul and I will once again take a controlling ownership stake in the firm, subject to customary closing conditions, including applicable regulatory and shareholder approvals. This decision reflects our deep conviction in the future of the firm we have built together and underscores our ongoing commitment to the clients who place their trust in us.
Alongside this, as our ownership transitions, several of our long-time partners will be increasing their equity ownership, reflecting their shared commitment to the firm and its future. We believe founder-led ownership gives us a distinct advantage. It allows us to be independent and to make decisions effectively, quickly and with clarity—always putting our clients first.
The firm’s evolution mirrored the changing dynamics of global markets. Beginning with a focus on Asia ex Japan, we expanded to the broader Asia Pacific region, and over time, recognized that the future of investment extended beyond to Global Emerging Markets. As markets have transformed and continue to do so, we’ve seen firsthand how broadening our focus has allowed us to weather volatility and capture growth opportunities across regions and sectors. In addition, we are proud to have expanded our product offerings to include active ETFs.
As the firm has evolved, so has our team. From a small, tight-knit group, we have grown into a deep and diverse investment team across San Francisco and Hong Kong. Drawing on a wide range of backgrounds, our professionals bring diverse perspectives and expertise, with each individual contributing insights shaped by their own experiences and passions. This diversity enables us to approach challenges from multiple perspectives, adapt and innovate. Yet, we remain unified by a shared belief in the growth potential of Asia and Emerging Markets.
It’s equally important to say what this change does and does not mean. Our investment philosophy and our dedication to our clients remain exactly the same. What this transition enables is more freedom to think long term, invest confidently in our people and our business, and, together with the wider Matthews team, continue building a firm that can weather any market cycle.
I will remain deeply involved in guiding the strategic direction of Matthews, and alongside our Chief Investment Officer, Sean Taylor, will mentor, support, and work closely with our investment team. The global environment remains uncertain, but we are genuinely excited about the opportunities ahead and the growth prospects in Asia and Emerging Markets.
Most importantly, we are profoundly grateful for the trust you have placed in us over the last 35 years, and we look forward to strengthening our partnership in the years ahead.
If you have any questions or simply want to talk about this transition, we welcome the conversation.
Thank you for being such an integral part in this next chapter.
Mark Headley
Executive Chairman & Portfolio Manager
Matthews International Capital Management, LLC