After the Covid-19 pandemic hindered travel and in-person meetings, corporate access—the business of connecting business executives and investors by sell-side firms—endured years of extremes. In March 2020, Firms had to rework their entire business model overnight to operate in a virtual world. Once restrictions were lifted (and some countries were Asia among the last to end the bans), pent up demand for on-the-ground meetings soared. But 2026 has found a business that has found balance and settled into its new groove. 

“In 2026, the corporate access landscape continues to evolve in a more balanced, hybrid format—where virtual efficiency meets the enduring value of in-person engagement,” Jack Clein, Morgan Stanley’s head of Equity Distribution, Asia-Pacific, said. “While digital access has become embedded in how investors conduct due diligence, particularly in volatile markets, we are seeing a clear reaffirmation that face-to-face interaction remains critical for conviction-building and long-term capital allocation.”

For Morgan Stanley, this environment means focusing on delivering tailored access, striving to keep interactions purposeful, relevant, and aligned with investor priorities, he added. China remains a defining factor for the region—both as a source of opportunity and complexity. Shifts in capital flow, and investor sentiment have reinforced the need for curated, high-quality access and differentiated insights, as clients seek to navigate an increasingly nuanced regional landscape. “Ultimately, our approach continually reflects old school hard work meets bold new thinking—combining trusted relationship-driven access with scalable, technology-enabled solutions,” he added.