PRESS RELEASE Ashmore granted RQFII status by China First non-Greater China based asset manager to be awarded RQFII licence to enable investment in China's domestic securities markets London, 07 January 2014 - Ashmore, one of the world's largest specialist Emerging Markets investment managers, has become the first investment manager outside of Hong Kong to be granted RMB Qualified Foreign Institutional Investors (RQFII) status by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC).

RQFII status allows international investors unprecedented access to the Chinese onshore equity and fixed income securities markets. The scheme allows for improved ease of repatriation of funds compared to the existing QFII scheme, and provides more flexible investment guidelines for investors looking to invest in China, which Ashmore believes will have numerous benefits to its clients.
The RQFII London scheme facilitates the investment of the growing pools of offshore RMB (CNH) held by large corporates and retail investors in the onshore Chinese securities markets. Other currencies can also be invested onshore through a RQFII account as CNH is freely convertible with many currencies. Ashmore is the first non-China based asset manager to be granted RQFII status and is working with HSBC, who become the first onshore Chinese custodian bank servicing a London based asset manager under the RQFII scheme.

Commenting on the announcement, Jan Dehn, Ashmore's Head of Research said:

"China has been one of the most compelling, yet difficult markets for investors to access. The scale of the investment opportunity in China is enormous. China's over US$4.0 trillion Interbank Bond market is poised for considerable growth and development as China continues to liberalise, and the over US$3.5 trillion A-shares equity market already has a market capitalisation above that of the London Stock Exchange. Both these markets have traditionally been difficult for international investors to access until now."

Christoph Hofmann, Ashmore's Global Head of Distribution adds:

"The Chinese investment market is one the most dynamic in the world, and securing this licence from the CSRC is a reflection of Ashmore's long-standing commitment and deep ties to China. Many of our clients are looking for ways to make dedicated investments in China as part of their well- diversified global portfolios. We are very proud that Ashmore has been chosen as the first foreign asset manager to be granted access to one of the most compelling investment opportunities of our time."

-Ends- For further information contact: FTI Consulting

Zaman Toleafoa +44 (0)20 72697244 / +44 (0)7920 293 876
Laura Hudson +44 (0)20 72697137 / +44 (0)7920 496 756
Email: ashmoregroup@fticonsulting.com

Notes to Editors:

In October 2013, China allocated a RMB80 billion RQFII quota for London, after a decision was taken to expand the pilot scheme beyond Asia, within which Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore are approved for RQFII, respectively.
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About Ashmore Group plc

Ashmore is one of the world's leading investment management groups dedicated to Emerging Markets. The business was founded in 1992 as part of the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group. In 1999, Ashmore became independent and manages US$78.5 billion (as at 30 September 2013) in pooled funds, segregated accounts and structured products. Ashmore focuses on a number of Emerging Markets investment themes including external debt, local currency, corporate debt, blended debt, equity, alternatives (special situations, infrastructure and real estate), overlay / liquidity, and multi-strategy products.
Ashmore Group plc (ASHM:LN) is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a member of the FTSE
250 Index. The company has significant employee ownership. Ashmore is headquartered in London, England and has offices in Brazil, China, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, Singapore, Turkey, and the United States.
Website: www.ashmoregroup.com

This document is issued by Ashmore Investment Management Limited (Ashmore), which is authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority. The information and any opinions contained in this

document have been compiled in good faith, but no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to their accuracy, completeness or correctness. Save to the extent (if any) that exclusion of liability is

prohibited by any applicable law or regulation, Ashmore, its officers, employees, representatives and agents expressly advise that they shall not be liable in any respect whatsoever for any loss or damage, whether direct, indirect, consequential or otherwise however arising (whether in negligence or otherwise) out of or in connection with the contents of or any omissions from this document. This document does not constitute an offer to sell, purchase, subscribe for or otherwise invest in units or shares of any Fund referred to in this document. The value of any investment in any such Fund may fall as well as rise and investors may not get

back the amount originally invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. All prospective investors must obtain a copy of the final Scheme Particulars or (if applicable) other offering document relating to the relevant Fund prior to making any decision to invest in any such Fund. This document does not constitute and may not be relied upon as constituting any form of investment advice and prospective investors are advised to ensure that they obtain appropriate independent professional advice before making any investment in any such Fund.

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