(Reuters] – French funds manager Amundi claimed it met its 2022 strategic objectives on Wednesday. The strong increase in earnings and the expansion of its Asia retail business helped it to surpass its targets.

Amundi has an increasing presence in China and mainly manages European assets. The quarterly adjusted net income increased 14% to 328 millions euros. That brings the annual number to 3.37 billion euros or 1.51 billion.

“We have now reached and surpassed the targets we laid out in our 2018-2022 strategic plan,” said Chief Executive Valérie Baudson in a call with journalists.

Baudson indicated that the group would announce soon a new plan, with financial targets changed and publication from Credit Agricole (OTC):

According to the firm, inflows from European third-party retailers were particularly high in fourth quarter. It also stated that its Asian joint ventures have had good results, notably from China and India.

Amundi reported net inflows at 65.6 Billion Euros in the fourth-quarter, and Lyxor’s consolidation pushed its assets under management to over 2 Tillion euros at the close of 2021.

Lyxor (which it purchased from French bank Societe Generale) in 2013 is expected to be integrated by the group during the second and third quarters.

The dividend was proposed at 4.1 Euros per share, up 41% over last year.

Amundi stated that they had exceeded their ESG targets for 2021. The company is now looking to uphold its corporate responsibility by setting new goals to link its performance with the salaries of its top executives.

The wide range of corporate definitions and goals makes it difficult to assess the responsibility of investors. Asset managers now have to be more in line with Europe’s efforts to curb global warming.

($1 = 0.8758 euros)