Infrastructure is an asset class that first emerged in Australia in the 1990s. It is defined by a set of unique characteristics, such as high barriers to entry and inelastic demand, that enable infrastructure assets to generate revenues and cashflows that are stable and predictable over the long term.

Infrastructure traditionally covers assets such as power generation, transmission and distribution assets; water treatment plants; telecommunication infrastructure; and transportation assets (e.g. roads, ports and airports). Aside from these typical assets, the infrastructure universe can also be extended to businesses with infrastructure-like characteristics, such as social infrastructure (e.g. hospitals) and bus services.

Asia Pacific’s infrastructure investment needs: 2016–2040

According to Oxford Economics, global infrastructure investment needs are projected to total US$93.7 trillion between 2016 and 2040 to support economic growth and dem