Written by Sophie van Straelen
FundForum International in 2012 is the place to rethink the asset management model. 
Globalization, impact of the regulation and rationalization of the industry were the key themes for manager. Investment managers were exploring ways to protect their portfolios at a difficult time, as well as looking at other sources of diversification such as Emerging Markets.
What keeps the CEOs busy in 2012?
The Chief Executive Officers of State Street Global Advisors, Schroeders, Investec, Franklin Templeton Europe participated to an exceptional panel where they shared openly their concerns on the sector. The regulation and its costs’ impact was certainly one of their greatest concern. It’s clearly one of their prime focus. Jamie Hammond mentioned globalization as a critical theme and the Importance of building a platform of products that respond to investors’ needs. Some were more optimistic saying that the time forces them to search for new opportunities.
As an external observer and sharing thoughts with other participants, we were disappointed by the lack of really new insight on the way these CEOs think on the future of their activity. “Business as usual” says one of the CEO’s!
Most recognized that the flows of investments are low and the main issue is to offer alternative investment solutions to investors. Income linked products was one innovative solutions mentioned by couple of houses but the real investment focus was on Emerging Markets, debt and Equities. One survey at Fund Forum expressed Emerging Markets (28%) as a preferred theme of investment before Government Bonds (4%)
It’s all about performances!
Sophie van Straelen
Asterias
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