Analysis of Asset Management Industry Trends

Asset Management Industry Analysis: Recent Papers

Last November, we introduced several papers providing analysis of trends in the investment management industry, predominantly focusing upon how asset owners and asset managers are likely to be affected by fintech trends, artificial intelligence, IR 4.0, and other institutional asset management industry issues. 

The below list is a continuation of the asset management industry trends theme, including similar issues in technology and distribution, but also analysing significant changes in the regulatory environment, such as MiFID II and the impact that it may have on the future of the asset management industry.

The shifting sands of wholesale (HSBC Global Asset Management, 2019)

For compliance reasons, this paper is only accessible in certain geographies

Understanding Millennials is crucial for asset managers, advisers and distributors alike. This 18-page paper by HSBC Global Asset Management takes a closer look at this demographic and explores who they are, what they want, and what the implications for the investment industry might be.

Passive Investing: Reshaping the Global Investment Landscape (DWS AM/CREATE-Research, 2018)

This report was produced by DWS Asset Management and CREATE-Research, and it aims to present the views of institutional investors on the active vs passive debate.

MiFID II: One Year On (CFA Institute, 2019)

The research marketplace has changed significantly since the introduction of MiFID II in early 2018. Larger asset managers are still paying for research, but many smaller firms are bringing research in-house, which has led sell-side analysts to suffer.

How technology will revolutionize asset management (AB, 2018)

For compliance reasons, this paper is only accessible in North America and South America

Technological innovations have swept through the financial industry in recent decades, but the field of fixed income investing has largely been left behind. However, significant changes are now on the horizon for the bond market, in the form of new platforms and technologies.

Asset & Wealth Management 2025: The Asian Awakening (PwC)

This PwC report provides insight into key trends within the world's fastest growing region for the asset and wealth management industry.

Ownership of Investment Funds in Europe (EFAMA, 2019)

EFAMA examines how holdings of investment funds have evolved. This report looks at fund holdings by households, asset owners, and other financial intermediaries.

Fund Industry Concentration: The Good, The Bad, and The Unknown (Broadridge, 2019)

Scale undoubtedly matters in the investment industry, but the question arises as to whether the degree of scale is limiting competition and innovation. This paper by Broadridge explores further.

Investment Firm of the Future (CFA Institute, Sept 2018)

How can investment firms adapt their business models to succeed in a rapidly changing environment, when beset by increased competition, fee pressures, and other significant challenges?

INVESTMENT REGULATIONS

IFRS and Solvency II: A chess game in insurers' investment strategy (HSBC Global Asset Management, 2018)

For compliance reasons, this paper is only accessible in certain geographies

This paper presents an analysis of accounting options available to insurers, investment insights for the insurance industry, and the impacts of IFRS and Solvency II on the investment strategies of insurers.

MiFID II/R and the bond markets: the first year (ICMA, Dec 2018)

An analysis of the impacts and challenges of MiFID II/R implementation since January 2018 by the International Capital Market Association.

Financial Markets Regulatory Outlook 2019: Ten years after the crisis (Deloitte)

How will regulatory trends shape the financial industry in 2019? Deloitte provides some guidance on how to navigate the changes in this field.

UK Asset Management Market Study - final rules and guidance (FCA, Feb 2019)

For compliance reasons, this paper is only accessible in the United Kingdom

The FCA has released a policy statement addressing guidance on fund objectives and the presentation of benchmarks.

The Future of Regulation Technology (State Street, 2018)

Representatives from the world's largest asset management companies discuss the present regulatory environment, compliance issues, and changes in how institutions interact with regulators.

SALES AND MARKETING

Talent and Compensation Trends in Asset Management Distribution (Heidrick & Struggles)

Included are the results of a wide-ranging survey on talent and compensation trends in asset management distribution.

The Importance of Brand Awareness, Q4 2018 (eVestment)

This whitepaper from eVestment stresses the importance of brand awareness for asset management firms. It highlights the top 10 asset managers in terms of product and firm awareness, as well as changes from the previous year.

Cross-border Distribution is Key to Competition (KPMG, Jun 2018)

Europe has yet to completely crack the issue of cross-border distribution, despite it being a regulatory priority for the European Commission.

Changes and Opportunities in European Cross-Border Fund Distribution (Deloitte, 2018)

Hubs such as Luxembourg and Ireland have been the primary facilitators of cross-border fund distribution, due to their infrastructure of scale and other attributes that specifically support this industry.