Megatrends every investment manager should know about

It’s an understatement that there’s a lot going on in the world of wealth and asset management. From exciting artificial intelligence applications to the rise of private markets, it’s easy to get stuck in the minute details, but what macro trends are at work in the meantime? We spoke to key industry experts at IMpower | FundForum 2024 to learn more about how the wealth and asset management sector is being reshaped.

A shift in global economic value creation with Thomas Friedberger, Tikehau Capital

Thomas Friedberger, Deputy CEO and Co CIO, Tikehau Capital, explores the impact of rising interest rates and deglobalisation on global economic value and explains why wealth and asset managers now focus more on resilience. He also talks about the subsequent lower economic growth while emphasising the need for proper taxation and higher capital buffers. He also shares the key areas he considers resilient, such as energy transition and cyber security.

The future of asset management with Brian Godins, Calastone

Brian Godins, Chief Commercial Officer, Calastone, talks about the biggest challenges asset managers are facing: margin compression, profitability, and the importance of finding scalable solutions. He explores the role artificial intelligence, ESG, and private assets will play in the future of asset management, and discusses important technological and regulatory developments across the globe.

Investment insights for the next decade with Stuart Dunbar, Baillie Gifford

Stuart Dunbar, Partner, Baillie Gifford, explores key investment areas, such as healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and materials essential for the energy transition. He also emphasises the necessity of patience in an evolving economic landscape to achieve long-term goals.

Integrating ESG risks with Patrick Stöß, EY

Patrick Stöß, Global & EMEIA Wealth & Asset Management Sustainable Finance Leader, EY, shares best practices for integrating ESG factors into risk management processes. He addresses greenwashing concerns and how investors can prevent unintentional greenwashing to adhere to organisational standards.

Asset management trends and future outlook with Pete Cherecwich and Danial Gamba, Northern Trust

Pete Cherecwich, President, Northern Trust Asset Servicing and Daniel Gamba, President, Northern Trust Asset Management, join the IMpower Studio to discuss key challenges and opportunities Northern Trust clients face today and explore the economic and geopolitical challenges. They also address the evolving market landscape, innovative data solutions, and what makes a successful investment manager in the future.

Recovery and future prospects of small cap stocks with Stephanie Bobtchell, LFDE

Stephanie Bobtchell, Portfolio Manager, LFDE, explores the various factors that have impacted small cap stocks, particularly their historic premium in 2021 and the subsequent challenges they faced due to macroeconomic conditions such as recession and rising interest rates.

The M&A landscape in investment management with Campbell Fleming, Ruffer

Campbell Fleming, Chair of the Big Exchange and Deputy Chair of Ruffer, gives us an overview of the mergers and acquisitions in investment management. He explores the synchronisation of disparate systems in the sector and how the industry is improving its operational efficiency. He also shares why democratising investment strategies is important and why transparency and accessibility for consumers is crucial.

The evolving world of fund evaluation with Sébastien Gentizon, Pictet Wealth Management

Sébastien Gentizon, Head of Fund and Manager Research, Pictet Wealth Management, talks about the ins and outs of fund evaluation for buy lists. He shares some of the key criteria he looks at, including track records, quantitative tools, and qualitative due diligence processes. He further explores technological advancements that can enhance the selection process, such as chatbots, and emphasises that understanding the people behind funds is crucial.

Amundi’s approach to wealth services with Matthieu Guignard

Matthieu Guignard, CEO Services and Solutions, Distribution and Wealth Division, Amundi, discusses the increasing competition from digital entrants, rising regulatory pressures, and the digitalisation of client relationships.