How asset management firms will grow over the next few years

Authored by FlexFunds
lq nubelson fernandes Xqckh XVU unsplash x
lq nubelson fernandes Xqckh XVU unsplash x

In 2020, the asset management industry exhibited record highs in aggregate revenues and profits. And while the Covid-19 scenario depressed global financial dynamics very quickly, asset managers globally overcame the challenges and managed to end the year profitably.

It was an unprecedented year, both for asset managers and for many business sectors; the conjuncture made evident several shortcomings in the industry that need to improve. It also showed the opportunities that mark further growth in the future.

The fact is that the asset management industry has assimilated that technology must become one of its main allies to respond to customer demands promptly, comply with stricter regulations, and manage growth in business portfolios. Technology can enable the industry to achieve higher productivity and rapidly transform its participants into globally-minded firms.

Globally, financial institutions have migrated many of their functions to the digital world. From daily tasks to cost reduction initiatives and smoother interaction with customers, technological innovation will set the tone for years to come.

The key to growth: technology

The asset management industry has evolved significantly over the past five years. When the concept of profitability is more widely used than ever by financial advisors making data-driven strategic decisions, it is essential to appreciate the impact technology has on asset management trends.

– First, technology transforms the client experience by providing clients with direct access to information and services.

– Second, artificial intelligence and data management are transforming the investment process.

– Third, with real-time metrics and data, technology provides financial advisors with concise, automated information to help with forecasting.

As more people now take an active role in defining their investments, many experts recommend that asset managers adopt advanced technological capabilities in their practice if they want to excel in the next 5 to 10 years. Depriving themselves of this will put them at risk of falling behind.

Automated data consolidation

Many firms, large or small, are using technology to help with time-consuming data processing tasks. Spreadsheets and manual methods were popular in the past; nowadays, the best software on the market process the increasing amount of data required by asset managers.

One way to take full advantage of technological systems in the years ahead is to adopt procedures whose versatility allows them to adapt to the operational needs of each firm. Some financial teams are beginning to evaluate having software created and designed for the exclusive use of their organization. However, this option can be highly costly in terms of creation, maintenance, and consultation. A customized design can provide a competitive advantage over other players in the industry.

System Consolidation

One of the most important ways technology has transformed and will continue to energize the asset management industry is through system consolidation. Amidst revenue pressures, medium and small businesses have begun to streamline their operational processes wherever possible. Eliminating any inefficiencies will become a necessity to gain a competitive advantage while dealing with customer service expectations.

All systems must be connected so that data flows freely and consequently can be retrieved in an instant. Consolidating systems and improving legacy methodologies is becoming a top priority for investment managers. Asset managers can seek greater investment returns once operational efficiency is achieved.

The market signals are pretty clear that as traditional financial operations no longer meet client demands, clients will opt to move their money into self-managed funds. Hence, asset managers and firms must upgrade their systems to meet the changing needs of the industry.

Without a doubt, the future of asset management lies in the essential inner workings of technology. Reporting and financial forecasting will rely heavily on continuous learning and artificial intelligence for successful portfolio management.

When weighing the impact of technology on the asset management industry, there is an undefined climate amidst staying the course or moving forward. But one must be fully aware that, with the implementation of stricter regulations, increased pressure to meet compliance standards, and an influx of market-related data, technology will play a pivotal role in the industry for many years to come. If financial advisors and firms cannot compete with the current environment described above, they will struggle to remain relevant in a rapidly changing landscape.

Related Topics

Talk to an expert

FlexDual Portfolio Details

Dual Custody: Securitizes a strategy with listed assets in a Bank of New York Mellon & Interactive Brokers accounts

Applications

  • Bankability: Global distribution of a strategy
  • Centralized managed account
  • Fund creation alternative
  • Custody of locally listed bonds
  • Design a mixed investment strategy of fixed income, equities, and derivatives

Advantages

  • Trading and custody platform with available leverage
  • Efficient subscription through Euroclear
  • Actively managed by a Portfolio Manager
  • No limitations on rebalancing or portfolio composition
  • Cost efficient
  • Flexibility in the choice of executing broker for underlying trades

FlexRegulated Portfolio Details

Securitizes a strategy with listed assets in an Interactive Brokers account targeting institutional and retail investors

Applications

  • Global distribution of a strategy
  • Centralized managed account
  • Regulated fund creation alternative

Advantages

  • Trading and custody platform with available leverage
  • European UCITs compliant
  • Market to institutional and retail investors
  • Actively managed by a Portfolio Manager
  • Market maker as part of the solution
  • Low value tickets
  • Cost efficient

FlexOpen Portfolio Details

Securitizes a strategy with listed assets in any custodian account

Applications

  • Global distribution of a strategy
  • Centralized managed account
  • Regulated fund creation alternative

Advantages

  • Manage portfolios from any major custodian
  • Introducing Broker Dealers maximize revenue from own trading fees structure
  • AUM remain on the introducer broker agreement
  • Efficient subscription through Euroclear
  • Actively managed by the Portfolio Manager
  • No limitations on rebalancing or portfolio composition
  • Cost efficient

FlexPortfolio Details

Securitizes a strategy with listed assets in a Bank of New York Mellon or Interactive Broker custodian account

Applications

  • Global distribution of a strategy
  • Centralized managed account
  • Fund creation alternative
  • Custody of locally listed bonds

Advantages

  • Efficient subscription through Euroclear
  • Actively managed by a Portfolio Manager
  • No limitations on rebalancing or portfolio composition
  • Cost efficient
  • Flexibility in the choice of executing broker for underlying trades
Logo All RGB FF Logo FF Pos H

Welcome to FlexFunds

We provide our services under the Global Note Programs through several entities that perform different activities. Among these entities are FlexFunds ETP LLC which acts as Calculation Agent, and FlexFunds Ltd, which acts as the Program Coordinator. Before making a decision to invest in the Global Note Programs, you should consider the following:

  1. Independent entities. FlexFunds ETP and FlexFunds Ltd. are not managers of the special purpose vehicles, collectively, responsible for the issuance of Notes under the Global Note Programs.
  2. Coordinated Activities. FlexFunds ETP and FlexFunds Ltd act as coordinators of the different entities participating in the Global Note Programs. However, each of the entities is responsible for its own duties and activities in the process.
  3. Not Broker-Dealer or Investment Adviser. Neither FlexFunds ETP nor FlexFunds Ltd. is a U.S. registered broker-dealer or an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Our entities do not raise capital for clients or the Issuers. We do not solicit any specific products, nor offer investment advice or make investment recommendations, nor do we offer tax, legal, financial advice or otherwise.

FlexFunds ETP may collect data about your computer or device, including, where available, your IP address, operating system and browser type, for system administration and other similar purposes.