Lenneke Arts is editor-in-chief of Investment Officer. She leads the local and international editorial teams and oversees the platform’s editorial direction. She also covers developments in private banking, wealth management, family offices and asset management.
Why the gold price could rise further in 2026
Strong demand for gold from central banks and the relatively small position held by private investors in the precious metal will push the gold price higher in 2026, Carmignac expects. Even so, the asset manager has slightly reduced its allocation to gold.
Why independence matters in asset management: Maxime Carmignac on consolidation, open architecture and culture
The development that some large banks in Europe are closing their doors to open architecture and internalising asset management is good for their margins in the short term but could create a long-term problem. That is what UK CEO Maxime Carmignac of Carmignac said. “Asset management is a different profession, with a different culture and dynamics. We are already seeing that this is starting to work against some banks.”
Why German private banks are lagging behind in a rapidly growing wealth market
While the wealth of affluent Germans is surging, traditional private banks are falling behind. Their dependence on interest income is increasingly clashing with a savings culture that discourages investing.
Europe thé comeback category for 2026, according to asset managers
Around one-third of asset managers active in Europe expect a comeback for European equities in 2026. They consider stocks from the region to be inexpensive and expect the planned large-scale European government investments in areas such as defense and infrastructure to act as a catalyst.
InsingerGilissen is a driving force behind Quintet’s growth plans
InsingerGilissen CEO Martijn Storsbergen discusses how the Dutch private bank is positioning itself within the Quintet group, arguing that a strong parent company and scale have become essential in today’s private banking landscape.
ABN Amro charts new course in wealth management
ABN Amro is set to personalize wealth management for private banking clients. Starting in October, clients with managed portfolios will allocate 10 percent of their portfolio to at least three self-selected themes. To achieve this, the bank invests in structured products, ensuring that a client cannot lose more than 5 percent of their investment per theme.
Quintet to use Eltifs to steer wealthy clients to private markets
Quintet Private Bank on Wednesday announced a new offering that enables its discretionary clients across the Benelux to access private market investments through European long-term investment funds (Eltifs).
Artificial intelligence can erode wealth management costs
The application of artificial intelligence can significantly lower wealth management costs and help non-investors in Europe start investing wisely. “AI is simply automation that can provide positive nudges — for example, to not sell when the market crashes.”
ABN Amro doubles private banking threshold in the Netherlands, repositions in Belgium
ABN Amro is raising the entry threshold for private banking in the Netherlands from 500,000 to 1 million euros as of 1 June. In Belgium, the Dutch bank is rebranding its private banking arm under the MeesPierson label, part of a broader ambition to become a top-three player in the four countries where it offers wealth services: the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Germany.
After ‘years of work,’ Blackrock’s bitcoin-ETP has arrived
Blackrock has been working for “years” on launching a European bitcoin ETP. The asset manager officially introduced it this Tuesday morning on the Dutch, German, and French exchanges.