Esma faces uphill battle to emerge as European SEC
In an interview with Investment Officer, Esma chair Verena Ross outlined her vision and the significant challenges ahead as the regulatory body aims to become Europe’s equivalent to the US SEC.
Enforcement and transparency weigh on Europe’s AML scores
De Europese antiwitwaskaders behoren formeel tot de meest uitgebreide ter wereld, maar in de uitvoering blijven er kwetsbaarheden bestaan, zo blijkt uit de Basel AML Index 2025.
Geopolitics emerges as a structural market risk in 2026
Geopolitical risk once entered markets through sudden shocks. Going into 2026, leading investment managers and economists see a more persistent source of pressure: structural forces reshaping a world that is fracturing.
Europe’s banks have very little room to absorb shocks
Europe’s banks are heading into 2026 with solid balance sheets, but with less room for error. After an unusually long credit cycle, risks are building just as the economic environment becomes more uncertain, according to Scope Ratings’ European Bank Outlook 2026.
India gains recognition as diversification anchor
India is drawing fresh interest from global investors as domestic demand, rapid digitalization and a deepening capital market give it resilience few major economies can match. Emerging market specialists say these qualities are becoming increasingly relevant for diversified portfolios.
Simplification push by ESMA risks raising costs before relief
The European Union’s push to simplify financial reporting faces a complex reality, with industry leaders warning that streamlining requirements will likely hike costs before delivering relief.
Van Lanschot Kempen turns to Alto for operational scalability
Van Lanschot Kempen is upgrading its investment infrastructure by adopting Amundi’s Alto platform, a move designed to simplify workflows and bring front- and middle-office functions closer together, the Dutch wealth manager told Investment Officer.
New appointments at Belasko, Innpact, Deutsche Bank, Schroders and LL
This week’s roundup highlights senior hires and partner promotions across Luxembourg and Europe, including new roles at Belasko, Innpact, Deutsche Bank, Schroders and Loyens & Loeff.
Europe’s fund market faces a major shake-up under SFDR 2
Europe’s fund market is on the brink of a major reshuffle. Under SFDR 2.0, the European Commission’s revised sustainability rulebook, non-sustainable Article 6 funds are set to become the dominant category at the expense of the most popular sustainability category, Article 8.
Arendt sells majority stake in AIS to Blackfin in $500 mln deal
Blackfin Capital Partners will become the majority shareholder of Arendt Investor Services in a deal valued at 500 million dollars that is aimed at accelerating the Luxembourg firm’s growth across Europe.