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ECB cuts, does not commit to next steps amid persistent inflation

The European Central Bank’s (ECB) decision to cut its benchmark interest rate for the first time since 2019 underscores a strategic but cautious approach to managing persistent inflation in the Eurozone. “The ECB did not pre-commit to a specific path for further interest rate cuts,” Ulrike Kastens, Europe economist at Europe’s third-biggest asset manager DWS, told investors.

Transfer Thursday: Robeco, Holtera, UBS

This week’s overview of transfers, appointments, promotions and other people news includes updates from Robeco, Apex-subsidiary Holtera, and UBS

Erik van de Weele

Erik van de Weele (photo) has been appointed to join Robeco’s sales team covering Belgium and Luxembourg. In his role as director of institutional and wholesale business development, Van de Weele is responsible for a broad range of institutional and wholesale clients in the region.

Esma warns of AI risks in investment services

The European Securities and Markets Authority (Esma) issued a warning on Thursday, advising the financial sector to exercise caution in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in investment services.

While AI promises to revolutionise the retail investment sector with enhanced efficiency and innovation, Esma highlights the significant risks associated with its adoption, urging for responsible innovation and investor protection.

Luxembourg banks ready to welcome ejected ING clients

Luxembourg bankers’ association ABBL on Friday said the sector is ready to accommodate clients affected by ING Luxembourg’s recent decision to cease its retail banking services. This strategic withdrawal has left thousands of customers in a state of uncertainty, prompting a response from the ABBL and other local retail banks to ensure a smooth transition for impacted clients.

As mystery shopper, Esma finds greenwashing in finance

Banks and asset managers continue to make misleading sustainability claims, according to the European Securities and Markets Authority, Esma. Following an investigation into the compliance of marketing communications with MiFID II rules, Esma found that financial products and services are often presented as green without substantiating the sustainability claims.

WTW already secured €500 mln for new Luxembourg Raif

British-American multinational insurance services provider Willis Towers Watson (WTW) is preparing to launch its first Luxembourg-based private equity fund in the coming months. The firm has already has secured over 500 million euro in commitments. The move follows WTW’s recent announcement of a UK private equity fund.