Asset Manager

Luxembourg’s financial watchdog, the CSSF, has made important changes to its rules for valuations of investment funds, the first in two decades. While many things stay the same, some key updates—like lowering limits for money market funds and adding new checks before making investment decisions—are aimed at tightening control and providing clearer guidance.

Many investors mistakenly conclude that China and the United States are completely different due to their distinct financial (and societal) systems. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Both nations’ faltering economic engines are kept running by the same remedy: debt.

Quintet Private Bank announced on Thursday the launch of its Luxembourg-based Finnish desk by building a new team that crossed over from competitor Union Bancaire Privée.

Former Portuguese finance minister and Morgan Stanley banker Maria Luís Albuquerque, known for her austerity-heavy tenure during the eurozone crisis, is now the European Commission’s nominee for the influential role of Commissioner for Financial Services. Her appointment has already ignited controversy.

Pharmaceutical companies were once known for their strong growth potential, but slowing revenue growth, lower valuations, and higher dividend yields have given them a more mixed profile in recent years. However, over the past three years, Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have stood out by reclaiming their growth status.

Luxembourg has been outpaced in the development of exchange-traded funds by Ireland. However, steps have been taken to improve Luxembourg’s offer. Investment Officer has spoken with people involved in the recent launch of a new Luxembourg-domiciled Ucits-compliant collateralised loan obligation (CLO) exchange-traded fund (ETF), which benefits from two-year-old changes to Luxembourg’s securitisation law.

This week’s overview of transfers, appointments, promotions and other career news in the fund and asset management community in and around Luxembourg includes updates from Alfi, Marsh McLennan, EY Luxembourg and Amundi.

European asset managers must pursue economies of scale to stay competitive with their US counterparts, argues Vincent Juvyns, a market strategist at JP Morgan Asset Management. Fragmentation across Europe’s capital markets is also a key issue that hinders competitiveness, he says.

French banks are making significant strides that could reshape the European asset management landscape. The acquisition of AXA Investment Managers by BNP Paribas heralds a new era under Basel III regulations, according to Mediobanca Andrea Filtri. “The once-forbidden dream is now reality, opening new horizons for mergers and acquisitions,” he said.

Gregory Kennedy reflects on cross-border commuting in Luxembourg, where once attractive border towns now face eroding quality of life.