Morgan Stanley banker Albuquerque faces scrutiny as EU finance chief
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.
Allianz CIO sees a ‘unique opportunity’ for deal with China
In a world where AI dominates and geopolitics shift rapidly, Allianz’s CIO Virginie Maisonneuve embraces ‘Digital Darwinism’, steering investment strategies through innovation, China’s rise, and Europe’s struggle to regain its competitive edge.
Shift to passive investing forces asset industry to reinvent itself
The first half of 2024 revealed contrasting fortunes for European asset managers as they navigate volatile markets, shifting investor sentiment, and regulatory pressures.
Investors are using defence ETFs as a ‘flight to safety’
As geopolitical tensions escalate and global defence spending increases, a growing number of investors are turning to defence-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs). These funds not only provide a hedge against uncertainty but also present opportunities for capital growth.
M&G faces significant net client outflows in first half
Despite efforts to streamline operations and cut costs, UK-headquartered asset management and insurance firm M&G continues to face challenges in adapting to a shifting market environment and evolving client preferences.
Exit markets in private equity remain difficult, says Partners
Partners Group, the Swiss-based private markets investment firm that is also a major player in Luxembourg, has reported a significant decline in performance fees for the first half of 2024 because investment exits are being postponed and becoming more difficult.
Nvidia disappoints with revenue expectations, delays new chip
Nvidia, the crown jewel of the AI revolution, failed to meet investors’ high expectations on Wednesday night as its third-quarter revenue forecast fell short due to a snag in the production of its new Blackwell chip.
Banque Havilland’s demise opens old wounds in Luxembourg
Banque Havilland, once a discreet player in the European private banking sector, is now caught in a severe regulatory storm. This case has also reignited old tensions related to the 2009 sale of Icelandic bank Kaupthing’s Luxembourg unit to the Rowland family, the financiers behind Banque Havilland.
Japan's investment appeal remains strong despite recent turmoil
Japan, once a global leader in technology and innovation during the 1980s and 1990s, has faced relative stagnation in recent decades. Nevertheless, the country still offers untapped potential for growth investors, according to Donald Farquharson, Japan specialist at Baillie Gifford.
Regulators push Banque Havilland out of business in Europe
Banque Havilland, a Luxembourg-headquartered private bank controlled by Prince Andrew’s longtime financial adviser David Rowland, has effectively been put out of business in Europe following a coordinated clamp-down by EU regulators amid persistent governance and money laundering issues.