Analysis: Insurance firms divesting asset managers - a trend?

In the coming weeks, the question will be answered as to what fate befalls two important Dutch asset managers: both NN Investment Partners and Actiam are awaiting the Salomon judgment of their mothers, being NN Group and Athora. While NN is still vaguely talking about “a review of strategic options”, at Athora it is only a question of to whom the daughter will be given.

Digitalisation pulls funds forward

Despite much talk about the cost and efficiency benefits of digitalisation and clients moving very quickly to adopt it, some parts of the fund sector still rely on manual processing. Some in the sector are calling for regulators to play an increased role in setting standards.

A panel entitled “Trends in fund distribution as investors have become more digital than ever - Is the fund industry ready?” discussed the current situation as part of ALFI’s recent Digi Pulse Amsterdam virtual event.