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.
Luxembourg becomes a focal point in European wealth management
Luxembourg is increasingly becoming an operational necessity rather than a strategic option. From independent wealth structuring firms such as Norman K to larger private banking groups including Rothschild Martin Maurel, institutions are reinforcing their presence in the grand duchy to serve an increasingly international client base amid growing cross-border complexity and regulatory pressure.
The chart that investors would rather not see
In the run-up to the Senate elections later this year, a presidential candidate has been making some rather odd moves. After briefly plucking away the president of a, at least on paper, sovereign state, and more or less annexing Greenland, again on paper, the chair of the US central bank was next in line. As a result, crucial charts that already tend to stay out of the spotlight receive even less attention. Fortunately, not here.
Transfers: Côme Maison Financière, Alumia, Candriam
This week’s overview of appointments and transfers in Luxembourg and elsewhere in Europe.
SFDR 2.0 lacks ‘shades of green’
The product classification in the revised SFDR does not allow for any ‘shades of green’. That is regrettable, because precisely such labels would make investment choices clearer for investors.
Brazil’s equity market still priced for skepticism
Despite a strong rally over the past year, the Brazilian equity market remains undervalued. Experts say that discount could evaporate quickly if interest rates fall.
Pan-European ELTIF distribution gains regulatory clarity
Sebastiaan Hooghiemstra and Marco Loria analyse fresh EU guidance on ELTIF passporting, arguing it dismantles national barriers and could unlock pan-European distribution through insurance, pension and savings wrappers.
The illusion of passive investing
Passive investing does not exist. It is a comforting fairy tale we tell ourselves, while we all press the same buttons en masse.
Chart of the week: better a raging optimist or a permabear than an index hugger
A new year, a new round. Every year at the beginning of January, I once again look with amazement and confusion at the equity market outlooks from the major financial institutions. And especially at the projected returns, which are invariably clustered right around the long-term average. Because one thing you can be almost certain of is that those projections will not materialize.
Morningstar: Robeco versus MFS in global equities
While the average fund in the Global Large-Cap Blend Equity Morningstar category eked out a 5.8 percent gain in 2025, it was hardly an easy year for investors. Tariff turmoil, geopolitical tensions, and demanding valuations weighed on sentiment.