Asset Servicing

A beneficial side effect of President Trump is that we can trash all incoming macro figures without further analysis. That saves time and provides space to focus on what will almost certainly be a titanic battle: Powell vs Trump.

With some exceptions, investors have tended to view art as a niche asset class—volatile, illiquid, and largely the domain of collectors rather than institutional portfolios. But what if the real opportunity lies not only in expensive paintings and sculptures but also in the broader creative economy?

Investors have plenty of choices. The financial services sector encompasses a diverse universe from which portfolio investors can make their selections. Traditionally, banks and insurers dominate, but companies involved in payments, stock exchanges, capital markets, and asset management are also part of the broad range of investment opportunities.

The increased likelihood of natural disasters due to climate change does not make investing in catastrophe bonds (cat bonds) any less attractive. On the contrary, experts say that due to the rising capital needs of reinsurers and higher premiums, returns can actually increase.

This week’s overview of transfers and appointments in and around Luxembourg includes one update from Federated Hermes.

Once the pinnacle of innovation, German car manufacturers now risk being overtaken by Chinese automakers, who are adopting the latest technologies at a much faster pace. The willingness to innovate and embrace disruption seems to come more easily in a new market unencumbered by a long-established history.

Even MacGyver, master of improvisation, meets his match in Luxembourg’s compliance world. Gregory Kennedy explores the impossible demands placed on compliance officers—and why even a secret agent might struggle to keep up.

The latest in a series of hefty fines levied by financial regulator the CSSF has fallen on a fund manager with strong links to the Fuchs & Associés saga, featuring millions in fines for financial malfeasance.

In an uncertain macroeconomic environment, global asset manager Capital Group is focusing on identifying ‘Global Champions’ across sectors to position client portfolios for long-term success.

Passive investing can be seen as a disruptive innovation that has also reduced costs for active investors. It has made active investors more engaged, aligning their compensation more closely with their added value. Meanwhile, passive investors benefit as free riders from the extensive work undertaken by active investors.