‘ESRS changes undermine sustainable finance framework’
Brussels-based group Eurosif, representing national sustainable investment organisations including Luxembourg’s LSFI, has raised concerns over the European Commission’s draft proposal for European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). Eurosif argues that the proposal fails to meet the ambitious standards outlined at the end of last year by the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG).
You cannot excel with Excel
The fund industry is a poster child for digital transformation. The industry is characterised by easy-to-follow processes and a high degree of automation. With just a few clicks, investors and auditors can interact with fund managers seamlessly.
Sounds exciting. The reality though is quite different.
Efama: Shift towards large funds drives down costs
In a significant market trend, European fund investors are increasingly redirecting their investments towards larger, passively managed mutual funds and ETFs, at the expense of actively managed smaller ones. This strategic shift has ignited a sustained downward pressure on costs across various fund types and strategies, according to the latest insights unveiled on Monday by the prominent European fund sector group Efama.
The Netherlands presents enticing options for AIFs
Benefiting from a favourable business climate, robust infrastructure, and a strategic position as a gateway to Europe, the Netherlands presents enticing options for fund managers seeking practical and tax-friendly solutions in the alternative investment fund (AIF) space, write Tom Loonen and Jan Saalfrank of Pinsent Masons.
Nordea AM : No shortcuts to net zero
Hilde Jenssen, Head of Fundamental Equities at Nordea Asset Management (NAM), discusses the global decarbonisation drive and how activities at portfolio level can make a difference.
Luxembourg develops China relationship amid US standoff
Luxembourg is hoping its long, friendly relationship with China can help keep the superpower on a path towards more investment-friendliness instead of sable-rattling with the US. Levels of investment in China by Luxembourg-domiciled investment funds dipped during that country’s difficult Covid times. Some institutional investors are staying away due to darkening US-China relations. Hopes for a resurgence depend on peace.
PGIM Investments: REIT upside from banking crisis
PGIM Real Estate’s Rick Romano explains why actively managed REITS with strong fundamentals and low exposure to offices could provide investors with significant long-term value.
FATF set to discuss Luxembourg AML assessment
As global financial hub known for its robust banking and investment industry, Luxembourg is awaiting an upcoming discussion at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on its anti-money laundering (AML) measures. The FATF, the international body responsible for combating money laundering and terrorist financing, will discuss the findings of its latest mutual evaluation assessment of the grand duchy next week in Paris.
In Flux: Competition on multiple axes
It is not easy for Luxembourg, home to 5,139 billion euro in international fund assets at the end of April, to maintain its international leadership as cross-border funds centre.
Competition between Luxembourg and Ireland, Europe’s other international funds hub, is a topic that re-emerged on two separate axes this week in our coverage at Investment Officer.lu.
‘Client experience important competitive battleground’
Client experience is becoming a more important competitive battleground in asset management, particularly for wealth managers who face pressure to meet the needs of younger, digital native investors. Nearly 40% of asset managers in the survey said that the client experience was a key point of differentiation versus their competitors, up from just 7% a year earlier, according to a study released this week.