Skip navigation

auto-generated audio
auto-generated audio

Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Analytical
  • Overview
  • For Experts

Recommendation

Although the asset management sector experienced a good run in the bull market, this downturn will try the industry. Investment firms that manage their costs are likely to be more successful, according to a survey by the Boston Consulting Group. Passive investment strategies pose a challenge to asset management margins, and companies will have to adopt digital technologies to improve their outcomes. This annual recap and industry overview, which packs in a lot of information, is apt to prove useful to investment managers and other financial services professionals.

Summary

The asset management industry is in the throes of change, and investment firms must adapt in order to succeed. A survey of 165 asset managers, which oversee a total of $48 trillion in assets under management (AuM), provides insights into the state of the industry. In 2017, it achieved its highest ever inflows and profits. But the sector faces declining margins, as fees drop and costs rise, particularly as the bull market gives way. However, managers that focus on the future, control costs and plow profits back into their businesses can surge past the competition.

AuM burgeoned 12%, to $79.2 trillion, in...

About the Authors

Renaud Fages et al. are professionals with the Boston Consulting Group.