Issue 2, 2013

The Nordic Fund Selection Journal #02, May 2013, provides an insightful overview of the asset management landscape in the Nordic region, combining market analyses, interviews, and event coverage. Key highlights include an in-depth look at fund selection strategies in Finland with interviews from major players like Evli Asset Management, Ilmarinen Mutual Pension Insurance Company, and Etera. These discussions reveal the emphasis on tactical asset allocation, the balance between internal and external fund management, and efforts to customize mandates to better align with evolving market conditions. Additionally, a roundtable featuring fund selectors and company representatives discusses challenges in fund distribution, the importance of transparent communication, and the growing role of quantitative screening alongside qualitative judgment.

The issue also covers topical insights such as the increasingly critical role of social networks among fund selectors, branding importance in asset management, and the impacts of regulatory changes like the UK's Retail Distribution Review (RDR). Interviews with international experts, including Maarten Slendebroek of Jupiter Asset Management and Martin Axell from BT Pension Scheme Management, highlight strategies for navigating regulatory environments and market volatility. The magazine further explores innovative approaches such as smart beta investing and the integration of technology to foster flexible working environments within financial firms, as exemplified by Vodafone's office adaptations. Complementing these are survey results showing trends in fund selection, the demand for alternative assets, and the growing significance of networking and brand strength in fund manager selection.

Together, these elements offer a comprehensive and current perspective on Nordic fund selection practices, challenges, and developments in 2013. The coverage underscores the sector's dynamic nature, with a clear focus on active management, adaptability to regulations, technology adoption, and building effective fund manager relationships to optimize investment outcomes.

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Table of content

Insight: The Nordic Fund Selection

Overview of the Nordic fund selection landscape with contributions from key players at Evli, Etera, Ilmarinen and BT Pension Scheme Management. Highlights of recent events including the Nordic Fund Selection Forum and discussions with international firms like Jupiter Asset Management.

Information and Market News

Coverage of recent asset management industry developments including Aberdeen’s brand refresh, AP7’s selection of alpha managers, Northern Trust’s custody services for ATP, executive movements, and market inflow statistics from the Nordic region.

Guest Viewpoint: Inflation Prospects and Protection

Analysis of inflation risks from a monetary and Keynesian perspective by Hiten Savani, covering implications for asset allocation, portfolio considerations, and inflation-linked investment strategies.

Round Table: The Fund Company / Fund Selector Relationship

Summary of a moderated discussion exploring current challenges, communication dynamics, screening processes, portfolio management, branding, marketing practices, and standardization in interaction between fund providers and selectors.

Country Focus: Finland

In-depth interviews with Finnish asset managers at Evli, Etera, and Ilmarinen discussing fund management strategies, portfolio allocation, regulatory environment, and market opportunities within Finland’s institutional and retail sectors.

Strategy Interview: Maarten Slendebroek, Jupiter AM

Insights from Jupiter’s Distribution and Strategy Director on brand positioning, regulatory impacts such as RDR, market trends, sub-advisory growth, and strategic challenges within the Nordic and wider European markets.

International Selection Profile: Martin Axell, BT Pension Scheme

Examination of manager selection, governance, and portfolio diversification strategies at one of the UK’s largest pension funds, emphasizing managed accounts, risk management, and alternative investment approaches.

Asset Allocation Perspectives

Interviews highlighting tactical and strategic asset allocation approaches, including Seven Investment Management’s use of smart beta strategies and Templeton Global Equity Group’s contrarian value investing philosophy amid current market conditions.

Nordic Fund Selection Survey 2013

A comprehensive analysis presenting current attitudes, challenges and priorities among Nordic fund selectors including emphasis on networking, predominant research focus, qualitative work, importance of manager and firm locality, brand recognition, and preferred information providers.

Inspiration: The Travellers

Perspectives from asset management representatives Elisabeth Jädal (Pictet AM), Staffan Kampe (BlueBay AM), and Per Künow (MFS IM) sharing their experiences, regional focuses, client engagement styles, and observations of market trends across the Nordics.

The Office: Vodafone’s Flexible Working Environment

An exploration of Vodafone’s Newbury headquarters showcasing the integration of mobile technology and flexible workspace concepts to enhance productivity, decrease environmental impact, and support employee work-life balance, offering lessons for fund companies.

Events

Review of the 2013 Nordic Fund Selection Forum with summaries of keynote speeches and panel discussions addressing political risks, market opportunities, and industry challenges. Preview of upcoming events, including FundForum International 2013 and various regional Fondbar networking occasions.

About the Nordic Fund Selection Journal

Information on the publisher, editorial team, distribution, contact details, and advertising partners contributing to the journal.