Issue 4, 2014

The August 2014 issue of the Nordic Fund Selection Journal centers heavily on the Swedish fund management industry, showcasing its evolution and current dynamics. It highlights Sweden’s exceptional household engagement with investment funds, propelled notably by the premium pension system and early legislative measures dating back decades. Independent active equity managers such as Didner & Gerge have thrived by delivering consistent returns, illustrating the competitive shift from traditional banks to newer players and global entrants. Increased regulation, growing institutional client demands, and the rise of passive investing are reshaping the landscape, prompting fund companies to enhance transparency, professionalism, and diversification to maintain relevance.

The issue also offers broad investment insights, including expert views on emerging market debt strategies, the growing popularity of alternatives, and fixed income opportunities, particularly in the US. Roundtable discussions with investment professionals explore themes around bank loans and emerging market debt, emphasizing the importance of active management and risk alignment with investor objectives. Coverage from international gatherings, especially FundForum International 2014 in Monaco where FBNW served as an Official Trend Partner, underscores key industry trends like secular macroeconomic shifts, fee pressures, regulatory impacts, technological disruption, and the evolving role of inducements. Additional features include interviews with Nordic-focused fund managers, legal perspectives on evolving regulations, and practical discussions on flexible working arrangements in the investment industry.

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Table of content

Editorial and Industry Overview

An introduction to the Swedish fund industry’s focus in this issue, covering key locations for sourcing content including Stockholm, Monaco (FundForum International 2014), and London. Highlights include networking events, the rise of Nordic Night, and trends within the Nordic asset management industry.

Market Developments and Fund News

Coverage of key personnel changes and new fund launches including Gustav Rhenman’s new Asian growth fund and Didner & Gerge’s Small & Microcap fund. Updates on Nordic fund company expansions, regulatory changes related to MiFID II and AIFMD, and notable investment trends such as the growth of ETF usage and fixed income fund inflows.

Insights from the Invesco Global Sovereign Asset Management Study 2014

Analysis of sovereign investors’ asset allocations, their growing interest in alternative investments, limited correlation between demographics and investment preferences, and segmentation within defined benefit schemes. Emphasis on strategic, long-term asset allocation shifts.

Roundtable Discussion: Bank Loans and Emerging Market Debt

A comprehensive discussion with industry experts on the dynamics, risks, and opportunities in emerging market credit and bank loan markets. Topics include market inflows and outflows, valuation concerns, regulatory impacts, manager selection criteria, and the risks related to inflation and defaults in emerging markets.

Country Focus: The Swedish Fund Market

Historical overview of the Swedish fund management industry, factors driving its popularity, legal and political influences, and the emergence of new, independent fund management companies. Spotlight on Didner & Gerge’s track record and recent fund launch, including interviews with fund managers and discussions on contemporary challenges and opportunities.

Legal Outlook for Swedish Fund Management

An expert view on the regulatory landscape affecting Swedish fund managers, focusing on UCITS V implementation, marketing of Alternative Investment Funds, and the rise of fund hotels as a strategic response to regulatory costs and operational challenges.

Investing in the US Market

A detailed assessment of the US economy and fixed income market, including economic fundamentals, demographic trends, impact of shale gas revolution, and the outlook on inflation, interest rates, and housing markets. Insight from leading fund companies on US equity and fixed income strategies, investor sentiment, sector focuses, and risk considerations.

FundForum International 2014, Monaco

Summary of the annual global fund industry event with networking highlights, emerging industry trends such as regulatory impact, fee pressures, technological innovation, and macroeconomic challenges. Coverage of Nordic investor panels and the inaugural Nordic Night networking event.

The Travellers: Nordic Fund Industry Perspectives

Interviews with fund management professionals traveling the Nordic region, sharing insights on investor behaviors, demands, and regional trends across Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Denmark.

Workplace Innovation: Flexible Working Models

Examination of flexible and remote working trends in the financial services sector, showcasing pioneering companies’ experiences, key success factors such as trust, communication, and balancing remote and office work, and highlighting benefits and challenges of new working arrangements.

Out of Office: Regional Wine and Spirits Highlights

A cultural feature on Marche, Italy’s lesser-known wine region, including recommendations of local wines and foods. Additional highlights include updates on whisky distilleries in Sweden and Australian wine releases.

Upcoming Industry Events and Future Issue Highlights

Calendar of key Nordic fund industry events such as roundtables and awards ceremonies, alongside preview of upcoming journal themes focused on Finland’s investment industry, real estate and alternative investments, data/tools for selectors, and Nordic Fund Selection Awards coverage.