Issue 5, 2013

The December 2013 issue of the Nordic Fund Selection Journal highlights the fourth annual Nordic Fund Selection Awards held in Stockholm, recognizing excellence in fund and manager selection across the Nordic region. The magazine features comprehensive coverage of the event, including methodology, winner profiles, and industry reflections on current challenges. A key theme discussed was how fund companies can sustain growth amidst regulatory pressures and market complexities, emphasizing the need for innovation, client-centric solutions, and efficiency gains. Notable institutional players and fund selectors from Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden were honored, showcasing the region's commitment to rigorous and transparent investment practices.

Additionally, the issue explores the evolving landscape of Socially Responsible Investing (SRI), detailing how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors are increasingly integrated into investment decisions. Perspectives from consultancies, asset managers, and regulatory bodies illustrate both the challenges—such as data transparency and aligning fiduciary duties—and the growing demand for responsible investment approaches in institutional portfolios. Interviews with international fund selectors and profiles of major asset managers like Hargreaves Lansdown and BlackRock provide insights into fund selection philosophies and strategies in the Nordic and global contexts. The journal also offers previews of upcoming industry events and editorial focuses to further support investment professionals in navigating future developments.

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Table of content

International Selection Profile: Henderson Global Investors

Hargreaves Lansdown offers a one-stop investment platform serving retail and wealth clients from the UK. Fund selection involves quantitative screening and qualitative analysis tailored for multi-manager products and the Wealth 150 list, focusing on sector expertise, manager performance, and client communication.

Fund Manager Interview: Nigel Bolton, BlackRock

Nigel Bolton manages the BlackRock Global Funds Pan European equity fund, emphasizing a bottom-up investment philosophy integrating intrinsic value, market behaviour, and macroeconomic analysis. The team focuses on companies with strong management and shareholder value creation, navigating Europe’s economic recovery with diversified sector strategies.

Understanding Socially Responsible Investment (SRI)

SRI integration is growing among Nordic institutional investors. Challenges include data disclosure, methodological consistency, and balancing ethical goals with performance. Asset managers employ strategies such as exclusion, engagement, and ESG integration across asset classes supported by regulatory frameworks like the UN PRI to foster transparency and long-term value.

Asset Owner and Regulatory Perspectives on SRI

The Norwegian Government Pension Fund leads with ethical guidelines, seeking integrated ownership strategies to enhance responsible investing. The UN PRI provides principles to incorporate ESG factors in investment decisions, emphasizing transparency, manager accountability, and aligned expectations between asset owners and managers.

The Travellers: Insights from the Nordic Region

Juliette Chevalier of RAM Active Investments shares observations on Nordic institutional trends including growing interest in emerging markets, beta-neutral strategies, and tailored client engagement across the region.

The Office: Henderson Global Investors Headquarters, London

Henderson Global Investors’ London headquarters features a modern, collaborative office environment designed to symbolize innovation and connectivity. Facilities emphasize client engagement, flexible meeting spaces, and sustainable design, anchored in a location blending historical and contemporary London.

Awards and Industry Events Coverage

The fourth annual Nordic Fund Selection Awards celebrated excellence in fund and manager selection, alongside industry roundtables discussing business models for future challenges. Detailed ratings and winner profiles provide insights into leading Nordic fund selectors and the evolving asset management landscape.

Upcoming Nordic Industry Events

Scheduled events across the Nordic region include roundtable discussions and the Nordic Fund Selection Forum 2014, enabling industry dialogue and networking focused on market trends, regulation, and innovative asset management solutions.