Global Distribution Conference

A discussion with the conference partners, NICSA and HKIFA, on the recent developments in their respective fund industries

Lessons to learn from air travel industry – fundamental changes in distribution channels, direct distribution, generational shift, innovative pricing etc.

GDS, AEA and IATA are acronyms that the fund industry might not be too familiar with, however they belong to an industry that also underwent profound changes over the past decade. Changes in the global distribution systems impacted not only travelers and intermediaries, but most of all the airlines directly. Prestigious brands disappeared and made room for low cost airlines, airline mergers and alliances. Are there lessons to be learned by the fund industry?

An examination of how data contributes to distribution. If investment decisions are based on data, for sure distribution decisions must be. In fact, as data itself is becoming an asset class, is the asset manager becoming a data manager?

In the context of the EU Action plan on Sustainable Finance, the integration of sustainability risks and factors in MiFID II is envisaged via the introduction of mandatory assessments of client ESG preferences. How to match these subsequently with the right financial products? AIFMD and UCITS regulations will see similar developments. In practice, how will this affect distributors?

Improving Returns on Globally Distributed Funds

Talk to millennials, not about them – thoughts about money and financial planning, the need for a fund shopping app etc. – what is it the young clients want?

Persisting pressure on costs and margins affect not only asset managers, but also distributors. New pricing structures, lower fees, distribution platforms or enhanced D2C… how do distributors cope?

Do investors feel they get value for money? What sells and what doesn’t? Regulation, pricing, digitalisation, investor education… what really influences fund sales?

Ad-hoc session: expertise upon request