Just under half (46%) of international life insurers and asset managers are pursuing an acquisition strategy in the next three years.
This was revealed at International Adviser’s Fund Links Forum 2019, where industry representatives were surveyed about their upcoming plans.
However, 33% of respondents said their company was looking to shed non-core elements.
Some 21% said their firm expects to maintain its current size.
ESG
Environmental, Social and Governance investing has become a big part of the financial services market and firms do not believe we have seen the last of the craze.
During the survey, people were asked about their view on ESG.
The majority (81%) said that it was here to stay, while 13% said it was unlikely to survive a bear market.
Only 6% said it was a passing fad/tick box exercise.
Challenges
Unsurprisingly, the life companies and asset managers said they were being hugely affected by regulation (46%).
This was followed by Brexit (21%), persistent low return environment (14%), lack of opportunity to innovate and compliance (4%).
Not one person said that trade wars were the biggest challenge to their business; this is despite mass media attention about the issues between US and China.
International Adviser‘s Fund Links Forum 2019 was held at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House London on 17 October 2019.
