SI in the Media

LatAm poised for big growth
FT ¦November 27, 2011

The Latin American asset management industry could nearly triple in size by the end of the decade if market conditions are favourable. This is the conclusion of a report from Strategic Insight, which draws attention to the opportunity for global fund managers to get involved in a fast-growing region.

Latinoamérica puede triplicar su industria de fondos en una década
Funds America ¦November 9, 2011

Strategic Insight ha publicado un informe de 110 paginas sobre el estado de la industria de la inversión en Latinoamérica "State of the Asset Management Industry-Latin America." Daniel Enskat, autor del libro líder del equipo de Global Consulting de Strategic Insight comenta que "según el estado del mercado global, los fondos mutuos de la región latinoamericana podrían alcanzar entre 2,8 y 3 billones de dólares para el 2020, mientras que los fondos en pensiones otros 3 billones de dólares, para un total aproximado de 6 billones de dólares.

Asset managers favouring LatAm over Asia three to one says report
CityWire ¦November 8, 2011

Latin America is the favoured destination for asset managers wishing to increase their fund's cross-border distribution, according to data from Strategic Insight.

Strategic Insight study predicts Latin American fund assets will exceed $3 trillion by 2020
Opalesque.com ¦November 8, 2011

A research study from Strategic Insight on Latin America entitled 'State of the Asset Management Industry Latin America finds that while the region is still smaller than other global regions in terms of aggregate assets around $1.4 trillion in mutual fund assets and about $710 billion in pension assets fast growth in Latin America as a region is capturing the imagination of investors, distributors and asset managers alike, with tactical and strategic opportunities prompting resource allocations and investments.

Asia, Latin America Growth Centers for U.S. Managers: Strategic Insight
Financial Planning │August 3, 2011

According to Strategic Insight's latest report, "Emerging Market Bridges: All Eyes on Asia and Latin America for Fund Managers and Private Banks," local developed markets will continue to struggle for the foreseeable future, and investment professionals should look to the growth centers of Asia and Latin America to drive performance.

Global Fund Flows Total $270 Billion Through April
On Wall Street │June 23, 2011

Global long-term fund flows through April reached $270 billion, according to Strategic Insight’s “Global Mutual Fund Review April 2011, New & Top Selling Funds, Leading Managers.”  This puts the industry on track for another year of record cash flows, Strategic Insight said. Total flows should be between $750 billion to $1 trillion, estimated Daniel Enskat, head of global consulting at Strategic Insight. He also noted that equity funds, having taken in $125 billion in the four months through April, have been “a main driver of flows” so far this year.

Global Mutual Fund Industry on Track for Another Record Year
Plan Advisor │June 22, 2011

Equity funds pulled in $125 billion, while bond funds posted a $76 billion net inflow for the month. “This puts the industry on track for another year of $750 billion to $1 trillion in cash net flows in 2011,” stated Daniel Enskat, Head of Global Consulting at Strategic Insight , an Asset International company . “April was the best month since October 2010, with close to $100 billion in flows, mostly from the U.S. and cross-border vehicles,” Enskat added. “Equity funds are the main driver of flows thus far in 2011, accounting for half of the total.”  

Strategic Insight finds growth for passive funds, private banks in Asia and funds over managed accounts
Opalesque | June 16, 2011

In a new research study, Spotlight on Switzerland: Funds, Flows, Wealth Management, and West-to-East, Daniel Enskat, Head of Global Consulting for Strategic Insight, states that “Switzerland, despite some unwanted public attention since the financial crisis, remains instrumental for the global asset management industry: as a private banking hub, for advisory and investment solutions, to identify upcoming product trends, and as a link between West and East.”

Chilean pension fund flows moving offshore should benefit hedge fund
Opalesque | June 8, 2011

As part of the sweeping reforms introduced by the Chilean government to improve the nation’s financial system, Chile has allowed its pension funds to increase allocations to overseas portfolios from 70% to 80% in the third quarter of this year.

This move is expected to provide a strong opportunity for international hedge fund managers, according to the latest study by Strategic Insight Global, a global fund management consultancy firm with offices in New York, London, and Hong Kong.

Strategic Insight: Offshore investing boosts Chile pensions
International Adviser | June 7, 2011

Chilean pension assets have benefited from investing overseas, according to a new report published by Strategic Insight Global. The report revealed that $68bn out of $148bn in total Chilean pension fund assets have been invested offshore to date and more could follow when rules on the amount of money Chilean pension funds can invest overseas are relaxed later this year.

Fools Rush Out: Asia favours faithful managers
Ignites Asia | June 2, 2011

Fund managers that scaled down their service offerings in Asia during the financial crisis have opened a window of opportunity for firms that never committed to the region in the first place. Those that expanded in difficult times, meanwhile, have a clear edge in attracting business from retail distributors and institutional investors.

That’s one key theme of a new report from global research and consulting firm Strategic Insight, which draws on interviews and surveys of more than 300 intermediaries and institutional investors in the region and 1,200 globally since 2008.

Will Ucits repeat its European successes in Asia?
IgnitesAsia | June 1, 2011

The European fund industry is built on the success of Undertakings for collective investments in transferable securities (Ucits). A quarter century after its introduction in Europe as a fund passport, Ucits have quietly turned into a global powerhouse brand with $8 trillion in total assets.

Star managers bring success, report suggests
FT.com | May 29, 2011

The most successful fund firms have visible fund managers and are pro-active in terms of their marketing and communications, according to a report by Strategic Insight.

Global Equity Flows Outpace Fixed Income First Time Since Crisis
MoneyManagementExecutive | May 27, 2011

“The net cash flow data—equity funds gathered $110 billion through April, mixed funds $30 billion and bond funds $100 billion—confirms a slowly shifting trend from global and other fixed income themes to selected equity categories, demonstrating investors’ desire for higher equity allocations to meet their long-term financial objectives,” said Daniel Enskat, head of global consulting for Strategic Insight.

Equity flows outpace fixed income globally for the first time since the financial crisis
InternationalBusinessTimes | May 27, 2011

Year-to-date cash contributions through April 2011 to and mixed funds globally surpassed fixed income for the first time since the financial crisis, according to Strategic Insight's monthly global flow review

Mutual funds pile into equities
efinancialnews.com | May 27, 2011

Mutual funds are piling more money into equities than safer fixed-income products for the first time since the financial crisis, according to data released today, in a clear sign that investors are regaining their appetite for risk.

Which few firms won 95%of all mutual fund flows?
Asian Investor | May 24, 2011

According to Strategic Insight, in 2010, 95% of total net cash flows to long-term mutual funds (ie, not counting money market funds) went to just 0.5% of registered products. In the first quarter of 2011, the trend was even more pronounced, with just 200 funds, or 0.3% of the world’s total (out of more than 70,000 funds) receiving 100% of net inflows.

Value Partners, Huashang among ‘blockbuster’ shops
Ignites Asia | May 24, 2011

"Global financial institutions and distributors since the financial crisis in a back-to-basics environment are selecting fewer strategic partners and even fewer products," Enskat says in a press release. "This mostly benefits large independent fund houses and, increasingly, selected investment boutiques."

Boutiques grab growing market share
Financial Times | May 22, 2011

“There is a very real trend towards the specialist boutiques,” said Diana Mackay, chief executive of Mackay Williams, an industry commentator.

The “small is beautiful” trend is also evident in a number of domestic European markets. In Germany, Assenagon, a boutique with less than €2bn ($2.8bn) under management, beat off the likes of Commerzbank and Deutsche Bank to secure the largest net inflows in the first quarter, some €670m.”

China Cracks door for U.S. Asset Managers
Forexyard │May 11, 2011

The Chinese public's appetite to own foreign stocks is growing, said Daniel Enskat, senior managing director for New York consulting firm Strategic Insight. For instance, he said when a few Chinese banks were allowed to sell special domestic products using external fund managers such as T Rowe Price, they took in $175 billion in 2007 alone -- including $4 billion in the first morning they were available.

Fidelity rebrand flawed from start: experts
IgnitesEurope.com | April 14, 2011

Fidelity’s decision to abandon the rebranding of its operations outside the US was due to the fact it realised the exercise did not make sense in the first place, experts believe. The firm yesterday told Ignites Europe that it had decided against rolling out a new name – Fidelity Investment Managers – as well as a new logo in Europe and Asia.

Daniel Enskat, global head of consulting at Strategic Insight, says: “Clients understand ‘international’ much more intuitively than ‘investment managers’.

Weak fund penetration holds back most managers
IgnitesAsia.com | March 30, 2011

Concentration is likely to grow as that business becomes more complex, said Strategic Insight’s Enskat. Drawing on 250 recent interviews with distributors, he said that successful managers have at least one thing in common: a simple message that ties together a range of factors – including brand, relationship management, product quality, performance, marketing and information delivery.

Franklin Templeton confident amid equities shift
IgnitesAsia.com | March 31, 2011  

Speakers and panellists at the conference this week underscored the difficulty of raising assets in Asia, with several – including Enskat – noting that flows have been concentrated with relatively few managers, of which Franklin Templeton is one.

Long view pays off for Franklin in Europe
FT.com | April 29, 2011

Daniel Enskat, global head of consulting at Strategic Insight, believes Franklin is popular with distributors because it has a clear view on the markets and helps its clients understand the big themes – information they can then pass on to their own clients. “Distributors are looking for help and Franklin is good at providing that,” he says.

2010 End Indicates Tide Shift for Mutual Funds
PlanAdviser.com | January 12, 2011

This article points out Strategic Insight’s data from December showing that demand among U.S. investors for stock mutual funds accelerated by year end. “Because many investors engage in year-end portfolio adjustments and tax-related moves, December is a difficult month from which to draw firm conclusions. However, it is clear that stock investor sentiment is slowly improving,” said Avi Nachmany, Strategic Insight’s Director of Research.

Investors Give Stocks A Second Look
Barron’s | January 11, 2011

Discussing the relative shift in demand from bond funds to equity funds in December, Strategic Insight Director of Research Avi Nachmany notes that bond fund demand will return. "Sustained risk aversion and insatiable need for current income suggest inflows in bonds will resume in 2011," says Nachmany.

Two Indian Firms Set Sights on U.S. Fund Business
Ignites | January 10, 2011

In a story about ICICI and Kotak Mahindra seek to stake claims in the U.S. retail market, Avi Nachmany, director of research at Strategic Insight, says that as US firms look to expand overseas, non-US also look to enter the US fund market. “In the work that we do globally, every month we have someone outside of the U.S. looking to open a fund business in the U.S.,” Nachmany says.

Pimco, Franklin Benefit As Investors Concentrate Assets: Survey
Ignites | January 6, 2010

The concentration of flows that has occurred in recent years stems from the decision by many distributors to reduce the number of managers and funds they work with, says Strategic Insight in its recently released 2010 Global Asset Management Review/2011 Outlook. Pimco’s Total Return fund and Franklin’s Templeton Global Bond fund achieved so-called “blockbuster” status due to strong performance, good track records and brand recognition, according to Strategic Insight.

Jury is Out on Fund Fees Tied to Performance
The Wall Street Journal | January 5, 2011

Discussing fund expenses that vary with results, Strategic Insight Senior Research Analyst Loren Fox notes that the backward-looking nature of performance fees is one reason many people object to them. Fund firms reap incentive fees after the performance period for which they’re assessed—typically 36 months; so investors may be paying a higher management fee for strong performance that occurred before they invested.  "The impact on investors is asymmetrical, depending on when they buy or sell shares," says Fox.

Equities funds worldwide will see a “cautious return” of retail asset flows in 2011, after years of being overshadowed by flows into bond funds, according to a new report from Strategic Insight. Asian distributors, meanwhile, will be looking beyond traditional stock and bond products in the coming year for products that offer investment solutions and absolute return

Distributors’ shift to reducing the number of managers and funds that they work with has led to a 'winner takes all' phenomenon, according to a report published by Strategic Insight.

Concentration of flows to a few key managers and flagship funds around the world has accelerated in the last two years, according to the firm's 2010 Global Asset Management Review/2011 Outlook.

Global winners: 95% of flows went into just 0.5% of funds in 2010
Citywire | January 5, 2011

The vast majority of long-term fund flows in 2010, almost $800 billion, went to only 350 products – a fraction of the 60,000 funds available wordwide, according to global data provider Strategic Insight.

Chile focuses the minds of Luxembourg
Ignites Europe | December 16, 2010

Daniel Enskat, global head of consulting at Strategic Insight, says: “Ireland, as part of the European debt crisis, has been in the media in what is not necessarily its best light. It could be detrimental to the domicile.

“[Opening a Chile office] might not be a competitive move [by Luxembourg] but there might be a tactical opportunity as the Grand Duchy's brand is still intact and the Luxembourg domicile hasn’t been tarnished at all.”

Invesco ups marketing spend by a third
Ignites Europe | December 16, 2010

Daniel Enskat, global head of consulting at Strategic Insight, is not surprised that Invesco is increasing marketing spend because of the move back to guided architecture in Europe after the crisis.

“As a result, the winner takes all. Flows are going into a relatively small number of products. Companies that are able are going to ramp up their efforts to try and get on the recommended lists of fund selectors.”

Attraction to bond funds snaps in Nov.
ABCNews.com | December 10, 2010

Strategic Insight flows data spurs the article about net outflows from bond mutual funds in November 2010. "As financial confidence slowly rebuilds, U.S. equity funds should benefit in the coming years," says Avi Nachmany, research director with New York-based Strategic Insight.

Multi-Insured Target-Date Funds To Debut
FundAction | December 3, 2010

In this article about AllianceBernstein unveiling multi-insured guaranteed target-date funds, Tamiko Toland, managing director of retirement income consulting for Strategic Insight, said the products would be tough to replicate in the annuity market. But it takes “away some of the risks associated with annuities in defined contribution plans,” Toland said.

As U.S. Firms Look East, Asian Funds Try to Crack U.S.
Ignites | Nov. 5, 2010

Dennis Bowden, senior research analyst at SI, in commenting on Mirae’s entry into the US market with several emerging-markets funds, said that although emerging markets on average account for 5% to 10% of advisor portfolios, that percentage is expected to grow over the long term, particularly as alpha-seeking investors abandon home-country bias.

It's Adapt or Die for Fund Businesses
Barron’s | October 30, 2010

“The amount of money going into mutual funds around the world has doubled since the financial crisis. But it's not going into the same assets or coming from the same regions as before. It amounts to a "seismic" shift with which the mutual-fund business will have to cope. That's the conclusion of a new report from Strategic Insight, a New York-based research and consulting firm that surveyed 1,000 distribution professionals at major global banks and brokerages as well as sizable regional firms in Asia and Europe over two years.”

Strategic Insight: Much Of Funds Shift to FI in Short-Term Products
Market News International | October 28, 2010

“Net flows to mutual funds since the financial crisis show major shifts, both in terms of asset class and regional investments, and in terms of distribution models leading to quicker changes in fund manager leadership, analysts at Strategic Insight told Market News International.”

Fund flows double since crisis but fewer winners emerge
Citywire | October 28, 2010

“Net fund flows have almost doubled in the two years since the financial crisis but the ‘seismic shift’ the industry is undergoing means there are fewer winners, according to a Strategic Insight survey. The research firm’s report – entitled ‘The Seven Secrets of Distribution’ - revealed that although cash flows have doubled from $475 billion (€344 billion) in 2008 to reach $900 billion (€650 billion), fund distributors are moving to a more guided architecture structure by favouring simpler and more thematic funds, with fewer 'blockbuster funds' compared to pre-Lehman.”

Morgan Stanley will lead Asia from UK, US
Ignites Asia | October 25, 2010

“… few asset managers have the “commitment” and budget to take that approach, according to a new report from Strategic Insight. For many U.S. and European managers active in Asia, “headquarter centricity and elements of lost in translation often slow down processes and keep regional executives from taking advantage of tactical opportunities”, writes the firm in “The Seven Secrets of Distribution”, which will be released this week.”

Legg Mason gets QFII nod amid Asia expansion
Ignites Asia | October 19, 2010

“Entering China is a “must” for large asset management companies like Legg Mason,” says Hong Kong-based Daniel Enskat, senior managing director and head of global consulting at Strategic Insight.  “There is an opportunity for them in the region,” he says. “It’s difficult, because you have to somehow figure out how to make money in Asia. But the companies that have been able to do that have what we call an ‘intelligent product rotation strategy’. Successful firms,” he explains, “position products in Asia so that some see inflows while others might be suffering outflows.”

Mirae maps out its global business path
Ignites Asia | October 6, 2010

‘’If you look at the fund flows, all the money year-to-date has flowed into [categories] all around Asia Pacific, emerging markets. There are regional companies that are very good at that, they are trying to take advantage of the emerging markets opportunities,’’ says Daniel Enskat, senior managing director and head of global consulting at Strategic Insight, who relocated to Hong Kong this year from New York. ‘’It is the golden age for Asian firms to gain global market share.’’

Strategic Insight: Never waste a crisis
Ignites Asia | October 5, 2010

“Never waste a crisis,” was Daniel Enskat’s message, loud and clear, at a talk about the state of Asia’s asset management industry during the Hong Kong Investment Funds Association’s (HKIFA) 4th annual conference. Enskat, head of global consulting at New York-based Strategic Insight opened an office in Hong Kong earlier this year, with additional offices in the region expected to be set up in 2011 – yet another testament to Asia’s growing influence in the global fund industry.

PIMCO Preps Funds
FundAction | Oct. 4, 2010

The article quotes Strategic Insight Senior Research Analyst Loren Fox saying: “Emerging markets equities have been by far the most popular category of equity funds in 2010.”

Mutual funds emerge in rude health
FT.com | Oct. 3, 2010

In this article on the profitability of the mutual fund industry, Strategic Insight Director of Research Avi Nachmany noted that 2009 global fund inflows were a record and in 2010, the new cash flows will likely be close to $2 trillion worldwide.

Asian Expansion Works Both Ways
Professional Wealth Management | September 27, 2010

The Asian managers have got it right, believes Mr Enskat, for while the long-term story is written in Mandarin and Cantonese, tactical tales are spoken in French and German tongues, where independent boutiques such as Carmignac snap up short-term, post-Madoff back-to-basics business.

SSgA deepens roots in Asia for regional growth
Ignites Asia | September 24, 2010

Foreign managers that come here should bear in mind that their commitment cannot waiver, even when profit margins face pressure. Companies that have, in the past, begun building bases here that then pulled back during difficult times, such as during the Asian Crisis in 1997, or the more recent global economic malaise that hit their home countries harder have been punished, says Strategic Insight’s Enskat.

U.S. ETF duopoly meets increased competition
Reuters.com | Sept. 15, 2010

In an article about the growth of Vanguard’s ETF business, Strategic Insight Senior Research Analyst Loren Fox said actively managed ETFs are still a small, emerging category. "This could be another area of innovation, but it is too soon to tell,” Fox says.

Invesco adds six funds after Morgan Stanley completion
Ignites Europe | September 13, 2010

Daniel Enskat, global head of consulting at Strategic Insight, says the launch of US value and Japanese funds makes sense.

“There are a number of European managers that have seen the success of [specialist] US equity fund firms, such as Findlay Park and Eaton Vance, and are launching funds to try and capitalise on investors’ interest in the asset class,” he says.

Martin Currie hunts for Newcits seed capital
Ignites Europe | September 13, 2010

“The AIFM [alternative investment fund managers] directive, although not yet passed, is forcing investors to look at their portfolios. We are launching these products to meet the needs of our clients.”

According to Strategic Insight, Ucits hedge funds have attracted only €20bn of assets this year.

Carmignac faces hurdles over UK push
Ignites Europe | September 8, 2010

Mr Enskat says: “In 2009, when they had most of their substantial inflows, Carmignac was successful in garnering money through the IFA channel.

“A lot of key advisers have the firm’s Patrimoine funds in the list of top 10 products, so this is positive for them.”

Fidelity confirms name change
Ignites Europe | August 26, 2010

Daniel Enskat, global head of consulting at Strategic Insight, is not surprised Fidelity is revamping its brand. "It’s really en vogue," he says. “You rebrand and rename as you try to rethink how to rebuild your international business. You see it happening everywhere.”

Asset International Takes Its Event Business Abroad
EXPO | August 26, 2010

Asset International, a b-to-b financial media company based in New York and backed by private equity firm Austin Ventures, has been setting its sights on international expansion for its event group. While the company already has a foothold in London, brand launches are underway there as well as in Hong Kong.

Q&A: Is More Fund Biz Done in Fee-Based Accounts?
Ignites | August 24, 2010

Strategic Insight Senior Research Analyst Dennis Bowden discusses whether more fund business is being conducted by advisors who prefer fee-based business over transaction-based business. “In the long run, commission-based accounts have been losing market share,” he writes.

In Striking Shift, Small Investors Flee Stock Market
The New York Times | August 21, 2010

In an article about investors pulling money from domestic stock mutual funds, Strategic Insight Senior Research Analyst Loren Fox says: “People are not going to rush toward the stock market on a sustained basis until they feel more confident of employment growth and the sustainability of the economic recovery.”

Spotlight Series ICBI, Video
August 20, 2010

In discussion with the Spotlight Series, he reflects on meta trends with long term influence like the rise of the global middle class.  And the future of the Fund Management industry?  In the face of wars, natural disasters, sub prime crisis etc the Industry maintained 2bn/ day net flows for last 10 years; it is a very robust industry.

Paulson's Ucits push one of many: experts
Ignites Europe | August 9, 2010

International expansion is a necessity for US-based managers, says Daniel Enskat, global head of consulting at Strategic Insight. “You need to be globally diversified,” he says.

For example, US-based asset manager Franklin Templeton overtook BlackRock and Carmignac in the first half of the year as the top-selling long-term manager of cross-border funds, according to a new Strategic Insight report. It did so by collecting greater net inflows globally than in its domestic market.“

Franklin’s Europe head steps down
Ignites Europe | August 6, 2010

“Templeton seems to have additional room for growth. Despite its top position for long-term flows year-to-date, distributors see the company as flying below the radar and are not necessarily fully aware of the firm’s suite of flagship funds in multiple categories,” says Daniel Enskat, global head of consulting at Strategic Insight.

Carmignac Gestion has retained its top-three spot as one of Europe's best fund sellers.
Ignites Europe | August 2, 2010

The French boutique, which has €47bn of assets under management, garnered $11bn (€8.3bn) of assets during the first half of the year but dropped one place to third behind Franklin Templeton and BlackRock, according to a Strategic Insight league table.

Franklin Templeton, Nomura Asset Management conquer first half
Asian Investor | July 26, 2010

Strategic Insight research shows Franklin Templeton was the biggest gainer of $500 billion of fund flows worldwide, while in Asia the lion’s share went to Japanese asset managers.

Assets - Strategic Insights reports $500bn in net flows to mutual funds worldwide in H1, newcits and absolute return funds collected $50bn
Opalesque | July 23,2010

Despite a challenging second quarter, net flows to long-term mutual funds worldwide in the first half of 2010 reached $500 billion, twice as much as in 1H/2009, according to Strategic Insight (SI), a business intelligence provider to the fund industry, as institutional investors redeemed $625 billion from money market funds. "Year-to-date, bond funds continued to be the main driver of flows, adding a net $315...

Templeton leapfrogs rivals to take top spot for fund flows
CityWire | July 23, 2010

Global fund flow figures for the first half of 2010 were $500 billion, double the level seen in the same period last year, according to latest figures from US-based data provider Strategic Insight.

BlackRock shakes up global business
Ignites Europe | July 20, 2010

Daniel Enskat, global head of consulting at Strategic Insight, says large organisations need a global operating model to become as efficient as possible, but adds that the changes at BlackRock make “complete sense”.

Columbia Yanks RiverSource B Shares Off Shelves
Ignites | July 9, 2010

As of the end of May, B shares accounted for 0.7% of long-term stock and bond fund assets industry-wide. “[T]he class is obviously in self-liquidation mode and from the perspective of new business is basically extinct,” writes Dennis Bowden, a senior analyst at Strategic Insight.

Guardian Unveils Immediate Annuity
Fund Action | June 28, 2010

In discussing conservative companies, Tamiko Toland, managing director of retirement income consulting at Strategic Insight, told FA that consumers are looking for a company that will exist down the road. “Boring is good,” she said.

Osterweis Shows How to 'Flex' Its Freedom
The Wall Street Journal | June 11, 2010

Investors have been drawn to global tactical-asset-allocation funds in reaction to the financial crisis, said Loren Fox, senior research analyst at Strategic Insight, noting: "Managing funds in an unconstrained or tactical manner can, theoretically, provide downside protection and some sort of absolute return during further episodes of extreme market volatility.”

Sales of No-Load Fund Shares Pick Up: Study
Ignites | May 10, 2010

The growing demand for no-load share classes is being driven by advisors moving toward fee-for-advice arrangements, according to Dennis Bowden, senior research analyst at Strategic Insight. “The way financial advisors do business with their clients is moving away from just providing mutual fund sales,” Bowden says, “to an advice-driven relationship.”

Stretch Your Investing Style
SmartMoney Magazine | March 18, 2010

Speaking of the growth of “go-anywhere”, flexibly mandated mutual funds, Loren Fox, senior research analyst at Strategic Insight, says that in the wake of the credit crisis, advisers are reassessing how they diversify assets, increasingly opting to delegate the task to professional money managers.

Asia records $1 trillion of net fund inflows since 2005
Asian Investor | February 26, 2010

"In other words," says Daniel Enskat, head of global consulting at Strategic Insight, "Asia, with only a fraction of US assets under management and only about 5% of mutual-fund household penetration across the region, generated almost equivalent net flows" to the US, which has nearly 50% fund household penetration.

Newcits managers naive, say distributors
Ignites Europe | February 23, 2010

Daniel Enskat, global head of consulting at Strategic Insight, says: “As much as it’s talked about and as much as this trend will be important for the future, at the moment there is very little money going in.  “Distributors believe a lot of hedge funds and alternative managers launching Ucits III funds are naive.” 

Henderson gets approval for Danish push
Ignites Europe | February 19, 2010

Denmark, and the Nordics in general, is overlooked by a lot of asset managers, believes Daniel Enskat, global head of consulting at Strategic Insight.  "The Nordics are very important in terms of net asset flows, but the region is under the radar of a lot of managers.”  Mr. Enskat says managers should be active in the region because of its openness to third-party international managers.

Fidelity seeks friends on Facebook
Ignites Europe | February 12, 2010

Daniel Enskat, global head of consulting at Strategic Insight, says that while many firms have adopted a wait-and-see attitude to social media, Fidelity's move will get people's attention.  “As the number of firms using social media increases, and as some prominent financial firms use social media as a way to communicate”, its importance will grow, he says.

Shift From Commissions to Fees Has Benefits for Fund Investors
The Wall Street Journal | Feb. 1, 2010

Some big brokerages booked significant commissioned sales of short-term-bond funds, including sales to investors who were temporarily shifting dollars out of money-market funds yielding almost nothing, says Dennis Bowden, a research analyst at Strategic Insight. "To a certain extent, the commission-based avenue opened up another way for advisers to make a little money.”

Boutiques Lead Fund Industry In ’09 AUM Growth
FundAction | Jan. 19, 2010

Boutique mutual fund firms have led the industry in growth of assets under management in 2009 and are poised to continue outpacing bigger, brand-name firms into next year, Avi Nachmany, director of research at Strategic Insight, told FA. SI identified 55 mutual fund managers that grew organically by 10% or more through the first 11 months of 2009.

Wish You Were Here
Barron’s  | Jan. 11, 2010

In an article about U.S. investors becoming increasingly comfortable investing overseas, SI Director of Research Avi Nachmany noted that despite some “performance-chasing“, secular allocation to emerging markets is growing, and “2010 won’t reverse that theme.”

New York Life revamps sales team
InvestmentNews | Nov. 15, 2009

The idea of having a single touch point for each client avoids having sales representatives competing for the same clients, said Tamiko Toland, managing director of retirement income consulting at Strategic Insight. “New York Life is really making a big push in the retirement income space, and we see them as a leading player going forward,” she said.

After Dreary '09, Profit Forecast Brightens for 2010
Ignites | Oct. 22, 2009

The average increase in equity fund expense ratios in 2009 has been 2.8 basis points, according to Avi Nachmany, Strategic Insight’s co-founder and director of research. Nachmany looked at equity funds that have both fiscal year 2008 data and a prospectus that includes 2009 expense ratios.

Firms eye embedded guarantees to lure advisers
InvestmentNews | Oct. 18, 2009

Speaking about firms eyeing the addition of guarantees to their mutual funds, Strategic Insight’s Tamiko Toland said advisers are skeptical of insurance guarantees for two reasons: the costs and the creditworthiness of the insurers.

Top ETF Providers Lose Footing
Ignites Europe | Aug. 19, 2009

Daniel Enskat, head of global consulting at SI, says smaller ETF firms have seen flows because a lot more money is flowing into sector-specific ETFs. “There has been a lot of product development around more obscure ETFs and the first-mover advantage applies only to ETFs that track the big indices,” he says.

ETF growth slows, but bright future still forecast
Reuters | July 28, 2009

Loren Fox, senior research analyst at Strategic Insight, said ETFs haven't grown at the expense of traditional funds, but rather have taken in money that previously would have been invested in individual stocks.

Stalling fund companies missed out on fund flow surge
Citywire | Jun 11, 2009

The latest report from consultancy Strategic Insight suggests many fund groups missed out on the return of investor appetite for funds as they were too busy cost cutting.

Smart fund managers are seizing the recovery of opportunities in many areas, from corporate bond to emerging markets, and even green themes,' said Jag Alexeyev, Strategic Insight’s head of global research.

Absolute-return trend inspires both optimism and caution
InvestmentNews | May 24, 2009

Absolute-return notions of reducing volatility and limiting negative-return periods are enormously and universally appealing yet extraordinarily difficult to construct and deliver,” said Loren Fox, Strategic Insight senior research analyst.

Q&A: Will R Shares Maintain Momentum?
Ignites | April 29, 2009

SI Director of Research Avi Nachmany writes that the industry has seen growth in dedicated share classes designed specifically for retirement plans (including R shares), with over $25B in inflows in 2008. SI expects continued growth in such shares to  meet the needs of IODC plans.

Goldman Gears Up For Growth
Ignites | March 10, 2009

Speaking to the fact that Goldman Sachs was adding personnel, SI Director of Research Avi Nachmany said that focusing on growth at a time when labor may be less expensive and investors’ brand loyalties more fluid could help Goldman move up the market share ladder.

AM Kingpins Likely to be Toppled
Ignites Europe | Feb. 20, 2009

Daniel Enskat, head of global consulting at SI, said that because of increased flows into small managers, industry consolidation and hedge funds’ losses, the asset management industry will look very different in the future. “We definitely see the rotation of leadership accelerating.”

ETF Market Poised For Growth
Ignites | Feb. 17, 2009

Strategic Insight predicts that ETF assets will reach the $1 trillion mark within two years. One of the drivers of the increased demand is their use as building blocks. “ETFs are being used to invest in specialized asset classes as sleeves within asset allocation funds,” says Sonia Mata, associate director of U.S. research at SI.

$80B inflows as Asian funds industry thrives
Citywire | February 5, 2009

Asian investors poured $80 billion (€62 billion) into funds in 2008, despite the turbulence that rocked global markets, according to data from Strategic Insight Global. Head of research at the firm, Jag Alexeyev, was quoted in the article as saying fund firms must “now adapt to a much more competitive and rapidly changing environment.”

After Dismal ’08, Net Inflows Predicted for ’09
Ignites | January 26, 2009

SI Director of Research Avi Nachmany predicted that long-term mutual fund flows will be positive this year. In the article, Nachmany explained that the fact that investors pulled only between 1% and 2% of their assets from mutual funds is notable, given the frightening state of the markets in 2008.

Target-date retirement funds take hits in '08, but gain assets
Des Moines Register, January 25, 2009

Despite 2008’s performance, target-date retirement funds still took in $41 billion in net new flows last year, Strategic Insight data pointed out in the article. SI Senior Research Analyst Loren Fox said it may be “premature to predict a drop-off in popularity because of one bad year.”

Understanding the Securities Products of Insurance Companies 2009
Practising Law Institute Seminar, January 5, 2008

In this seminar, SI Director of Research Avi Nachmany and Tamiko Toland, editor of SI’s AnnuityInsight, spoke on the opening panel about variable products and mutual funds. They addressed the products that investors are seeking, and how the financial crisis has affected retirement investing.

Sales Slow But the Future Looks Bright
The Financial Times, November 30, 2008

Sales of mutual funds in emerging countries have slowed in recent months but, according to Strategic Insight Global, inflows still exist. The article notes that SI expects a 12 per cent annualized growth rate for the next five years for Asian mutual funds. “There is a combination of wealth, ongoing economic growth and adoption of saving plans,” said Jag Alexeyev, head of global research at Strategic Insight.

Investors Stocking with Stock Funds
Investment News, November 16, 2008

Mutual fund redemptions have remained relatively stable during the market turmoil in part because of the stabilizing influence of retirement plans, this article notes, based on Strategic Insight’s findings. Outflows from stock funds in September and October were in line with past periods of volatility. SI Director of Research Avi Nachmany said, "The data very strongly show people are staying the course."

Invesco Aim Taps PowerShares to Lure VA Business
Ignites, October 30, 2008

In this article on Invesco’s new ETF-based portfolios for variable annuities, Tamiko Toland, editor of SI’s AnnuityInsight, noted that ETFs have been slow to catch on in the VA market. “The idea is… very appealing. Making it work pragmatically is a different issue,” Toland was quoted as saying.

Traditionals to gain as alternatives falter
Financial Times, October 26, 2008

The financial crisis will spark mutual-fund growth at the expense of hedge funds, this article asserts, based on a report from Strategic Insight entitled “Global Fund Distribution.” The report, written by SI Managing Director and Head of Global Consulting Daniel Enskat, concludes the crisis highlights the advantages in transparency, liquidity and diversification of mutual funds. “Uncertainty will only make mutual funds look better,” Enskat says.

MoneyVoices: What Fund Firms Should Do Now
Ignites, October 23, 2008

In this guest column, SI Director of Research Avi Nachmany summarizes a recent SI research report that provides perspective on the current uncertain times. The column points out the mutual fund industry’s relative stability, and recommends that fund firms be proactive in: addressing investor psychology and self-esteem; helping advisors reach out to clients; and prioritizing the maintenance of existing relationships and strategic partnerships. “Today, mutual fund firms have an opportunity to lead the financial services industry from a position of confidence and strength,” Nachmany writes.

Are Fund Fees Excessive?
Registered Rep, September 1, 2008

This column points out that mutual fund fees continue to drop, especially as more financial advisors shift to fee-based practices; it noted that this trend was illuminated by a Strategic Insight survey of major fund firms selling through advisors that found that in 2007, ‘A’ shares with 4-percent-or-greater loads only accounted for 6 percent of the participants’ total sales, while no-load funds accounted for 34 percent. SI Director of Research Avi Nachmany said, “The traditional front-end load business is being marginalized.”

Managers Need to Think Beyond Europe: Report
Ignites Europe, August 26, 2008

The story previewed a Strategic Insight Global report on the global mutual fund distribution landscape, noting that cross-border strategies – including European-managed products for Asian investors and vice versa -- have become common in the fund industry. This means firms are seeking talent in new growth regions, the report explained, and Asia, Europe and the US are no longer isolated form each other. SI Managing Director Daniel Enskat said, “Now there’s really a true globalisation of the fund industry.”

Investors stick with mutual funds in down economy
International Herald Tribune, Aug. 15, 2008

The article cites Strategic Insight data showing that US investors shifted a lot of cash into money-market funds in July, while stock funds experienced modest net outflows. SI Director of Research Avi Nachmany is quoted as saying that a continuing rebound in stocks could trigger slightly improving flows into equity mutual funds in coming months.

Asian mutual funds gain $35 billion of inflows
Asian Investor, Aug. 6, 2008

The article quotes Strategic Insight Global’s data showing that Asian mutual funds captured net inflows of $35 billion in the second quarter. SI Senior Managing Director Jag Alexeyev noted that Asian investors added $80 billion to local funds in the first half of the year.

Asia's Army of Investors Rides In
The Financial Times, July 7, 2008

In an article about Asian investors helping buoy the global fund industry, SI Managing Director Daniel Enskat said the firm expects $1 trillion of net flows per year from Asia. He also noted that some global fund management companies are tapping Asian demand by launching products in Asia first, then taking them elsewhere, which is relatively new for the industry.

Hybrid – Combination Products
NAVA 2008 Operations & Technology Conference, July 2, 2008

Tamiko Toland, editor of SI’s AnnuityInsight, spoke on a panel about “standalone living benefits.” This emerging category of product adds VA-like guarantees to mutual funds or unified managed accounts, and is worth watching because it could reach beyond the traditional VA audience.

Fee-Based Fund Sales Lift Load-Waived A Shares
Ignites, June 2, 2008

In an article about SI’s survey of intermediary-based fund sales trends, Director of Research Avi Nachmany noted that more than half of “A” share sales in 2007 were without commissions, a dramatic decline from a decade earlier. With the survey showing that fund distribution is shifting to fee-based products such as wrap programs and investment-only defined contribution plans, SI Senior Research Analyst Loren Fox said fund firms may want to examine how they’re reaching fee-based audiences.

Aiming for a Bull’s-Eye
Barron’s, May 5, 2008

SI Director of Research Avi Nachmany pointed out that target-date asset allocation funds have been on a trajectory of extraordinary growth in part because they keep individuals invested through good and bad markets. “It is essentially asset allocation by default, and it addresses the behavioral problem that 90% of people have in response to market declines,” Nachmany said.

Simplicity Makes for Better Decisions
NAVA Outlook, May 1, 2008

Tamiko Toland, editor of SI’s AnnuityInsight, wrote a guest column urging carriers and brokers to focus on simplicity in the variable annuity sales process. The industry must focus on education and clear illustrations of products’ main points, because “clients need to understand outcomes more than they need to grasp financial mechanics,” Toland wrote.

FundForum Asia 2008
April 15, 2008

SI Senior Managing Director Jag Alexeyev and Managing Director Daniel Enskat gave a presentation at this conference on product design and distribution trends in the Asia-Pacific asset management industry.

Legg Mason, Citibank team to offer funds to Chinese investors
Investment News, Feb. 11, 2008

SI Managing Director Daniel Enskat noted several joint-venture mutual fund offerings in China that were oversubscribed and demonstrated strong investor interest. But, Enskat noted, “A more difficult component is to educate investors about fund investing and not just trading… Chinese investors have extremely short holding period.”

ReFlow Symposium 2008
Feb. 7, 2008

SI Managing Director Kevin Shine gave a presentation on the forces shaping the worldwide mutual fund industry in 2008. His presentation touched on such points as the growth of international funds and the growth of asset-allocation programs, as well as the business opportunities in Asia.

In Troubled Times, Mutual Fund Investors Hold the Course
The Washington Post, Jan. 27, 2008

SI Director of Research Avi Nachmany explained that most mutual fund investors are buy-and-hold types, and don’t flee funds during troubled markets. SI research showed that any mutual fund redemptions tend to be short-lived, Nachmany said.

The Asian Question
Barron’s, Nov. 12, 2007

SI Director of Research Avi Nachmany discussed SI’s report on the Asian mutual fund industry, which projected that mutual-fund assets in Asia could more than quintuple, to north of $8 trillion, in the next five years. "What you have is an insatiable demand coming from Asia for high-quality investment management," said Nachmany.

VA Suitability Not Just a Compliance Concern
Ignites, Oct. 12, 2007

 Tamiko Toland, editor of SI’s AnnuityInsight, noted that deciding on the suitability of annuity products for customers has long been a tricky issue. Real suitability goes beyond merely avoiding negligence, Toland said, and should extend to “really trying to capture a better idea of what the industry believes a properly educated broker should do.”

Investment Company Institute
Closed-End Fund Workshop, Oct. 11, 2007

SI Director of Research Avi Nachmany spoke on a panel regarding distributions made by closed-end funds. Nachmany pointed out that recent closed-end fund IPOs tended to feature high distribution yields, underscoring the product’s ability to generate income.

Could red-hot foreign markets burn out?
The Christian Science Monitor, Aug. 13, 2007

In an article about Americans investing overseas, SI Director of Research Avi Nachmany commented that increased allocations to internationally-investing mutual funds is an irreversible trend among U.S. investors. "Financial advisers are recommending much higher allocations abroad and investors are taking their advice," Nachmany said.

Roundtable on Rule 12b-1
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, June 19, 2007

SI Director of Research Avi Nachmany spoke on a panel with SEC Investment Management Division head Andrew Donohue and others, at the SEC’s roundtable on 12b-1 fees. Nachmany discussed possible misconceptions in attempts to reform Rule 12b-1, among them the probability that externalizing the costs now covered by 12b-1 fees would increase costs for mutual fund shareholders.