Guide to Investment Management Firms in Europe News and Trends

Use resources to keep current with investment management firms in Europe news and trends

By Jessica Drew, Freelance Business Writer & Editor

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Keep up with the trends of European investment firms

Firms in Europe continually respond to changing national and global financial markets. This directly affects how they do business and where they invest your money. Understanding the trends that European investment firms are undergoing will help you keep them in check and will allow you to make informed decisions about your investments, if necessary.

I recommend: FiLife is a publication that analyzes trends of European investment firms from an American point of view, and is a partner with the Wall Street Journal. The Financial Times publishes an online edition covering European investment firms.

Be aware of any breaking news related to asset management firms in Europe

Breaking news stories can affect the stability of European and global financial markets. Breaking news also typically happens fast, and markets will sometimes either quickly plummet or soar in response. Therefore, it's important to know and understand relevant news so you and your firm can react in a timely and appropriate manner.

I recommend: The International Herald Tribune, the global edition of the New York Times, has a comprehensive business section that covers all forms of breaking news on European investment firms. The Market Research Portal also keeps a close watch on news stories and what events may imply for investors.

Use a European investment management firm that's highly informed about market trends and news

The best way to stay informed about complex market trends and to understand how world events and breaking news will affect your investments is to have a trusted and reputable investment firm on your side. You'll want to choose an investment firm that has a solid record of accurately predicting trends and appropriately responding to news and events. When keeping abreast of investment management firms in Europe news and trends, using a firm with this type of experience will make it easier to stay current on everything that could affect your investments.

I recommend: Although most of the investment companies in Europe are banks and insurance companies, there are large investment firms based in Europe that track trends. AXA Funds Management, based in Luxembourg, issues periodic reports on trend in the industry. Netherlands-based GAM also has an established history of successfully doing business in Europe.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When you're reading news about a European investment firm, search for the story from several sources. American opinions will be somewhat different from European ones, as will other parts of the world's opinions. You'll gain more insight into the actual events and implications if you understand multiple perspectives.

Guide to Investment Management Firms in Europe

Get into the European market through investment management firms in Europe

By Patti Richards, Free Lance Writer, PGWRites Communications

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Work with your current financial institution for an easy transition to asset managers in Europe

Most larger financial institutions have entire departments devoted to financial planning. Working with your existing bank's financial planners or referrals helps transitioning to an asset manager in Europe easier.

I recommend: Calyon and UBS are full service banks offering everyday banking options as well as financial planning and investments for its customers.

Find an asset management firm in Europe that manages both your personal and business assets

Using a full service financial team just makes sense. Many asset management firms in Europe offer personal and business checking accounts along with a wide range of investment products and insurance.

I recommend: Both Daiwa Securities and ABN AMRO offer a balanced approach to investment and wealth management with personalized service.

Use an asset management firm in Europe that has both global and local funds available

Keeping your investments in both local and global funds and stocks is good for you and good for your local economy. Investing where you are means good relationships with your neighbors, and investing abroad means more earning potential for you.

I recommend: Fortis and HSBC have a broad range of investment vehicles for both private and corporate investors.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you can't establish a good working relationship with your asset management team, keep looking. A European investment management firm needs to know their clients well to provide the best possible service and client satisfaction.
• •  Getting the most out of your European investment firm means developing a long term relationship. Getting to know your representative well means better service for you and your business over time.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Enroll in courses that focus on European investment management strategies

Choose course curriculums that focus on finance and earn an MBA in business to prepare for employment with asset management firms in Europe. Further your education in asset management with courses designed for investment managers.

I recommend: The EDHEC Business School, located in France, offers continuing education courses for asset managers in Europe. Take courses at the Investment Management School in London to prepare for a career in investment management firms in Europe.

Intern at an asset management firm in Europe

Secure an internship with a European investment firm for hands-on training in your field of study. Internships can offer you an excellent opportunity to network with others in the asset management field.

I recommend: Apply for an internship with Pioneer Investments, a European investment management firm with offices located across the continent. Partner with professionals on projects in a hands-on setting and network with others in the field of asset management. Apply for an internship in asset management with Deutsche Bank. Interns work with asset managers in Europe on current projects, network with other interns in investment management and may be offered long-term positions with the bank.

Attend seminars and conferences with a focus on asset managers in Europe

Take advantage of the latest information on European investment management firms. Networking with other investment managers in Europe is also an effective way to get ahead as an investment manager in Europe.

I recommend: Attend the annual GAIM International conference to network with investors and asset managers from around the world. Take advantage of information and networking opportunities provided at the Commodities Week Europe conference.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Attend conferences annually that cater to the needs of investment management firms in Europe to ensure you stay up-to-date on trends in investment management.
• •  Become a member in the European Fund and Asset Management Association for access to the EFAMA library and to network with others in European investment firms.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Investigate associations for investment management firms in Europe and news about them

Look for resources that will provide information on standards and locate conferences where you can network to find out more about investment management firms in Europe.

I recommend: See the European Fund and Asset Management Association for a comprehensive overview of investment management firms in Europe basics, including a library. The association also sponsors the EFMA Investment Management Forum where you can exchange views of mutual interest. FILIFE.com has the latest news on European investment firms.

Research certifications and standards offered for Europe investment firms

If you want to find bonafide professional asset managers in Europe, they will need to be a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), which is an international certification offered by the CFA Institute. These analysts must complete a series of three exams, possess a bachelor's degree and have 48 hours of experience working in an investment decision-making position.

I recommend: CFA Institute administers the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Certificate in Investment Performance (CIPM), which are recognized by just about any European investment management firm. CFA Institute also spells out the standards for investment management in Europe. AnalystForum has lots of resources for those interested in learning more about what the test entails.

Look into sources for information, market analysis and ways to invest in asset management Europe

Reviewing the websites of some of the larger and more well known asset management firms in Europe will give you a better idea of what to expect should you decide to enlist their help. Pay special attention to client lists that are similar to your business.

I recommend: ING Investment Management has an archive with up-to-date articles on current trends which are of interest to investment managers in Europe. The Capital Group Companies is an investment management firm in Europe that provides a suite of funds for individual investors.