Tikehau Completes Acquisition of Singapore REIT Manager

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Tikehau Completes Acquisition of Singapore REIT Manager

Tikehau Capital has completed the purchase of 80% of the capital of Ireit Global Group, the manager of Ireit Global.

Ireit Global is a real estate investment trust listed in Singapore investing directly and indirectly in a portfolio of real estate in Europe, used primarily for office purposes.

The current portfolio consists of five freehold properties in Germany valued at around €450m.

Tong Jinquan, founder of Shanghai Summit (Group) Co. and Lim Chap Huat, founder and executive chairman of the Soilbuild Group, remain shareholders of Ireit Global Group alongside Tikehau Capital.

Bruno de Pampelonne, president of Tikehau IM, will be appointed member of the Ireit Global Board of Directors.

De Pampelonne said: “We are very pleased with this transaction that will enable Tikehau Capital to significantly expand its pan European real-estate footprint and extend our reach toward Asian investors. Also, we are bringing Ireit our extensive Pan-European network combined with strong local operational expertise and existing pipeline of real estate transactions in Europe to accelerate the REIT’s growth. This acquisition further consolidates our position in Asia from Singapore, a hub where we have been operating from, for two years now. We are looking forward to further developing Ireit Global’s assets together with our new partners.”

Tikehau Capital’s AUM stood at €9.9bn as of 31 October 2016.

US Retail Asset Growth has Managed to Outpace Institutional Asset Growth

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US Retail Asset Growth has Managed to Outpace Institutional Asset Growth

According to global research and consulting firm Cerulli Associates, retail asset growth has managed to outpace institutional asset growth on a one-, three-, five-, and ten-year basis, reaching more than $18 trillion as of year-end 2015.

“A low-yield environment and a rise in average life expectancy is making it difficult for defined benefit (DB) plans to achieve returns to fund liabilities,” explains Jennifer Muzerall, associate director at Cerulli. “In recent years, sponsors have offered lump sums or buyouts to reduce the number of participants in DB plans via pension risk transfers.”

Pension risk transfer options are one of several drivers bolstering retail asset growth since asset managers have begun to explore the delivery of a wider variety of products and strategies through retail intermediaries. “The growth of retail assets has also been driven by the convergence of institutional-like strategies in the retail marketplace, such as alternatives,” says Muzerall.

Cerulli recommends that firms should continue to invest in distribution professionals and educational programs to get advisors comfortable with using alternatives. “It is important to work with advisors to show them how using alternatives or increasing allocations may impact their investment portfolios,” explains Muzerall.

“Asset managers must build out robust key account teams to face off with members of investment research or due diligence teams,” states Muzerall. Top asset managers surveyed recognize a need to accommodate the increasing sophistication of buying groups emerging within the intermediary channels. “The institutional sales process is making its way into retail channels and asset managers are seeking out relationships with top registered investment advisors and due diligence groups from both broker/dealer (B/D) home offices and B/D mega teams,” says Muzerall.

Cerulli’s latest report, The State of U.S. Retail and Institutional Asset Management 2016: Business Planning for Growth Opportunities, provides a comprehensive overview of the aggregate U.S. asset management landscape, benefitting both U.S. asset managers and those seeking distribution opportunities in the U.S. It explores all distribution channels, client segments, and product vehicles, with a focus on the interaction between the retail and institutional marketplaces.
 

Dominique Carrel-Billiard Left Financière de l’Echiquier

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Dominique Carrel-Billiard Left Financière de l’Echiquier

Dominique Carrel-Billiard has stepped down from his position of chief executive officer of French boutique La Financière de l’Echiquier according to French economic trade publication L’Agefi reported.

The publication stated that Carrel-Billiard has reached an agreement with Didier Le Menestrel, co-founder and chairman of La Financière de l’Echiquier, to leave the company, it is understood that he will be replaced and Le Menestrel will take over his responsibilities as chief executive officer.

Carrel-Billiard joined La Financière de l’Echiquier in 2014, previously he was CEO of AXA IM from 2006 to 2013. Prior to that, he was Senior Vice President Business Support and Development at AXA and Principal at McKinsey & Company. He started his career in 1987 as an Associate at Crédit Commercial de France.

Established in 1991, La Financière de l’Echiquier has around €7.5bn of assets under management.

$7.8 Trillion U.S. High-Net-Worth at Risk

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$7.8 Trillion U.S. High-Net-Worth at Risk
Foto: mulan . 7.800 millones de dólares de grandes patrimonios a riesgo

According to Cerulli Associates, high-net-worth (HNW) households control close to 35% of all investable assets in the U.S. marketplace. Advisors surveyed by Cerulli were asked about the depth of their relationships with the potential inheritors of their HNW clients’ assets. While responses about the relationships with spouses were encouraging, advisor relationships with younger generations of the family are a large concern.

“The notion of helping a family define and accomplish their aspirations without involving spouses is irrational,” says Donnie Ethier, associate director at Cerulli. “The thought of referring to spouses as ‘heirs’ is not a welcoming idea, but many practices may have to approach it in this manner due to the generally limited rapport with family members.”

The study U.S. High-Net-Worth and Ultra-High-Net-Worth Markets 2016: Understanding the Long-Term Impact of Wealth Transfer reveals that 67% of HNW households are led by investors age 60 or older. “Overlooking the children of these investors is ill-advised as most are not adolescents, but adults well into their 30s and older, with their own financial habits, philosophies, and possibly established advisor relationships,” explains Ethier. “How and where the younger generations manage assets or inheritances represents a pivotal transformation, as these wealth transfers will likely determine who the future leading firms and channels become.”

As the industry continues to evolve toward a more transparent, goals-based approach to investing, practices will need to adjust to the new expectations of clients by offering a collaborative advisory model with a broader range of products and services. “We believe that wirehouses and private banks will adapt, while registered investment advisors and multi-family offices stand to capitalize,” states Ethier.

FINRA Names Stephen M. Cutler to Board of Governors

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FINRA Names Stephen M. Cutler to Board of Governors
CC-BY-SA-2.0, FlickrFoto: Youtube. FINRA incorpora a Stephen M. Cutler a su Consejo

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has named a new Large-Firm Governor – Stephen M. Cutler, Vice Chairman of JPMorgan Chase & Co. – to its Board of Governors. Cutler was appointed to complete the term of former Governor Gregory Fleming, who resigned his board seat earlier this year.

Cutler joined JPMorgan asits General Counsel in 2007 from the law firm of WilmerHale in Washington, D.C., where he was a partner and co-chair of the firm’s Securities Department. Prior to that, he was the director of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Enforcement Division. Before joining the SEC in 1999, he was a partner at Wilmer, Cutler & Pickering, where he worked for 11 years.

Cutler obtained his bachelor’s degree summa cum laude from Yale and his J.D. from Yale Law School, where he was an editor of the Yale Law Journal.

“Steve brings a valuable perspective and a keen understanding of securities regulation and the industry to FINRA’s Board,” said FINRA Chairman Jack Brennan. “We welcome Steve and look forward to working with him.” 

“FINRA will benefit from Steve’s depth of industry and regulatory knowledge in advancing our mission of protecting investors and ensuring the integrity of our markets,” said Robert Cook, FINRA’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are very fortunate to have Steve join the FINRA Board.”

FINRA is overseen by a Board of Governors, the majority of whom are public representatives. The 10 industry governors include three from large firms, one from medium-size firms, three from small firms, one floor member, one independent dealer/insurance affiliate and one investment company affiliate. FINRA’s CEO has the remaining seat. 

Over 60% of UK Wealth Managers Agree Automated Investments Services Can Complement Existing Offering

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Over 60% of UK Wealth Managers Agree Automated Investments Services Can Complement Existing Offering

The channels through which financial services are provided in the UK wealth market are undergoing a transformation. With an influx of new entrants offering digital platforms and robo-advice, traditional wealth managers are now responding to the rise in demand for automation, according to financial services research and insight firm Verdict Financial.

The company’s recent report, which analyses the UK wealth management space, indicates that traditional wealth managers are starting to embrace the ability to resonate with audiences on a digital level while still offering professional advice from a wealth manager or private banker.

Nicole Douglas, Analyst for Wealth Management at Verdict Financial, states: “According to our 2016 Global Wealth Managers Survey, 49.5% of wealth managers believe the demand they currently experience for automated investment services will increase in the next two years, indicating a noticeable proportion of the market prefers digital platforms in which to carry out investment decisions or seek advice.”

According to Douglas, automated services are becoming more prevalent in the UK market but do not pose an immediate threat for traditional wealth managers. She explains: “Advisors are not likely to be replaced by robots in the near future. Our data shows 87% of wealth managers disagree with the statement that traditional wealth managers will lose market share to automated investment services – or ‘robo-advisors’ – in the next 12 months.”

In short, there is still demand for having investments managed professionally. Verdict Financial’s data shows that lack of expertise and time are the two most common reasons wealth managers believe high net worth clients opt to have wealth professionally managed.

As such, wealth managers will do well to continue providing personalized advice and embrace digital capabilities as a supporting role. Douglas adds: “Our data shows that 67% of wealth managers agree with the statement that investing in automated investment services can complement their existing offering.”

Verdict Financial believes that investing in automated services will prove successful for competitors in the UK market, and wealth managers will come to experience that an offering with both human and automated components resonates with a range of investors.
 

Fundinfo goes live in Ireland and Portugal

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Fundinfo goes live in Ireland and Portugal

Fundinfo, a leading international provider of fund information, now publishes documents and data for funds available to investors in Ireland and Portugal. With this expansion, fundinfo serves 13 European countries plus Hong Kong and Singapore. The service connects fund houses, fund distributors and investors via an online, on-demand information platform.

Jan Giller, Head of Marketing and Sales at fundinfo said, “Since the founding of our fund platform in 2006, we have steadily expanded our coverage from serving just the Swiss market to covering all the main fund markets in Europe, plus Hong Kong and Singapore. We welcome fund distributors and investors in Ireland and Portugal and invite them to take advantage of the most comprehensive, accurate and up-to- date source of fund information available.”

The platform provides complete information about funds and ETFs from over 800 fund houses comprising over 25,000 funds and 180,000 share classes. Participating fund houses include most of the world’s largest asset management companies.

For investors, the service is free of charge, and does not even require a log-in. It provides the latest fund documents such as monthly and semi-annual reports, KIIDs, prospectus, legal announcements, plus the latest information about the fund, fees, NAV price, and analyst ratings. The service as well as fund documents are provided in multiple languages. Documents in local language are provided where available.

In addition to the platform, fundinfo also offers associated services such as automated document and data dissemination, direct document and data feeds for banks, fund distributors and financial publications, as well as web-based fund popularity analysis and fund selection tools.
 

It is Time to Rewrite the UK’s Fiscal Rules

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It is Time to Rewrite the UK's Fiscal Rules

Standard Life Investments believes that it is time for a reset of fiscal policy to address both short and long-term challenges in the UK economy. A well-targeted stimulus would help cushion an expected slowdown in growth following the UK’s vote to leave the European Union. It would also provide ammunition to address the deterioration in growth rates seen over recent years, through targeted investment and structural reform. With markets concerned over the long-term effects of leaving the European Union, these priorities have become even more pertinent.

‘Time to rewrite the UK’s fiscal rulebook’ is the first in a series of Public Policy Perspectives, a new research publication which aims to broaden the debate on policy issues across a range of economies and make neutral, evidence-based recommendations. The paper argues that a coordinated fiscal and monetary stimulus would represent a much more effective policy mix than monetary easing alongside further fiscal austerity. The upcoming Autumn Statement provides an ideal opportunity for a step change. We would advocate:

A new fiscal framework which provides scope for a sustained loosening in policy and increased public investment through the business cycle. Under this new framework, the government should announce an immediate stimulus of 1.25% of GDP, with policy in subsequent years conditioned on the performance of the economy.

Action should be weighted towards an increase in infrastructure investment (0.75% of GDP) to be sustained over a number of years. This should be tilted towards smaller scale local transport projects, which provide the largest return.

Increased public investment should be complemented by progressive welfare spending to support consumption. Funding should also be earmarked for the ‘Sure Start’ and ‘Post 16 Skills’ programmes to help address the UK’s skills shortfall.

The Government should actively address inefficiencies in the tax system. In the short-term it should address capital allowances and establish a consistent tax system for the financial sector.

Longer-term priorities should include a shift in taxation away from property values/transactions towards land, and a tax allowance for corporate equity that reduces the bias towards debt financing.

A redoubling of efforts to increase housing supply through further planning reform and increased incentives for building.

‘Time to rewrite the UK’s fiscal rulebook’ is co-authored by James McCann, UK & European Economist, and Stephanie Kelly, Political Economist, Standard Life Investments.

James commented “Monetary policy has been overburdened since the financial crisis, with fiscal policy actually working against the recovery. A large fiscal push in the Autumn Statement would complement the easing measures implemented by the Bank of England over the summer. It would also help lift long-term growth rates, primarily through targeted infrastructure spending and structural reforms.”

To read the full document please click here.

More Than 50 Debuts Confirmed for 2016 LA Auto Show’s AutoMobility

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More Than 50 Debuts Confirmed for 2016 LA Auto Show’s AutoMobility
CC-BY-SA-2.0, FlickrFoto cedida - LA Auto Show 2015. Más de 50 novedades confirmadas para el salón del automóvil de Los Ángeles

The LA Auto Show, now open, expects more than 50 vehicles to be unveiled in front of media, analysts and industry executives during its trade show, AutoMobility LA, taking place November 14-17, 2016, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Among the more than 20 world debuts will be introductions by Alfa Romeo, Mazda, MINI, Subaru, Volkswagen and a compact SUV from Jeep.  Other reveals confirmed are those from Infiniti, Jaguar Land Rover and smart.  Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Nissan will have multiple reveals, while Porsche has confirmed five debuts.

General Motors (GM) will have multiple global and North American debuts, including two reveals from Chevrolet.  Cadillac’s debut lineup will include the Escala concept car, which has only been seen on the Concept Lawn at the 2016 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

In addition to production and concept vehicles in the luxury and performance segments, this year’s unveilings will include a significant showing of SUVs and electric/hybrid options across several makes and models.

As the automotive industry continues to transform, AutoMobility LA will also serve as a platform for product unveilings and significant announcements focused on technology, including the global premier of Divergent’s Blade production vehicle.  Built using Divergent 3D’s proprietary platform, the Blade supercar represents the future of automobile manufacturing and will be available to customers in 2017.

Elio Motors,the start-up vehicle company bringing a low-cost, highly fuel efficient commuter vehicle to market, is planning on revealing the E1C (its latest E-Series vehicle), its P5 prototype vehicle and its interactive ePlus display at AutoMobility LA.  With fuel efficiency of up to 84 mpg, the aerodynamic, 2-seater (tandem) has a set base price of $7,300 for non-refundable reservations (up to 65,000 total reservations).

Olli, the world’s first self-driving cognitive vehicle designed by Local Motors will also be present at this year’s AutoMobility LA. Olli, an on-demand shuttle with capacity for 12, is currently being used on private roads in the Washington, D.C. area and is the first vehicle to utilize the cloud-based cognitive computing capability of IBM Watson Internet of Things to analyze and learn from high volumes of transportation data.

Following AutoMobility LA, all of this year’s debuts will be on display at the 2016 LA Auto Show (open to the public November 18-27).

Two BNY Mellon Wealth Management Strategists Earn Prestigious Industry Recognition

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Two BNY Mellon Wealth Management Strategists Earn Prestigious Industry Recognition
CC-BY-SA-2.0, FlickrFoto: courtesy photo. Dos estrategas de BNY Mellon Wealth Management han sido reconocidos por The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel

Wealth Strategists Pamela Lucina and Justin Miller of BNY Mellon Wealth Management have been elected as Fellows of The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) in recognition of their professional accomplishments. ACTEC is a nonprofit association of lawyers and law professors skilled and experienced in the preparation of wills and trusts, estate planning, probate procedure, and administration of trusts and estates. Lawyers and law professors are elected to be ACTEC Fellows based on their outstanding reputation, exceptional skill, and substantial contributions to the field by lecturing, writing, teaching and participating in bar activities.
 
Chicago-based Lucina is Managing Director, Head of Global Family Wealth Strategy. Miller, a National Wealth Strategist, is based in San Francisco where he also is an adjunct professor at Golden Gate University School of Law.
 
Lucina joined BNY Mellon Wealth Management in 2014 and has nearly 20 years of financial services and wealth planning experience. Over her career she has held several leadership roles providing wealth and estate planning to high net worth clients and is recognized for her expertise in serving those with highly complex needs. She earned a Juris Doctor degree from DePaul University College of Law, where she was a member of the Business Law Journal, and she received her bachelor’s degree from Marquette University. Lucina is a frequent speaker at national professional associations and conferences on myriad estate and tax planning topics, and has published in Trusts & Estates as well as other leading professional journals. Among the many professional and community groups she is involved with, Lucina is a board member of the Chicago Estate Planning Council, and sits on the short course planning committee for the IICLE.
 
Miller joined BNY Mellon Wealth Management in 2011 and works collaboratively with other advisors to provide comprehensive wealth planning advice to clients and their families. Prior to that he was an attorney at a major law firm, where he advised high net worth clients regarding tax-efficient estate and business succession planning, trust law and management, and asset preservation. He earned a Master of Laws in taxation and a Juris Doctor from New York University School of Law and a bachelor’s degree from the University of California at Berkeley. Miller is a frequent speaker on tax, estate planning and family governance topics at leading conferences throughout the country. He has published numerous articles, and is frequently quoted in the media. Miller has served as an executive committee member of the State Bar of California Taxation Section, and is the former editor-in-chief of the California Tax Lawyer.