ALFI London Conference and Cocktail

Join us for an insightful panel discussion as we delve into the profound transformations that have shaped the investment management industry over the past 20 years. This panel will explore the evolution of markets, regulations, and operations and their far-reaching impact on our industry. Twenty years ago, the investment management landscape was vastly different, with early discussions focused on emerging regulatory frameworks that have since come to define the industry. Our panel will revisit those pivotal moments, reflecting on the predictions that have materialised, and the unforeseen challenges that have arisen.

The global economy faces many challenges – from geopolitical risks to still-elevated interest rates. But with a US election around the corner and central banks now easing monetary policy, what’s in store for the global economy in 2025 and beyond? In his keynote, James will discuss the global outlook for growth, inflation, and labour markets, highlighting key trends and developments to watch in the coming year.

The fundraising environment has been challenging for some time, driven by macroeconomic headwinds, rising financing costs, and an uncertain growth outlook. How do private asset managers navigate such a landscape? What impact does this have on the industry? What considerations are crucial when fundraising in the EU? This panel of practitioners will discuss the current state of the fundraising market, including fund terms increasingly influenced by investors, extended fundraising periods, and the need for innovative solutions to address liquidity gaps. Additionally, the panel will explore the retail market expansion that is on the horizon. How do different fundraising conditions affect asset managers based on their size and investment strategy? What regulatory requirements must be considered when fundraising in the EU? These are some of the key topics and questions our market experts will illuminate.

Supervisory authorities are essential in upholding and fostering a stable and organised financial environment. Mhairi Jackson from the FCA and Marco Zwick from the CSSF will discuss the goals and priorities of their respective institutions, highlighting key opportunities and trending issues that are of significant importance for both regulators.

With multiple vehicles having been set up over the past few years, the trend known as "democratisation or "retailisation of private strategies” is now well established and here to stay. The Luxembourg toolbox has demonstrated its ability to provide practical solutions for most managers, and there is optimism that ELTIF 2.0 will further unlock market potential. Our panel will explore the opportunities and challenges managers face in distributing these democratised products in a diverse landscape of intermediaries - such as platforms, private banks, life insurance, etc. - that must bridge the gap and find effective pathways between these new vehicles and their client base of semi-professional or high-net-worth (HNW) investors.

Join us as we explore the latest regulatory and tax developments and their impact on asset managers. After a seamless Brexit transition, the UK regulator (FCA) is now charting a course towards a potential divergence with the EU AIFMD framework. This complements the UK's bespoke solutions already developed for sustainable finance (SDR) or retail funds (LTAF). On the tax front, while there may be changes ahead for the taxation of carried interest in the UK, the industry consultation underway might unfold with a compromise preventing unwanted disruption. At the same time, Luxembourg has unveiled a new tax package aiming at strengthening its attractiveness. This panel will also touch on the advantages of “upgrading” a Luxembourg presence by hiring front office staff working alongside back and middle office functions.

The CEO panel will feature top executives from leading asset management firms discussing key issues shaping our industry. The conversation will delve into the trend of consolidation, examining how mergers and acquisitions are reshaping competitive dynamics and creating new opportunities and challenges. With growing competition, the panel will also address the increasing pressure on margins, exploring strategies for maintaining profitability while navigating cost pressures and the demands of investors. Other topics will include sustainability, regional differences, the impact of technological advancements, shifts in consumer behaviour, and the evolving role of leadership in a rapidly changing global market. This panel promises to offer valuable insights and thought-provoking perspectives from influential leaders.

As technology continues to advance, its applications in various industries, especially in banking and insurance, are transforming the landscape and significantly impacting asset management. This transformative shift, driven by groundbreaking technologies such as tokenization, artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain, is not just technological but also strategic, influencing the entire value chain and creating new business opportunities. These enhancements not only reduce operational costs but also open up new revenue streams and boost competitiveness. These innovations are redefining various aspects of business, finance, and everyday life, offering new opportunities and challenges. Let’s dive deep into how these technologies are shaping the future, with insights from experts in digitalisation.

In this keynote, Bogdan Gogulan, CEO and Managing Partner at NewSpace Capital, will discuss the significant investment opportunities available in the booming space sector. His talk will highlight how the space sector, which is already vast, is at an inflection point. Advances in space-enabled technology are driving productivity in agriculture, transportation, energy, and finance, while playing a key role in our approach to climate change. This keynote speech will set out why and how both private and institutional investors should look to capitalise on the ‘golden age’ of space technology.