BNP Paribas Securities Services, a global custodian with over USD 8 trillion in assets under custody, and AXA Investment Managers have announced the extension of an existing partnership to include settlement agency services in Latin America through BNP Paribas’ membership to the National Securities Clearing Corporation (NSCC) regional clearing platform.
The deal represents a significant move by AXA IM to capitalise on the trend for fund managers distributing into the Latin American region. Investors and, crucially, local regulators are becoming ever more open to opportunities to connect local investors with inbound international funds. Connecting to NSCC through BNP Paribas enables AXA IM to make its fund ranges accessible to the largest brokers active in Latin America. This step is part of AXA IM’s ongoing efforts to expand and strengthen its geographical footprint.
Joseph Pinto, Chief Operating Officer, at AXA IM said, “Latin America is a key target market for us as the doors into the region are opening. This deal sees the extension to Latin America of AXA IM’s ‘Offer to meet Needs Everywhere’ (ONE) – a highly successful client service platform already in place in Europe and Asia. We want to make it as easy as possible for clients to invest with us and the ONE platform was designed to provide simple and efficient access for investors to AXA IM’s fund ranges. BNP Paribas has shown constant support in our international expansion, providing expertise in regulatory change and distribution trends locally. We are pleased to be partnering with them in our efforts to make our funds available to investors in Latin America.”
Jean Devambez, head of asset and fund solutions, BNP Paribas Securities Services said, “We applaud AXA IM for this move into Latin America and are very happy they have chosen to appoint us. European asset managers have their sights fixed on Latin America, but there are several barriers which are causing them to hesitate. We believe that a fuller understanding of the region will allow many more managers to take advantage of the opportunities there.”
BNP Paribas, in conjunction with SAGALINK consulting, recently produced a white paper on the five most important target destinations for fund distribution in Latin America. The white paper is designed to aid fund managers navigate the nuanced local regulatory environments and understand investor behaviours.
Devambez continued, “Latin America has become a hot spot for fund distribution, attracting a growing number of foreign funds and asset managers attempting to capture rapidly growing local interest in foreign securities. We understand the challenges our clients face when entering new markets, and look to stand by them throughout the process.”