83 Trillion at Stake: How Securitization Can Help Capture the HNWI Heir

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In a financial environment marked by evolving generational preferences and constant technological innovation, asset securitization emerges as a strategic tool for the new generation of asset managers. As younger investors gain access to financial advice earlier—and with different demands—managers face the need to adapt products, operating models, and distribution channels. Securitization, traditionally associated with complex structures and institutional investors, is finding renewed relevance in service of this transformation, according to FlexFunds.

During 2024, the growth in wealth and the population of high-net-worth individuals (HNWI) worldwide was solid, with increases of 4.2 % and 2.6 %, respectively. However, the real inflection point for the sector is the imminent, massive wealth transfer to Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z—collectively known as next‑generation HNWIs. It is estimated that by 2048, more than US $83.5 trillion will have been transferred to these cohorts, marking a structural shift in the wealth‑management landscape.

According to Capgemini’s World Report Series 2025: Wealth Management, this phenomenon is occurring alongside a strong stock‑market rebound which, despite macroeconomic volatility, drove sustained growth in HNWI wealth levels over the past year.

This new scenario also implies a profound shift in investment profiles. Bank of America’s 2024 study confirms that younger HNWIs are reshaping their portfolios with a more diversified, digital, and alternative mindset:

  • Only 47 % of their portfolios are in traditional equities and bonds, compared to 74% for those over 44 years.
  • 17% already invest in alternative assets—versus 5% in older generations—and 93% plan to increase that exposure.
  • 49% own cryptocurrencies, and another 38% are interested in acquiring them, making crypto the second-largest growth opportunity after real estate.
  • Physical gold also draws interest: 45% already hold it, and another 45% are considering adding it to their portfolio.

These figures reflect not just new preferences, but a structural transformation in wealth-building.

A new client, a new challenge for managers

Northwestern Mutual’s 2024 Planning and Progress study, cited by the CFA Institute, shows that younger generations in the U.S. seek financial advisors at an earlier age. The average Baby Boomer began that relationship at age 49, Generation X at 38, and Millennials at just 29 (see Figure 1).

 

Figure 1: Age at which clients begin working with a financial advisor

 

Source: Northwestern Mutual Planning and Progress Study 2024

 

The great wealth transfer demands new strategies

The imminent generational wealth transfer represents an unprecedented opportunity—but also a significant threat for traditional managers. Over 80% of next‑generation HNWIs say they would change firms within the first two years after inheriting if their values and expectations aren’t met.

Each HNWI generation has specific needs. Faced with this structural shift, managers must deeply review their engagement strategies, products, and services to effectively meet more sophisticated and segmented demand.

 

Additionally, young investors state that they prioritize products with environmental or social impact, while others lean towards digital and customizable solutions. This presents a dual challenge for emerging managers: meeting sophisticated expectations and building portfolios combining performance, purpose, and transparency.

In this context, new advisors must focus on building relationships and offering personalized, results-oriented services—understanding and delivering what new investors genuinely value and are willing to pay for.

This new approach implies rethinking the perception of financial advice to emphasize a connection-based approach, which will help attract younger investors.

Securitization: From technical instrument to enabling strategy

Securitization allows transforming liquid or illiquid assets into tradeable financial instruments. Traditionally used by banks or large managers to package mortgages, loans, or income streams, specialized platforms like FlexFunds are democratizing its use—enabling independent or boutique managers access to this financial engineering with greater agility.

“Securitization can be a pathway for asset managers and investment advisors to create customized investment vehicles that allow them to repackage investment strategies, and enhance global distribution by facilitating capital raising on international banking platforms—all without requiring costly structures or complex infrastructure,” says Emilio Veiga Gil, executive vice president of FlexFunds.

This flexible packaging capability allows managers to:

  • Convert personalized strategies into listed securities (ETPs).
  • Include alternative assets in structures tailored to different risk profiles.
  • Align investment vehicle time horizons with young clients’ goals.

Democratization and scalability

Securitization also supports scalability, a critical factor for new managers. Many operate from agile, non‑bank structures and seek efficient solutions to enter new markets. By using investment vehicles, they can scale distribution without sacrificing personalization.

According to the II Annual Report of the Securitization Sector 2024–2025 by FlexFunds and Funds Society, 56% of advisors surveyed have managed an investment vehicle—demonstrating solid expertise in the field—while 40% have yet to use this tool, highlighting a growth opportunity.

Transparency, traceability and trust

Another key advantage is the traceability provided by investment vehicles. In an environment where young people value transparency, audited structures with validated periodic information become a reputational asset.

New generations have more access to information—and greater skepticism. Offering products with clear structures and transparent return flows builds trust and loyalty.

Today, next generation HWNI seek investments aligned with their values (sustainability, technology, social impact). Through securitization, asset managers can repackage alternative assets—such as renewable energy, green loans, or digital assets—into accessible listed securities, meeting new investor preferences within the regulatory framework.

To adapt to this new client profile, managers should prioritize:

  • Customized, diversified investment portfolios
  • Promoting geographic diversification through offshore solutions
  • Developing value‑added services focused on wealth and tax planning
  • Implementing personalized concierge services; next‑generation HNWIs expect services beyond finance: health, education, cybersecurity, travel, etc.
  • Bridging the digital gap and modernizing communication channels
  • Educating heirs and strengthening their connection to the firm

A more open future, if managed with vision

The key for securitization to become a competitive advantage lies in its strategic use. It’s not just about bundling assets, but rethinking how these products can broaden access, enhance young investors’ experience, and build sustainable business models.

Mass personalization and digital integration will be key differentiators. Managers who can combine financial engineering with purpose and digital intelligence will have the edge in winning young clients.

Asset securitization has ceased to be an exclusive instrument for large institutional players—it is transforming into an enabler of innovation, scalability, and trust for the new generation of managers. In a context where young investors seek advice earlier and with higher expectations, this tool can bridge structural sophistication with the ease of use demanded by the future of asset management.

ZINK Solutions Adds José Ignacio García as Partner and Wealth Planner in Miami

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ZINK Solutions announced the appointment of José Ignacio García, who joins the firm as Partner and Wealth Planner as part of the expansion strategy launched by the wealth advisory and planning company, founded in 2021 and now operating offices in Miami, New York, and Madrid.

García’s addition supports the firm’s objective of further developing and specializing its alternative wealth planning offering, which delivers integrated solutions to the families it serves.

“We are very pleased to welcome José Ignacio to the team and with the potential he brings. With this hire, ZINK Solutions continues to successfully position itself as a relevant player in the market, offering comprehensive advisory services to major families across the Americas,” said Miguel Cebolla, Partner and CEO of the firm.

María Concepción Calderón and Manuel Sánchez-Castillo, also Partners at the firm and former colleagues of García, added: “Bringing on a professional of José’s caliber advances our vision for serving top-tier clients.”

García brings over three decades of experience in the financial sector, having held senior roles at major institutions. He began his career at Banco Santander Private Banking Internacional (PBI), where he was Country Manager; later served as Managing Director at Andbank, and General Manager America at Credit Andorra. His most recent role was Executive Director at Charles Monat, a global provider of wealth planning solutions based on insurance structures.

“After evaluating the professionalism and quality of services offered by ZINK Solutions, I made the decision to continue supporting my clients and relationships in the region from a platform that provides exceptional versatility, added value, and solidity—along with the human quality of a team I’ve known for more than 25 years,” said García.

He holds a degree in Business Administration from California State University. His profile combines strong technical training with strategic business insight, positioning him as a key asset in expanding the firm’s reach and depth of services. ZINK Solutions has experienced steady growth in the areas of Private Banking, Wealth Planning, and Corporate Solutions, including M&A, among other businesses.

The Resilience of Emerging Economies Creates Opportunities in India, China, and Brazil

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Despite showing resilience in the first quarter, investment firms remain alert to the potential impact of U.S. tariffs on emerging markets, with Asia seen as the most vulnerable region and Latin America the least. While keeping this risk on their radar, they acknowledge that emerging markets’ macroeconomic fundamentals remain solid and that central banks still have room to maneuver—opening up a wide range of opportunities.

“It is too early to accurately assess the impact on growth, given the risk of new retaliations or even the potential for negotiation during the 90-day truce. But it is clear that growth will adjust. Emerging market growth has always been reliant on global trade and, as in 2018/2019, a decline in global trade will hurt exports. Similarly, high uncertainty in the coming quarter will at least limit business sentiment and investment, as questions about supply chain positioning will prevail,” said Guillaume Tresca, Senior Emerging Markets Strategist at Generali AM, part of Generali Investments.

On the tariff impact, Tresca foresees increasing differentiation across emerging market regions, with Asia being the most affected. On average, Asia faces tariffs above 20% and sends over 15% of its exports to the U.S. However, Asian central banks have remained conservative and still have room to ease monetary policy.

He also expects countries in Central Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (CEEMEA) to benefit from their integration into the EU value chain and their relatively lower exposure to U.S. exports. “Latin American countries are more immune than European ones, as their tariffs are higher. Among them, Mexico benefits from the USMCA for certain exports, and Brazil’s exports to the U.S. are limited. That said, there is a risk of secondary impact on Chile and Peru‘s mineral exports to China if China slows significantly,” he added.

A Question of Resilience

Schroders’ Emerging Markets team notes that EM equities have outperformed the U.S. market this year, driven by political uncertainty in the U.S. (tariffs and dollar) and the launch of China’s DeepSeek AI investment model.

“The damage from tariffs appears to be very U.S.-centric, as they are not yet high enough to stop trade flows. The U.S. has large twin deficits and an overvalued currency. Once short-term volatility subsides, that’s a clear medium-term positive for emerging markets,” they argue.

Olivier D’Incan, Global Equity Fund Manager at Crédit Mutuel Asset Management, notes that emerging markets tend to grow faster than developed economies, driven by a rising middle class and expanding economic infrastructure. “In recent years, high U.S. interest rates have weighed on emerging market currencies, but the Fed’s expected rate cuts by year-end should ease that pressure,” he explained.

That said, he also acknowledges that recent geopolitical tensions surrounding global trade cannot be ignored and that companies with high U.S. exposure may face short-term volatility. “Several high-quality companies that are leaders in their domestic markets are capitalizing on these long-term trends, providing global investors an opportunity to diversify beyond the U.S. economy,” D’Incan added.

In Search of Opportunities

When discussing opportunities, D’Incan highlights India as the country with the strongest structural growth. “Its growing middle class is driving domestic consumption, while the government’s ambitious infrastructure spending plans continue to fuel economic momentum,” he stated.

He also points to China, where a shift in government tone has boosted confidence in its commitment to resolving the property market crisis and supporting GDP growth. According to D’Incan, although the market has begun to rebound, “we believe valuations remain quite attractive, and the prospects for fiscal and consumption stimulus make us increasingly optimistic.”

From Schroders’ perspective, in an economy as large and a stock market as deep as China’s, there will always be opportunities for active managers. “We focus on identifying well-managed companies with attractive long-term return profiles, as well as those we consider undervalued. Many of these firms have refined their business in highly competitive domestic markets and are now global leaders. On the aggregate level, Chinese equity valuations are reasonable, and low consumer confidence means there’s a lot of cash in bank accounts that could be invested in the equity market. In our view, further market appreciation will require new fiscal measures to improve property price prospects and boost consumer confidence,” they argue.

Finally, D’Incan also sees clear opportunity in Brazil, which went through a “perfect storm” in 2024. According to his analysis, political uncertainty over budgets, currency depreciation, and persistent inflation triggered several rate hikes. “We currently see valuations as potentially attractive, and we expect that rate cuts later in the year, combined with growing investor interest ahead of the 2026 presidential election, could draw capital back to the country,” he concluded.

Accessing Emerging Markets

In this context, Schroders emphasizes that the landscape of opportunities in emerging markets—i.e., the countries and companies in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index—has changed radically over the last 30 years, as developing countries opened their markets to foreign investors and improved regulatory and operational regimes. The biggest shift has been China, which has grown from zero to 30% of the index, while Latin America’s weight has declined by over 20%.

“Given the potential for future evolution, the ability of active investors to anticipate benchmark index changes and invest beyond them is valuable. It allows active fund managers to identify and seize attractive investment opportunities ahead of others,” Schroders stated.

According to the firm, in practice, this means active funds can enter a market before it is added to an index. Moreover, unlike index-tracking products, they typically have the flexibility to invest when they deem it attractive, rather than being bound to a specific date.

Investors Back UCITS Despite Tariff Uncertainty in the Eurozone

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All UCITS categories attracted capital inflows in the first quarter of 2025, demonstrating investor confidence despite ongoing uncertainty around tariffs, according to the latest statistical report published by the European Fund and Asset Management Association (Efama).

In the view of Bernard Delbecque, Director of Economics and Research at Efama, despite the decline in fund asset values, UCITS recorded strong inflows across all categories throughout the quarter. “The fact that fixed income funds remained the best-selling category indicates that investors were still exercising caution; however, rising concerns over impending U.S. tariff hikes did not deter investors from purchasing equity and multi-asset funds,” he noted.

Key Figures

During the first quarter of 2025, net assets of UCITS and AIFs experienced a slight decline of 1.1%, reaching €23.2 trillion. According to Efama, despite this drop, both fund types attracted net inflows totaling €217 billion, showing a slight decrease from the €238 billion recorded in the fourth quarter of 2024. Of these inflows, UCITS accounted for the vast majority with €213 billion, while AIFs recorded €4 billion—a significant decrease from the €21 billion of the previous quarter.

Long-term funds showed solid performance, posting net inflows of €179 billion. All long-term fund categories recorded net inflows, with bond funds remaining the top sellers at €75 billion, although down from €91 billion the previous quarter. Equity funds also performed well, registering €64 billion in net inflows, an increase from €60 billion at the end of 2024. Multi-asset funds rebounded with €20 billion in net inflows, a significant increase compared to €7 billion in the previous quarter.

ETFs continued their growth trajectory, with UCITS ETFs reaching €100 billion in net inflows. Meanwhile, long-term funds under SFDR Article 9 (Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation) marked their sixth consecutive quarter of net outflows, totaling €7.9 billion. In contrast, Article 8 funds, which focus on sustainable investments, attracted €42.6 billion.

Finally, European households showed strong interest in fund purchases, with net acquisitions of €79 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024—up from €62 billion in the previous quarter. This marked the second-highest quarterly level since Q2 2021, driven primarily by households in Germany, Spain, and Italy.

Juan Alcaraz Steps Down as CEO of Allfunds and Will Be Replaced by Annabel Spring

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llfunds, together with its Group CEO and founder, Juan Alcaraz, has announced that he will be leaving the company to pursue new challenges. The company highlights that, after a distinguished career at Allfunds, during which he successfully led the firm’s growth and expansion, Juan Alcaraz will take on an advisory role over the next twelve months to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

Juan Alcaraz founded Allfunds 25 years ago and has served as CEO with distinction, guiding its development into a leading global platform for wealth management businesses and their end clients. Today, Allfunds has over €1.5 trillion in assets under administration, serving 940 distributors in 66 countries. “As CEO and founder, Juan Alcaraz was a pioneer in the development of open fund architecture in Europe over three decades and built Allfunds from the spark of an idea and a small business unit within Banco Santander into a global leader in WealthTech,” the company emphasizes. In its official statement, the entire Board wishes to thank Juan Alcaraz for his significant contribution to Allfunds and extends best wishes for his future endeavors.

“Juan Alcaraz has led Allfunds with great dedication since its inception, navigating key milestones such as the IPO in 2021, and has worked tirelessly in service of the business, our clients, and shareholders. We are grateful for his exceptional leadership and entrepreneurial spirit over the years and wish him much success in his upcoming projects,” stated David Bennett, Chairman of Allfunds.

Regarding his departure, Juan Alcaraz, founder of Allfunds, said: “It has been a tremendous privilege to be part of Allfunds’ growth and to have witnessed both the business and its people thrive over more than two decades. I have agreed with the Board that this is the right time for the company to begin a transition to new leadership. It has been an honor to work with everyone at Allfunds, especially the members of the Executive Committee and the Board. I leave the company in very capable hands, well-positioned for the future and with strong business momentum heading into 2025 and beyond.”

Annabel Spring, New CEO

Following Alcaraz’s departure, the company’s Board is overseeing the succession planning and has appointed Annabel Spring as the new CEO of Allfunds, who will assume the CEO role in June.

According to the firm, Annabel Spring brings extensive experience to Allfunds after a distinguished career in wealth management and banking spanning 30 years and four continents. She joins Allfunds after six years at HSBC, where she most recently served as CEO of Global Private Banking and Wealth Management. Prior to that, she spent nearly a decade at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, where she held the role of Group Executive for Wealth Management. Annabel began her career at Morgan Stanley, initially in investment banking before moving to Corporate Strategy, where she was Global Head of Group Strategy and Execution.

According to the announcement, under her leadership, Allfunds will continue to drive innovation and foster strong relationships with clients and asset managers, leveraging its robust business model to achieve sustainable long-term growth.

“The Board is pleased to welcome Annabel Spring as our new CEO. Her extensive experience leading global wealth management businesses, deep knowledge of international banking, and focus on people, technology, and client experience make her the ideal leader for the next stage of Allfunds’ growth. Annabel’s strong relationships with the global client base and a wide range of asset managers, built over many years, will support Allfunds’ future growth strategy,” added Bennett.

For her part, Annabel Spring, new CEO of Allfunds, stated: “Allfunds is a global leader in its field, with a strong reputation in the wealth management and banking community. The trends supporting the continued growth of global wealth are solid, and I believe Allfunds is very well positioned to seize this great opportunity. I am excited to join Allfunds and to work alongside the Board, the Allfunds teams, and our global partners to continue innovating, growing, and delivering value for our clients and shareholders.”

Transforming financial advisory in Mexico and Chile: the key to the independent and technological model

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Photo courtesyAlicia Arias, Commercial Director of LAKPA

In an increasingly demanding financial environment, where technology is redefining the rules of the game and inclusion becomes an unavoidable priority, voices like that of Alicia Arias, Commercial Director of LAKPA, gain special relevance. LAKPA is a fintech company aspiring to become the largest community of independent financial advisors in Spanish-speaking Latin America. Currently, it has over 260 advisors in Chile and is actively expanding into the Mexican market.

In this exclusive interview for the Key Trends Watch by FlexFunds and Funds Society, Arias shares her vision on the transformative role of independent financial advisory and the challenges faced by wealth management in Latin America.

Far from viewing the financial industry as an environment reserved for a few, Arias sees it as a tool to generate real impact in the lives of individuals and companies. “Participating in this industry gives us the opportunity to make a difference in society,” she states. With a career that includes leadership positions at firms like BlackRock and GBM, her current focus is on bringing investment solutions to a broader audience and empowering independent financial advisors.

Simultaneously, she promotes initiatives aimed at modernizing and humanizing the sector, such as the non-profit association Mujeres en Finanzas, which encourages the development of diverse talent in the industry. From her perspective, fostering greater representation and professionalism not only enhances service quality but also broadens access to opportunities that have historically been limited to a few.

In her role at LAKPA, Arias drives an independent financial advisory model that seeks to professionalize and scale the service in Latin America. “Today, there are fewer than 5,000 active advisors in Mexico for a population of over 100 million.” For Arias, the key lies in freeing advisors from operational tasks through technological platforms that allow them to focus on the client and autonomously choose the segment they wish to serve, from affluent profiles to ultra high net worth individuals.

The expert highlights the enormous potential of the affluent segment, often overlooked by large institutions: “Many investors with $200,000 or $300,000 end up trapped in generic products or with poor advisory.” She firmly believes that, with the right tools, it is possible to offer them high-quality service. “We are seeing more and more advisors building their portfolios around this segment, with independence, structure, and access to global solutions. To me, that is a real transformation of the advisory model in the region,” she concludes.

Three key trends in financial advisory

For Arias, the future of wealth advisory revolves around three major trends:

  1. Fee-based accounts: a transparent model that eliminates traditional conflicts of interest in the industry and places the client at the center.
  2. Technology as an enabler: platforms that automate administrative processes and free up the advisor’s time to generate real value.
  3. Independent advisory: a service centered on the investor, without conflicts of interest and with an open architecture. Until the arrival of players like LAKPA, this was only accessible to high-net-worth clients.

Collective vehicles: efficiency and access from an expert’s perspective

In her opinion, collective investment vehicles are particularly attractive in the context of independent financial advisory. Products like ETFs have become key tools due to their efficiency, liquidity, transparency, and low cost, allowing advisors to build diversified portfolios with access to markets that were previously restricted.

“A client enters an ETF at the same price as an institutional investor,” she emphasizes, highlighting the democratizing role of these instruments. From her perspective, these types of solutions enable the provision of professional and competitive advisory, even in segments like the affluent.

Alternatives on the rise: perspective on wealth demand

From her experience, alternative assets have ceased to be exclusive to the institutional world and have become a growing trend in wealth management. “Financial advisors are already allocating a portion of portfolios to these types of strategies,” she states. In her opinion, two factors have been key to this evolution: on one hand, innovation in vehicles—such as semi-liquid funds, evergreen funds, or those with more frequent liquidity windows—which make them more suitable for this segment; and on the other, the emergence of technological platforms that allow access to funds from major managers with tickets starting at $20,000.

According to Arias, advisors are already incorporating between 10% and 15% of alternatives in more aggressive portfolios, with private debt funds being particularly attractive due to their generation of recurring income and lower exposure to the J-curve. In contrast, she observes that in many cases, traditional private equity may overlap with the business exposure that clients already have in their own companies. “That’s where private debt makes more sense: it allows for real diversification,” she concludes.

Financial education: the real challenge in capital raising

The biggest obstacle faced by financial advisors today is not the lack of available capital, but the lack of financial education among potential investors: “The money is there, but the client still doesn’t have the necessary information to take the first step,” says Arias. To illustrate this, she cites a figure from the Bank of Mexico: resources in demand accounts—that is, money that is not invested or is invested for very short terms—amount to over 400 billion pesos, a figure that doubles the size of the investment fund industry in the country.

In her opinion, this idle capital could be generating returns if there were greater awareness of the available alternatives, something in which advisors can play a key role. Additionally, she explains that the location of assets largely depends on the client’s profile: while higher-net-worth individuals tend to invest offshore, thanks to their operational capacity and access to international custodians, the affluent segment usually keeps their money onshore.

The irreplaceable role of the advisor in the face of technological advancement

For the expert, technology is revolutionizing financial advisory, but the human role remains essential. “Many professions are going to disappear or transform, but that of the financial advisor is not one of them,” she states. She cites a Vanguard study that classifies human tasks into basic, repetitive, and advanced. The first are easily automatable; the second, such as relating, teaching, or building trust, are not.

From this perspective, the value of the advisor lies in their ability to connect with the client. “Technology can optimize processes, but it doesn’t replace empathy or personalization. Those are the true competitive advantages,” she maintains. In her view, financial advisory, due to its high human component, will not only withstand technological change but will become even more relevant.

A more human and conscious future for wealth management

Looking ahead to the next 5 to 10 years, Arias identifies two key challenges for the sector: the climate crisis and the retirement crisis. “We will live longer, but not necessarily better if we don’t plan properly,” she warns. The industry must take an active role, designing sustainable solutions tailored to real needs, especially in underserved segments.

In this context, empathy will be the critical skill for the advisor. “Trust is built by listening, understanding, and acting with sensitivity. No platform replaces that,” she emphasizes.

Arias concludes with a strategic outlook: the growth of the sector will not come solely from technology, but from a combination of digital tools and expert advisory. “The hybrid model is the catalyst. Technology alone is not enough. People need guidance, trust, empathy,” she points out.

In a continent with significant gaps in access to quality financial services, Alicia Arias’s vision paves the way for a model that bets on independence, technology, and, above all, human talent as the engine of transformation.

Interview conducted by Emilio Veiga Gil, Executive Vice President of FlexFunds, in the context of the Key Trends Watch by FlexFunds and Funds Society.

BlackRock Launches an ETF Focused on European Defense Sector Companies

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According to the asset manager, the fund is designed to provide targeted exposure to European defense sector companies, selected based on their revenue levels at a time when European nations are increasing public spending to strengthen their defense capabilities. The firm notes that as Europe advances in reconfiguring its security architecture and enhancing resilience, investors are increasingly interested in aligning their portfolios with national strategic priorities and the opportunities offered by the defense sector.

Research from SIPRI indicates that NATO, excluding the United States, increased its spending by $68 billion, or 19%, between 2022 and 2023. It is also highlighted that all NATO members increased their military spending in 2024. The European Commission has called for an increase in “made in Europe” defense spending to ensure long-term security and generate economic benefits for countries in the region. The proposals include boosting European budgets to create €650 billion in fiscal space over four years. In this context, on May 19, 2025, the United Kingdom and the European Union signed a Security and Defense Agreement. A BlackRock study of EMEA-based portfolios reveals that only 2% have an explicit allocation to the defense sector, with such exposure representing, on average, less than 1.6% of the total portfolio.

Regarding this ETF, Jane Sloan, Head of Global Product Solutions for EMEA at BlackRock, stated: “In recent months, our European clients have consistently expressed interest in gaining exposure to the European defense sector. Many European countries are prepared to increase spending, strengthen cooperation, and prioritize European companies. BlackRock offers investors targeted exposure to the European defense sector while also channeling capital into Europe to support local industry and the strategic goals of the region’s countries. This new launch provides clients with a set of tools to precisely express their views and access the long-term structural drivers of the defense sector.”

Axel Lomholt, CEO of STOXX, added: “At STOXX, we are committed to developing index solutions that respond to Europe’s evolving strategic priorities. Our new STOXX Europe Targeted Defence Index reflects this mission by offering a transparent, rules-based approach to selecting companies that contribute to Europe’s defense and security. The index provides an accurate representation of the industry by incorporating high-quality revenue data from military equipment into the selection and weighting of companies active in the defense industry. This reflects the unique synergies of ISS STOXX, where data, expert insight, and index innovation are combined to meet the market’s changing needs.”

The STOXX Europe Targeted Defence Index is based on the STOXX Europe All Country All Cap Index and selects its components (price-weighted) according to revenue levels derived from military equipment, using ISS research data. This revenue-based selection ensures that the index maintains a strong focus and concentration on companies generating a high percentage of their revenue from the defense sector.

DFEU has a total expense ratio (TER) of 35 basis points and is classified as Article 6 under the SFDR. It is listed on Euronext Amsterdam and Xetra.

Blackstone Launches a Multi-Asset Private Credit Fund

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Blackstone has announced the launch of the Blackstone Private Multi-Asset Credit and Income Fund (BMACX), the firm’s first private interval fund focused on multi-asset credit. According to the company, it is available through advisors and aims to provide access to strategies within Blackstone’s credit platform, which manages $465 billion. The fund offers ticker-based execution with daily subscriptions, quarterly liquidity, and low investment minimums, with capital deployed immediately.

“We believe BMACX can serve as a foundational component in portfolio construction to capitalize on expanding credit markets. It offers individuals full access to Blackstone’s credit platform in what we consider an investor-friendly structure,” said Heather von Zuben, Chief Executive Officer of BMACX.

Dan Oneglia, Chief Investment Officer of BMACX, added:
“Our goal will be to deliver diversified, high-quality income with lower volatility than traditional fixed income products by investing in a broad range of attractive credit assets. We believe this multi-strategy approach positions investors to capitalize on compelling relative value, particularly in dynamic market environments.”

BMACX will invest in a diverse range of credit assets, including private corporate credit, asset-backed and real estate credit, structured credit, and liquid credit, aiming to provide attractive and stable income through monthly distributions while managing risk. BMACX builds on Blackstone’s leadership in delivering private credit solutions to individual investors, with dedicated vehicles focused on direct lending available since 2018.

Strong Demand and High Cost for the First International Debt Issuance of the Milei Era

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CC-BY-SA-2.0, FlickrBuenos Aires, Puerto Madero

The Argentine government had to pay a steep price — 29.5% — in its first international debt issuance under President Javier Milei. Nevertheless, it successfully placed the $1 billion Bonte 2030 bond (a dollar-denominated debt security that pays in pesos), with demand exceeding supply.

This marks the first issuance of local currency bonds under Argentine law targeted at foreign investors in seven years. The offering saw strong demand, with bids totaling $1.694 billion from 146 investors.

The Market Had Expected a Yield Around 22%

The issuance met the goal set by Argentine authorities: to increase reserves without intervening in the exchange rate, which currently fluctuates within two bands. However, the Bonte 2030 came at a high cost: while the market had anticipated a yield of around 22%, the final rate was significantly higher.

“In Argentina, if you go back to what happened in 2017 and 2018, the government at the time (Mauricio Macri’s administration) issued around $4 billion in bonds similar to the Bonte, and the holders of those bonds who kept them to maturity lost all their capital due to a nearly 100% devaluation of the peso. So it makes sense that investors would demand a premium, especially since this is the first significant issuance in the market, in local currency, and with a long duration,” explained Juan Salerno, partner and head of investments for Argentina at Vinci Compass.

Banco Mariva offered a similar analysis: “The 29.5% yield at which the bond was issued exceeded market expectations and may initially seem excessive. However, there are various interpretations: the yield includes an initial risk premium the government must pay to reestablish market access. Another perspective (supported by the government) is that the 29.5% rate aligns with both the dollar yield curve (around 12%) and the CER curve (real yields of around 10%).”

Paula Bujía from Buda Partners explained that “demand was oriented toward real yields closer to 10%, far above the 5% that some local traders considered reasonable and in line with current CER (inflation-adjusted) bond yields. The inclusion of a two-year early redemption (‘put’) clause also serves to reduce risk. Additionally, the perception that the official exchange rate is overvalued is not a minor factor: had the peso been closer to the upper band (1300–1400), the required yield might have been lower.”

Analysts from Adcap Grupo Financiero noted that the rate was identical to that of a one-year peso Treasury bill (Lecap): “As in other auctions, the government offered a premium, though in this case it was significant. The cut-off rate was set at a nominal 29.5% (31.7% effective annual), virtually identical to the one-year Lecap rate.”

A Positive Issuance to Boost Reserves

A recent report by Cohen Aliados Financieros noted that under the terms of the IMF agreement from April, the BCRA (Central Bank of Argentina) is required to bring its net reserves to –$2.746 billion by June of this year and reach a positive balance by the end of 2025.

In this context, Juan Salerno of Vinci Compass explained that this issuance is positive given the government’s goal of meeting its reserve targets with the IMF, because “local currency bonds are counted at 100% toward net reserves, and this bond is subscribed in dollars, which means the dollars go directly into reserves. The broader context is that the government doesn’t want to buy dollars within the floating bands, so the only way to meet the reserve target is to turn to external borrowing.”

Analysts point to another positive aspect: it opens the door to similar future issuances. The identities of the 146 entities that purchased the Bonte 2030 are not public, but the market believes they are international risk funds.

Salerno noted that, internationally, Vinci Compass currently holds no peso-denominated Argentine bonds but does hold dollar-denominated ones — both sovereign and corporate, including some provincial issues. Locally, the firm does participate in the peso market.

“The Bonte issuance is a first step because there are still capital controls in Argentina (exceptions were made in this case), and we still need greater predictability. We believe it will be successful because this rate will attract many investors. Now, it’s important to watch how the secondary market behaves; I also believe it will be successful if the government maintains its goal of controlling inflation,” said the Vinci Compass expert.

Paula Bujía of Buda Partners also offered an encouraging note: “Looking on the bright side, and recalling the BOTES issued in 2016 — which debuted with high yields but then compressed significantly as macroeconomic conditions improved — this new placement could meet a similar fate. If Argentina continues to normalize its economy and starts accumulating reserves, the Bonte 2030 could follow a similar path of spread compression and pave the way for less onerous issuances for the government. But it’s important to note that issuing debt is not enough: reserves must also be accumulated to satisfy the market.”

Columbia Threadneedle Investments Enters the Active ETF Business in Europe

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Columbia Threadneedle Investments has announced that it will offer its range of active ETFs in Europe. According to the firm, it plans to launch four equity UCITS vehicles in the UK and Europe over the course of this year, subject to regulatory approval. These four new active ETFs will offer European clients exposure to global, U.S., European, and emerging market equities. The firm also noted that its goal is to expand the range and include active fixed income ETFs next year.

The initial product range will be managed by Chris Lo, Senior Portfolio Manager, and his team based in the United States. They currently manage $15 billion in assets across 13 U.S.-domiciled funds. Columbia Threadneedle has a strong track record in designing and managing ETF strategies tailored to client needs, with $5.5 billion in assets under management across 14 U.S.-domiciled ETFs.

The new active equity ETFs launching in the European market will leverage the firm’s expertise in ETF and systematic solutions management. According to Columbia Threadneedle, the new lineup is built on the investment approach of the Columbia Research Enhanced Core ETF, a Morningstar five-star rated fund that combines quantitative analysis with Columbia Threadneedle’s extensive fundamental research capabilities. “The active equity ETFs will be truly active, designed to outperform the index,” the firm states.

Following the announcement, Richard Vincent, Head of Product (EMEA) at Columbia Threadneedle Investments, explained: “We are continuously looking to develop and expand our investment offering for clients, providing innovative, high-value products and solutions that complement our existing range. In this regard, bringing active ETFs to Europe and building on the foundation of our successful U.S. platform is a natural expansion that draws on years of experience delivering ETF solutions to our U.S. clients.”

A Clear Vision

Columbia Threadneedle’s new European active equity ETFs aim to meet various needs of discretionary fund buyers. First, by offering high-conviction core equity positions as fundamental building blocks for portfolios—strategies aligned with benchmark indices but designed to generate alpha through genuine stock selection.

The firm also emphasizes that this is a proven, consistent, and replicable investment strategy, combining quantitative and fundamental analysis within a rules-based, repeatable, and easy-to-understand framework. In addition, it offers transparency and cost efficiency: daily disclosure of investment decisions, a portfolio designed to minimize transaction costs, and competitive fees.

“We are excited to bring this innovative and differentiated investment strategy to the European market in an active ETF format. These four new active ETFs will complement our existing open-ended fund offering, expanding options for clients seeking core active components for their portfolios. Active ETFs are increasingly being adopted by clients as an efficient way to implement portfolios. By leveraging our U.S. track record, we can offer clients excellent value. We believe this represents a genuine growth opportunity for us in the region,” said Michaela Collet Jackson, Head of Distribution and Marketing for EMEA at Columbia Threadneedle Investments.