Boris F.J. Collardi, Chief Executive Officer of Julius Baer Group, said: “On the back of a recovery in client activity and better cost efficiency, our Group markedly improved its operational performance in the first half of 2013. At the same time, we made tremendous progress in the integration of IWM, which makes us confident that we will achieve our goal of having 80% of targeted IWM client assets reported at Julius Baer by the end of this year.”
Total client assets amounted to CHF 304 billion, an increase of 10% since the end of 2012. Assets under management grew by 15%, or CHF 28 billion (USD 30 billion) , to CHF 218 billion (USD 233 billion). This included approximately CHF 24 billion (USD 25.65 billion) of AuM reported from IWM, of which CHF 12 billion (USD 12.82 billion) were booked on the Julius Baer platforms and paid for. A further update on IWM, including on AuM transferred after the end of June, is located towards the end of this media release.
Outside the contribution from IWM, the increase in AuM was the result of net new money of CHF 3.4 billion, a positive currency impact of CHF 2 billion as well as CHF 0.2 billion from the acquisition of a 60% equity participation in TFM Asset Management, partly offset by the disposal on 31 May 2013 of our former Italian onshore subsidiary Julius Baer SIM SpA, with CHF 1 billion in AuM, as well as by a marginally negative market performance of CHF 1 billion. The market performance was impacted by several clients’ exposure to underperforming asset classes such as emerging market securities and gold as well as by the global market corrections in June 2013, and occurred despite the fact that Julius Baer again achieved a clearly positive performance across practically all discretionary mandates it manages. Due to the Group’s strong focus on the successful transfer and integration of the IWM businesses, the pace of stand-alone net hirings of RMs decelerated somewhat, which was one of the factors behind the year-on-year slowdown in the net new money rate to 3.6% (annualised). Net new money was driven by continued net inflows from the growth markets and from the local business in Germany, while the inflows in the cross-border European business were offset by tax-driven outflows. Assets under custody came to CHF 86 billion, compared to CHF 88 billion at the end of 2012.
Adjusted profit before taxes went up by 28% to CHF 319 million (USD 341 million) from a restated level of CHF 249 million (USD 266 million) a year ago. The related income taxes increased from a restated level of CHF 41 million to CHF 57 million, representing a tax rate of 18%, up from a restated rate of 16.6%. Adjustednet profit consequently increased by 26% to CHF 261 million from a restated level of CHF 208 million, and, following the higher share count after the capital increases in October 2012 and January 2013, adjusted earnings per share came to CHF 1.23, up by 17% from a restated level of CHF 1.04.
IWM update
After the end of June 2013, a further CHF 22 billion (USD 23.5 billion) of IWM AuM were transferred to Julius Baer, taking total IWM AuM reported to CHF 47 billion, of which CHF 19 billion were booked on the Julius Baer platforms and paid for. Since the start of the IWM integration process on 1 February 2013, and including the additional transfer milestones reached in July 2013, a total of twelve IWM locations have now entered the transfer process. This encompasses the largest IWM locations in Switzerland, Uruguay, Singapore, Hong Kong and the UK, as well as two locations that are new to the Group, namely Luxembourg and Spain. Including the July transfers, the total number of IWM staff at Julius Baer has increased to 1,005 FTEs, of which 272 are relationship managers. As a result of the strong progress made to date, the Group reaffirms its target to acquire between CHF 57 billion and CHF 72 billion of IWM AuM by January 2015. Of this targeted range, 80% are expected to be reported and 70% to be booked on the Julius Baer platforms and paid for by the end of 2013. The estimate for the total IWM-related transaction, restructuring and integration costs to be borne by Julius Baer has been increased from approximately CHF 400 million to approximately CHF 455 million. This is mainly the result of higher estimated costs related to the client onboarding process. All other IWM-related targets are reaffirmed.
Foto: Luca Barni . UBS WM atrae 10.790 millones de dólares nuevos, más de 2.885 millones en las Américas
UBS estimates that for the second quarter of 2013 its operating profit before tax was approximately USD 1.09 billion and its net profit attributable to shareholders was approximately CHF 690 million (USD 737 million). “Our Basel III common equity tier 1 ratio is expected to improve significantly to approximately 11.2% on a fully applied basis and 16.2% on a phase-in basis”, said the bank in a press release.
The bank reports strong net new money in our wealth management businesses with net inflows of approximately CHF 10.1 billion (USD 10.8 billion) in Wealth Management and net inflows of CHF 2.7 billion (USD 2.9 billion)in Wealth Management Americas, with net outflows of CHF 2.0 billion (USD 2.1 billion) in Global Asset Management.
UBS has reached an agreement in principle with the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to settle claims relating to US residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) offerings between 2004 and 2007. This case, which we have highlighted in our litigation note since the third quarter of 2011, is one of a group of cases related to RMBS offerings filed by the FHFA against 18 financial institutions. The settlement, which is subject to documentation and final approvals by the parties, would encompass pending RMBS-related litigation brought by the FHFA against UBS on behalf of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as well as certain unasserted claims. The full cost of the settlement is covered by litigation provisions established by UBS during the second quarter of 2013 and in prior periods.
Finally the bank says that their full financial report for the second quarter of 2013 will be issued as scheduled on 30 July 2013.
Wikimedia CommonsUna de las obras de la exposición en Biscayne Art House en Miami. “Vanishing Points & Convergence”: Arte Salvadoreño en Perspectiva
After its official opening on December 6, 2012, Biscayne Art House opened its doors to art lovers in Miami and Worldwide.
Located in the heart of Miami and the Brickell Financial District, the historic building reflects the classic splendor of the ancient city, just a few steps from its downtown elegant infrastructures.
Biscayne Art House is a division of Biscayne Capital International, a wealth management boutique firm, with offices in Uruguay, Ecuador, Switzerland and the Bahamas.
Biscayne Art House proudly encourages art in all forms, and is an advocate for the promotion of arts in the city, thus contributing to the entry of International artists to the community, acting as the gateway to the Americas.
Biscayne Art House has positioned itself as a portal to showcase artists from Latin America, the Caribbean and Worldwide.
It’s recent exposition “Vanishing Points & Convergence” Salvadorean Art in Perspective allows visitors to come into contact with the diversity of the country’s artistic practices. Their strength prevails despite having originated in a peripheral zone in relation to the harmonic centers from which the narrative of what is characterized as global is constructed.
Ronald Moran, Danny Zavaleta and Luis Cornejo, which exhibit individual works in Miami, as an initiative connected to the recent constitution of “Fugalternativa”.
FUGALTERNATIVA culture is an educational non-profit that promotes contemporary artistic experimentation through exhibitions, curatorial projects, talks and other activities alternative expression.
Biscayne Art House hopes to expand the scope of contemporary artists, exposition after exposition as well as presenting works of the greatest masters. This exposition is being healed the Art House Gallery from July 11th through August 1st 2013, Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm and weekends with prior appointments.”
By Krzykol . JP Morgan Chase anuncia la salida de dos de sus consejeros
JPMorgan Chase & Co. announced today that two of its directors, David Cote and Ellen Futter, have retired from its Board of Directors. The company also said that it intends to appoint new directors to the Board later this year.
Ms. Futter is retiring after 16 years of service to the company, having served on several Board committees and helping steer the company through a number of mergers as well as the recent financial crisis. “Ellen has been an outstanding director and leader – helping guide our firm successfully during a critical time in our history. I will miss her greatly,” said Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO.
Mr. Cote is stepping down after more than five years of service. Jamie Dimon said, “As Chairman and CEO of Honeywell, Dave brought exceptional experience to JPMorgan Chase across a broad spectrum of issues. He is a highly talented executive, and we were all fortunate to benefit from his knowledge and leadership.”
Lee Raymond, the Board’s Presiding Director, added, “Our Board wants to add its thanks to Ellen and Dave for their significant contributions to our company over the years and to our Board governance. We are always in search of great directors, and the Board expects to appoint additional directors as the year goes on.”
“I am proud to have served as a member of JPMorgan Chase’s Board during such a historic time in the life of the company,” said Ellen Futter, adding, “having been a director since the 1990s, I believe that this is the right time to make this transition. It’s a great company with outstanding leadership in Jamie Dimon, senior management and at the Board level.”
Dave Cote said, “I am grateful for the opportunity to have served on the JPMorgan Chase Board. Given the increasing demands on the Directors of companies in the financial services sector, I decided that now was the time to reallocate my limited personal time to other outside activities. My time on the JPMorgan Chase Board has been a terrific experience.”
JPMorgan Chase & Co is a leading global financial services firm with assets of $2.4 trillion and operations worldwide. The firm is a leader in investment banking, financial services for consumers, small business and commercial banking, financial transaction processing, asset management and private equity. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, JPMorgan Chase & Co. serves millions of consumers in the United States and many of the world’s most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients under its J.P. Morgan and Chase brands.
Ignacio Pakciarz, BigSur's CEO. BigSur, a Model of Independent Portfolio Management
If not administered and managed correctly, family wealth is squandered in three generations. The success, happiness and peace of future generations depend on the ability of wealth managers, either of their own wealth or that of others. “The reality is that wealth is consumed in three generations. One of our functions is to eliminate or mitigate the possibility that the legacy is destroyed,” says Ignacio Pakciarz, CEO ofBigSur, in an interview with Funds Society.
Pakciarz is well aware of that fact because he has been managing wealth for many years, first from larger institutions and for the last six years at the helm of Big Sur, a “multi family office” which he founded with Rafael Iribarren in 2007, thanks to the support of six Latin American families who had faith on a group of professionals who were looking for a model capable of offering solutions tailored to clients’ needs, independently and without conflicts of interest.
In this respect, Pakciarz explained that previous experience of the BigSur team in large institutions, JP Morgan, Deutsche Bank and Goldman Sachs, to name just e a few, allowed them the opportunity to build a model without the shortcomings of the largest institutions and to give a bespoke service. “A business focused on avoiding many mistakes and conflicts of interest that occur in traditional private banking business.”
At BigSur, says the manager, “we align the objectives, so there is zero conflict of interest and we are one hundred percent independent. It is about trying to provide a solution tailored to the clients: in terms of investment, fiduciary structure and the client’s stage of life. “
The average net worth of each of their client families is at about $ 50 million and the smallest around $10 million. Most are of Latin American origin, although many of them are international families, in which members are spread across countries, subject to different jurisdictions.
An advisory committee
As for its investment universe, Pakciarz said the firm has an investment committee which not only aims to improve clients’ returns, but also to minimize the risks, when faced with the possibility of negative market movements.
They invest according to the models developed in the firm, not only in stocks and bonds, but also in alternative products such as “private equity”, commodities, real estate and a small percentage in hedge funds, an asset that is not among their favorites. They have a team of 14 people with extensive experience in various financial instruments. “My focus as CEO is to assemble the best team in the market,” said Pakciarz. BigSur has appointed two new professionals in the last year with over 23 years of experience in “research” and “trading”.
One of the features of BigSur is “always think of your clients as partners.” After the crisis in the U.S. housing market, together with their clients, they found that the bond market had significantly decreased its appeal, and, on the other hand, that the property market had become very attractive, “both for the value of the properties as for the income which their rental produces.”A group of professionals, together with the firm’s clients, detected the most efficient way to capture such an alternative, which benefits its Investors Club.
Pakciarz also explained that being independent; they associate with whoever may provide greater benefits to their clients-partners at any one time. These associations are based solely on the benefits to client-partners; since BigSur does not earn commissions on transactions or on products.
Finally, the executive said that BigSur wish to become the best alternative so that their clients do not suffer from one of the common characteristics of the financial market, “fear”. “This occurs when there is no transparency, the clients are uninformed, clients’ interests are not the same as those of the consultant, or a clear plan of investment is lacking. Families who come here are aware of what they want. They are concerned about their legacy and maintaining their wealth. “
Mathieu Ferragut, new head of Crédit Agricole Private Banking Américas. Mathieu Ferragut, New Head of Crédit Agricole Private Banking for the Americas
Mathieu Ferragut has been appointed as the new head ofCrédit Agricole Private Banking Américas, a position which he will carry out from the offices of the French bank in Miami, as he himself explained in an interview with Funds Society.
The Crédit Agricole private bank, present in Latin America for over 30 years, is a boutique business, as Ferragut himself describes it; he goes on to add that they have a great advantage because they have the backup of Crédit Agricole, which is the world’s fourth largest bank in terms of assets, but of medium-size within the private banking business, giving them a lot of flexibility, which doesn’t mean that it is not an aggressive bank with the same nerve as the big market players. “We have the best of both worlds”.
Ferragut assumes this position after the management of the French company decided to go for further regionalization of business. Crédit Agricole has a strong network of international private banks They have a bank in Brazil, they have a presence in Uruguay, in Switzerland they are the third largest foreign bank, they stand as the leading bank in Monaco and the second largest foreign bank in Luxembourg, plus they are present in Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai, Spain and Italy.
The management in Paris has chosen Ferragut, a man from within company ranks, to manage the private banking business in the Americas.
To date, Ferragut worked as general manager of Crédit Agricole in Miami, a position he held since 2008. Previously, and also within the bank, he was second regional deputy general manager and chief operating officer for private banking in Asia from Singapore, where he lived for five years.
Ferragut, with over 15 years of industry experience, through his time spent in both Singapore and Miami has acquired great knowledge of Asian and Latin American markets, which are actually, “the bank’s two priorities”.
The manager has a Commerce MBA from France and a postgraduate degree in Finance and Markets, which was also completed in France.
As for his vision of the private banking industry, Ferragut believes that it’s currently a good moment for the sector, which is developing strongly and with many opportunities. “There are many players, but there is room for everyone”.
In the case of Latin America, he believes that private banking is covered by U.S. and European banks, so there is plenty of room for local banks, in a region undoubtedly considered to be the best emerging market at the moment.
Finally and regarding how he is facing his new stage, the executive said he expects the business to grow in a strong way, with at least 15% increase in annual turnover. The growth will come primarily from the organic side, with the possibility of external growth if the opportunities come along.
“We don’t want to become a giant, we would like very selected, and controlled, quality growth”. The business will primarily focus on Brazil, Mexico and the Andean Group.
Wikimedia CommonsBill McQuaker (pictured), Deputy Head of Equities for Henderson, highlights the firm's Outlook for the second half of 2013. This is the third and last part of this investment outlook. Not too hot, not too cold
The rally in global equities since last summer has been driven primarily by the wave of liquidity provided by central banks. This wave will not last forever. We have seen the first indications of an exit strategy from the US Fed. As it has done since the Global Financial Crisis began, the US central bank will set the template for its peers when it decides to withdraw stimulus and move towards re-establishing a more ‘conventional’ relationship with its economy. The signs are that a return to ‘normality’ is tentatively underway, and this is no bad thing if growth continues to improve steadily. Since 2010 global economic expansion has been somewhat disappointing, but at the same time it has not been so fragile that there has been a real danger of renewed recession. This type of ‘Goldilocks world’ that we have been inhabiting has been a relatively benign one – banks have kept the wolves from the door while the porridge warms on the stove.
Duration, duration, duration…
For some time, we have been assessing the potential vulnerability of bond portfolios if the outlook for rates changes dramatically. If the world economy continues to heal as we think it will, bonds will have less appeal than they have had in the past. If a substantial weight of money begins to rapidly exit the bond markets, liquidity issues could resurface. Making the correct call on fixed income exposure could potentially be more important in terms of asset allocation than equity sector and regional positioning within multi-asset portfolios. For example, we currently have very limited exposure to conventional gilts or US treasuries, preferring corporate bond funds with short maturities and flexible mandates.
The intensifying search for yield has been leading investors to the higher risk end of the corporate bond markets. The valuation argument for high yield corporate bonds continues to centre upon their spread to government debt: the continuation of current central bank policies has been instrumental in suppressing interest rates and bond yields, supporting equity markets and keeping corporate defaults low. However, high yield bonds have seen significant inflows, and it is becoming more difficult to argue that their coupons provide sufficient compensation for risks taken by the investor, especially in the event of rising rates. Similarly, emerging market debt is another area of concern for us.
…Location, location, location
Partly as a result of our views on the potential dangers in the bond market, we have been shifting some of our exposure into property. In some respects, property can be perceived as a ‘stepping stone’ asset for investors who are looking to rotate out of bonds, but who are not yet comfortable investing in equities. It offers a similar yield to high yield bonds, but with arguably fewer valuation concerns. In comparison to a considerable sum of money that has been parked into bonds over the past few years, property has had very little direct investment. Although we do not expect much in the way of capital gains in the short run, running yields from commercial property are relatively attractive. We anticipate a yield in the area of 4.5%-5% over the course of a year if achieved through carefully managed strategies.
Opinion column by Bill McQuaker, Deputy Head of Equities for Henderson Global Investors.
Wikimedia CommonsBy Dong L. Zou . Román Blanco to Head Santander in the United States
Román Blanco has been appointed as Santander’s new Country Head in the United States, replacing Jorge Morán, who has decided to leave the group to pursue other professional interests.
Román Blanco was born in Sendelle, Pontevedra (Spain) in 1964 and joined Santander in 2004. He was an executive in Brazil before being appointed Country Head for Colombia in 2007. In 2012 he took charge of Santander’s operations in Puerto Rico, which, in June this year, became part of the group’s organizational structure in the U.S.
“He will now take over from Jorge Morán, who has completed the reorganization of the group’s business units in the United States and Sovereign Bank’s implementation of the Santander group technical and operating platform”, said the bank in a press release.
By Nangua . Investors Still Confident In Global Growth Despite China Doubts
Global investors remain confident in the outlook for economic growth despite their sharply decreased growth expectations for China, according to the BofA Merrill Lynch Fund Manager Survey for July. A net 52 percent of respondents now expect the global economy to strengthen over the next year, close to last month’s reading and up four percentage points from May’s.
Sentiment towards China has continued to worsen, however. A net 65 percent of regional panelists now see the country’s economy weakening in the next year, compared to a similar majority anticipating stronger GDP as recently as December 2012. A “hard landing” in China stands out as a major tail risk that fund managers identify, with over half (56 percent) ranking it first on this measure – compared to one-third of respondents a month ago.
Investors’ conviction that developed economies – the U.S. and Japan in particular – will still achieve growth is reflected in their growing appetite for equities. A majority of asset allocators are now overweight equities, up nine points in two months to a net 52 percent. Confidence in the U.S. is also apparent in a net 83 percent favoring the dollar over other currencies, the highest reading yet recorded by the survey.
Stances towards bonds are increasingly negative. A net 55 percent of fund managers are now underweight fixed-income instruments. They have also lifted their cash holdings to 4.6 percent. This is the highest level in a year and represents a contrarian buy signal for equities.
“With the support of a host of buy signals in recent weeks, the ‘Great Rotation’ is in full force. Our positive view of equities would be further reinforced if the loss of faith in China’s growth story turns out to be overdone,” said Michael Hartnett, chief investment strategist at BofA Merrill Lynch Global Research. “Global investors are trailing the eurozone’s economic momentum. They should prefer cheap domestic exposures to its rich EM exposures,” added John Bilton, European investment strategist.
GEM sentiment souring
The shift in sentiment towards China shows through in investors’ broader stance on global emerging markets (GEM). A net 44 percent now view GEM countries as offering the worst outlook for corporate earnings of any region – the most negative level yet recorded in the survey, following an 18 percentage point decline from last month. They are similarly unimpressed by the region’s quality of earnings.
GEM valuations do not appear to have yet declined sufficiently to reflect these views. Indeed, investors see eurozone equities as cheaper. A net 18 percent of fund managers are now underweight GEM equities, down from a net overweight just two months ago and the lowest level recorded in the survey since 2001. An unprecedented net 26 percent expects to underweight GEM equities on a 12-month basis.
However, Russia is attracting increased interest. A net 50 percent of specialist GEM fund managers are now overweight the country’s equities, up 12 points from last month.
Positive on Japan
Japan stands out as one of the survey’s most positive themes. Investors’ assessment of the risk of the reflationary “Abenomics” policy failing has receded sharply this month. Their view that the country offers the best outlook for corporate profits of any region has strengthened further. All regional fund managers surveyed expect companies to achieve double-digit earnings growth over the next year.
Against this background, appetite for Japanese equities has risen sharply. July’s net 27 percent overweight is up 10 points from last month, the biggest rise of any major market. Investors’ stance on the market is now almost as positive as that towards U.S. equities (up four points this month to a net 29 percent overweight).
Inflation in focus
With growth in prospect, inflation is increasingly on investors’ minds. A net 38 percent of panelists now expect global core inflation to be higher in a year’s time, a rise of seven percentage points from last month.
This is reflected in some “short-covering” in commodities, an asset class especially sensitive to inflation (though also very exposed to demand from China). A net 26 percent of panelists are now underweight commodities, up six percentage points since June to the most positive level in three months – though this is an improvement from notable weakness since June marked a record low for positioning in commodities.
Wikimedia CommonsYerlan Syzdykiv, Head of Emerging Markets - Bond & High Yield, Pioneer Investments. Pioneer Investments Strengthens Fixed Income Capability in Its London Investment Hub
Pioneer Investments has announced several developments to its Emerging Market and High Yield Fixed Income capability in its London investment hub. Yerlan Syzdykov, Senior Portfolio Manager Emerging Markets and High Yield Fixed Income, and Lead manager of Emerging Markets Bond strategy has been appointed Head of Emerging Markets – Bond & High Yield.
Yerlan, who will remain lead portfolio manager for Pioneer Investments’ Emerging Market Debt strategies, will take on overall performance responsibility for all Emerging Markets & Euro High Yield investment strategies managed by a team of 6 portfolio managers. He takes over from Greg Saichin, who has resigned his position as Head of Emerging Markets and High Yield to pursue another opportunity outside the firm.
Yerlan has been involved in the managing of Pioneer Investments’ Emerging Market Debt strategies since 2000 and “has had a key role in evolving our investment capability in this area over the last 13 years”, highlights Pioneer Investments through a release. He will report into Mauro Ratto, Head of Emerging Markets.
Over the last few months, Pioneer Investments has been expanding its investment footprint in its Emerging Markets & High Yield team in London.
In order to help exploit attractive opportunities available in local currency emerging market debt and credits, notably loans, 2 new portfolio managers with local currency and loan expertise, will join the firm in August. Desmond English joins from Commerzbank as Portfolio Manager with a specific focus on loans. He has 16 years of experience in this area. Esther Law joins as co-manager on EM Debt Local Currency strategy with focus on local currency debt and relative value strategies. Esther has 15 years of experience in emerging markets, joining Pioneer Investments from Societe Generale.
Further, as part of the continued efforts to enhance Pioneer Investments’ research capacity, 3 dedicated research analysts have recently joined, bringing total headcount of the EM & High Yield team to 10 analysts, averaging 12 years of experience. Marina Vlasenko brings 13 years of experience to the firm and has taken responsibility for Emerging Market financials. Paul Cheung, an analyst of 6 years’ experience, and Ray Jian, 6 years, deepen our capacity to form views on real estate and industrials respectively.
“These additional hires will allow for a greater degree of specialisation among the investment team”, follows the firm adding that the specialist portfolio managers and analysts concentrating on specific segments of the fixed income market are dedicated to delivering the best in-house ideas. “Each specialist alpha strategy is deployed across a wide range of different Emerging Markets and High Yield Debt portfolios, with the aim of ensuring consistency and scalability in delivering performance”.
To strengthen the investment process, Pioneer Investments has been enhancing the use of Risk Budgeting across the Emerging Market & High Yield Fixed Income portfolios. By embedding propriety risk management systems fully into the heart of the investment process, “the objective is to increase the ability to deliver the goal of stable alpha generation to clients”.
Pioneer Investments conlcludes by saying that these enhancements and appointments “underline a high degree of continuity in the investment process. Further, we believe it will ensure the strengthening of a team based investment approach to portfolio construction across the Emerging Market & High Yield asset class and support the goal of investment excellence.”
