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Alternative Assets Will Reach $32 Trillion by 2030: Five Key Trends

Alternative assets 32 trillion by 2030 — Pixabay CC0 Public Domain

Looking ahead and considering how private markets will evolve over the second half of the decade, it is important to assess some of the cyclical obstacles currently weighing on the market. According to the Preqin study “Private Markets in 2030,” private equity fund distributions have been relatively low in recent years, which has limited cash flows to Limited Partners (LPs) and, in turn, reduced investors’ willingness to commit capital to new funds. This stands in sharp contrast to the strong growth and accelerating activity in private markets when pandemic-era stimulus measures were in place in 2021.

Since the peak of the cycle in 2021, private markets have remained in a quiet phase, with only tentative signs of recovery in exit volumes. Looking five years ahead, Preqin expects that the recovery in exit volumes will help drive a new cycle within private equity—and private markets more broadly.

To such an extent that alternative assets under management are on track to reach $32.01 trillion globally by 2030, according to the report. The firm forecasts that the sector will recover from the current stagnation in exit volumes, which could mark the beginning of a new cycle in private markets, as detailed by Cameron Joyce, Director and Global Head of Research Insights.

Alternatives AUM expected to exceed $30tn in 2030F
Alternatives assets under management by asset class

Preqin experts identify five key trends in alternative markets for the next five years:

A New Cycle Should Emerge

We expect that the recovery in exit volumes will help drive a new cycle in the field of private equity and private markets more broadly. Scenarios that could trigger this new cycle include a reduction in official interest rates, continued convergence in asset valuations between buyers and sellers, and an ongoing structural shift in allocations from public to private markets.

Infrastructure Moves to the Forefront

Infrastructure as an asset class is expected to accelerate in growth, with assets under management approaching $3 trillion by the end of 2030. Growth in Europe is expected to outpace that of North America in this area.

European infrastructure to grow fastest up to 2030F
Infrastructure AUM by region focus

Private Credit Reaches Maturity

The firm also expects that the introduction of new, more liquid fund structures in private credit will support growth in assets under management within this asset class. At the same time, it anticipates that the continued expansion of private credit will enhance the sector’s ability to compete with the banking industry. Forecasts indicate that private credit will double its assets under management by 2030, with further growth potential driven by greater investor access and banking disintermediation.

Fundraising for distressed debt forecast to grow at faster rate than direct lending
Aggregate fundraising by sub-strategy

AI Momentum for Private Capital

Preqin also expects artificial intelligence to be a key driver of venture capital-backed investment over the next five years, with an increase in the rate of startup creation as AI tools lower barriers and reduce costs. In addition, private equity-backed companies are expected to leverage AI technologies to boost operational efficiency.

The Wealth Channel Will Support Fundraising

As a fifth trend, the firm anticipates that the wealth investor segment will increase its overall share in private market fundraising by 2030. Moreover, it does not rule out this segment becoming an additional source of upside risk to its forecast.

Hybrid Systems Are Being Prioritized Globally: Interview with the President of Amafore/FIAP

| By Amaya Uriarte | 0 Comentarios

Hybrid systems prioritized globally — Photo courtesyGuillermo Zamarripa, President of Amafore and FIAP

Given the wide range of characteristics and variables that shape pension systems across the continent, several clear trends are beginning to emerge. This is the view of Guillermo Zamarripa, President of the Mexican Association of Retirement Fund Administrators (Amafore) and President of the International Federation of Pension Fund Administrators (FIAP), who highlights that—despite the heterogeneity of current pension systems and reforms in progress—hybrid systems are becoming the global norm.

From his leadership role at FIAP, which brings together pension fund management associations from Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico, Peru, the Dominican Republic, and Uruguay, as well as from Spain and Kazakhstan, Zamarripa observes that the public debate around pensions has become more balanced.

“Everyone is refining the debate,” he explains in an interview with Funds Society. For years, the discussion was dominated by two extremes: individual capitalization only or pay-as-you-go systems. Since then, the debate “has evolved,” with sharper arguments and more concrete reasoning.

While some ideological stances still persist in public discussions around pension systems, “pragmatism is what is now driving everything,” Zamarripa asserts. This more practical approach has become the mainstream view, embraced by major international organizations such as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the World Bank, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

This shift comes against a backdrop of global concerns such as demographic changes, their impact on labor markets, and population aging—issues that have intensified the search for more sustainable pension models.

Hybrid Models and Generational Funds

According to Zamarripa, hybrid pension financing models recognize that a system cannot rely on a single source of funding. This is particularly relevant in Latin American countries, where labor informality tends to be high.

Globally, the trend—including in developed markets like the United States and Europe—is toward combining elements of defined benefit systems and individual savings accounts, adapting to the cultural and structural dynamics of local labor markets.

“A key component is the individual account. Because government money isn’t enough,” Zamarripa points out.

On the investment side, another growing trend is the adoption of Target Date Funds (TDFs), in which portfolio management evolves over the working life of different worker cohorts.

However, the Amafore president emphasizes that these vehicles are “not a one-size-fits-all solution.” Instead, he encourages viewing them as a conceptual operational model that must be adapted to local realities. He also stresses the importance of carefully designed benchmarks and glidepaths.

Opening of Pension Portfolios

Zamarripa has also observed an important evolution in the composition of pension fund portfolios, specifically in three areas:

A greater openness to riskier assets,
Increasing exposure to alternative investments, and
Growing allocations to international markets.

Traditionally, pension funds begin by investing in domestic government debt and gradually expand their portfolios. Local fixed income, he explains, is just one “layer” of the portfolio.

“What we’re doing is building those additional layers, which is why the major trend is consistent with expanding,” he notes, adding that “the world changes, and markets change.”

In this context, investment limits play a critical role. Regulators have gradually relaxed these constraints, enabling fund managers to diversify. These regulatory shifts typically respond to the reality that older investment rules no longer align with the current structure of pension portfolios.

“The issue is not to think of them as imposed restrictions, but to ensure that restrictions don’t create distortions. That’s why they’ve been expanded to include more asset classes,” he explains. Zamarripa also highlights the importance of public-private dialogue, which facilitates discussions on the appropriateness of certain limits and their impact on final pension outcomes.

The Three Forces Driving Investment in Nuclear Energy Through ETFs

| By Amaya Uriarte | 0 Comentarios

Three forces driving nuclear energy ETFs — Pixabay CC0 Public Domain

Nuclear energy is once again drawing attention after years in the background, becoming a subject of debate regarding its long-term viability and whether its potential benefits—reliable and clean energy—outweigh its risks—safety and environmental impact. According to VanEck, three key forces are currently driving investment in the nuclear energy ecosystem.

1. Rising Electricity Demand

The International Energy Agency forecasts a global increase in electricity demand, driven by emerging economies such as China and India.

This trend is also supported by several macro developments, including:

Artificial Intelligence, whose data-intensive usage is rapidly increasing the need for data centers and their associated energy consumption.
Electric vehicles, ranging from cars to a wide variety of battery-powered machinery.
Cryptocurrencies, which also require significant amounts of energy.
Climate-related factors, such as intense heatwaves in multiple regions, have further contributed to heightened electricity demand.

2. A Clean and Reliable Energy Source

Global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the expansion of renewable energy capacity have been delayed, according to various studies. As a result, existing nuclear facilities and new projects have become vital components in the global energy transition.

Nuclear energy has significantly lower emissions compared to certain renewable sources and is not subject to generation timing constraints. Unlike wind and solar power—limited by calm winds and dark skies—nuclear power provides consistent and reliable energy.

Additionally, nuclear energy requires a fraction of the land area used by solar and wind installations, making it a compact and efficient source. For example, an average 1,000-megawatt nuclear plant in the U.S. requires around 1.3 square miles of land, compared to 31 times more for solar and 173 times more for wind energy.

3. Growing Regulatory Support

Another major driver is renewed governmental support. After the Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011, many countries deprioritized nuclear energy in favor of alternatives. However, in recent years, many have reversed this stance.

Nations such as the United States, Japan, China, Switzerland, India, and Norway are now demonstrating regulatory support for nuclear power.

ETFs Aligned with This Megatrend

Investors can gain exposure to this long-term trend through exchange-traded funds (ETFs):

VanEck Uranium and Nuclear Technologies UCITS ETF
This fund provides comprehensive exposure to the nuclear energy ecosystem. In addition to uranium mining companies, it includes nuclear energy producers, engineering and construction firms, and suppliers of equipment, technology, and services for the nuclear sector. It has seen a 12-month return of approximately 50%.
Global X Uranium UCITS ETF
Offers access to companies involved in uranium mining and nuclear component production, including firms engaged in exploration, refining, or manufacturing equipment for uranium and nuclear energy industries.
WisdomTree Uranium and Nuclear Energy UCITS ETF
Seeks to replicate the performance of the WisdomTree Uranium and Nuclear Energy Index, which is designed to reflect the performance of companies operating in the uranium and nuclear energy sector.

These ETFs allow investors to participate in a sector that is regaining relevance amid energy transition challenges, technological advances, and growing global power demand.

Albert Saporta (CEO): “Make GAM Great Again”

| By Amaya Uriarte | 0 Comentarios

Although he has held the position for only four months, the path toward achieving this goal began a couple of years ago, when an investor alliance called NewGame—including the Swiss wealth management firm Bruellan and French billionaire Xavier Niel—became majority shareholders and took control of the company.

“It was two years ago when I started to take an interest in GAM and began investing, as its stock had dropped dramatically. I knew the firm from my career in alternative investments and knew that GAM had been a major reference and expert in that field. In fact, it was the leading entity in the hedge fund space during the ’80s, ’90s, and part of the 2000s. But the company had been losing money for four years, which is an anomaly in the industry. When I looked into it, I saw that the managers were still outperforming the market and that the brand’s reputation remained strong, despite the 2018 scandal. It seemed clear that GAM had a serious management problem. At that point, I decided to form a group of investors to acquire a stake in GAM and act as a constructive activist investor to influence the company’s management and strategy. I had the support of Xavier Niel to carry out this plan and raise the capital needed to invest in the company. So we created a structure in Geneva, Switzerland, called NewGame, and under that structure, we started buying shares in the market,” explains Saporta, describing the start of GAM’s new phase.

From Restructuring to the Future

After these first steps came disagreements with the then-management, which led to a takeover bid that enabled them to gain control of the company. “As soon as we took control of the company and management, we launched a restructuring program. In this phase, there were several key priorities. One was to stabilize the asset base, which had fallen from 85 billion to 20 billion, as well as to stabilize the investment management teams and retain some key employees. The offer from Lion Trust generated a lot of uncertainty and turbulence, so we had to calm the situation—and I believe we managed to do that quite successfully,” he recalls.

Another issue they had to deal with was the sharp decline in GAM’s assets under management following the 2018 scandal, which led to decisive action: “We had to reduce the size of the company. One of the first things we did was sell the third-party fund management business in Luxembourg and Switzerland to Carne Group, as it was highly resource-, regulation-, and time-intensive, and had low profitability.”

Saporta believes that the restructuring is now nearly complete, allowing them to focus on restoring the company’s original identity and building a business well-positioned for the future. “The first major strategic decision was to reposition GAM in the alternatives business and to do so quickly. For that, we started by closing deals with relevant partners who wanted to expand and believed in GAM’s narrative. So we completed four or five transactions with major firms. Many of these were people I knew from my professional experience—people I respect and who are extremely well regarded. And as I said, the best class, the best story, the best name in the business,” he affirms.

As a result of this work, over the past two years the firm has consolidated a network of strategic alliances to offer value-added and high-quality UCITS products to institutional investors, distributors, and private banks. These partnerships include firms such as Avenue Capital, Galena, Gramercy, Swiss Re, and Liberty Street Advisors.

To Saporta, the value of these partnerships lies in offering a more specialized product range, backed by sector experts and delivering added value—something he considers essential in an industry where margins are increasingly tight. “We have built these alliances without creating conflicts with our own fund offerings and with a clear commitment to active management strategies, including fixed income and equities, and oriented toward the wealth business,” he adds.

GAM Today and Tomorrow

Up to now, this has been the path GAM has taken. Now, Saporta wants to focus on the future. While he admits it’s difficult to predict where the company will be in five years—or whether it will even return to profitability by 2026—he is confident that it will be significantly larger than it is today.

“Investment in GAM will remain strong, which will allow us to scale up. In the short term, our priority is to ensure the firm becomes profitable again and completes its transformation process. I believe we now have all the necessary elements to achieve that. We’ve restructured the company, stabilized the investment management teams, returned to the alternatives space, and done so in a way that is substantial and different from other managers. The excellence of the firms we’re working with shows that we’re different. I believe we’ve already completed most of the partnerships we want and have done so without becoming a fund supermarket,” the CEO states.

To strengthen their fund offering, Saporta highlights that they’ve also completely revamped the sales teams. “Besides a scalable model, one of GAM’s strengths is its global distribution network. That’s quite unique for a firm of this size. We have offices throughout Europe’s major financial centers, as well as in Asia, Australia, and the United States. We also have a partner in Chile for South America and another in Hong Kong/China for those markets. We have a very significant distribution platform, and we’ve changed almost all the heads of these offices in their respective jurisdictions,” he notes.

While this entire “machinery” and strategy is in motion, Saporta is currently focused on visiting each of the company’s offices and meeting with investors to convince them that the GAM project is alive and worth supporting. “Being part of the investor group and having a significant investment in GAM through NewGame gives me the credibility needed to deliver that message. And I think it’s working very well. We still benefit from having a highly recognized name and we’re seeing a very good reception to our proposal: ‘Help us return GAM to its former position, and we will help you by offering excellent products that enable you to outperform your competitors and satisfy your clients.’ I believe that message is resonating strongly. I think we are already in the final phase to truly turn this firm around,” concludes Saporta during his visit to Madrid.

Milei Pushes Reforms in Argentina, but the Outlook for Reserves Remains Uncertain

| By Amaya Uriarte | 0 Comentarios

The results of Argentina’s midterm elections could strengthen President Javier Milei’s ability to advance his reform agenda by increasing legislative support and signaling popular confidence in his new policy direction. It remains to be seen how Milei will improve the fragile external liquidity position, which has exposed the Argentine economy to significant volatility over the past two months, according to a report by Fitch Ratings.

The midterm elections marked Milei’s first major electoral test since taking office in December 2023 and suggest that public support for his adjustment program still exists. As such, the election outcome strengthens the prospects for maintaining a primary fiscal surplus, which has been the cornerstone of the adjustment program, by enabling the government to reduce its reliance on central bank monetary financing.

The significant fiscal improvement in 2024 relied heavily on temporary factors (such as taxes on foreign currency purchases and an initial inflation spike), so its preservation and extension will depend on more permanent and specific measures, such as subsidy reductions. Similarly, the election results improve the chances of implementing the microeconomic reforms included in the IMF program for Argentina, including measures aimed at simplifying the tax system and reducing distortions, promoting formal employment and labor mobility, deregulating the economy, and addressing a major actuarial imbalance in the pension system.

However, the outlook for international reserve accumulation, as set out in the IMF program, remains a key uncertainty following the elections. The transition from a crawling peg to a managed float (within a band) in April 2025 did not lead to reserve accumulation beyond the inflows from the IMF program. Reserves came under renewed pressure after the PBA elections rattled market confidence, prompting heavy foreign exchange sales by the Argentine Central Bank and Treasury to defend the peso at the upper limit of the band—triggering extraordinary support from the U.S. Treasury.

Reserves amounted to $40 billion at the end of October, but liquid reserves represent only $20 billion, net of gold and the unusable portion of a swap with China. A $20 billion swap with the U.S. Treasury represents a new cushion, but its terms have not been disclosed and it does not eliminate the need to accumulate endogenous reserves.

The current exchange rate regime does not appear conducive to current account surpluses that would drive reserve accumulation, making the process reliant on financial inflows. The removal of foreign exchange controls and the RIGI incentive regime could attract investment. It remains to be seen whether the post-midterm increase in confidence will be sufficient to support reserve accumulation, or whether authorities will also implement changes in monetary or exchange rate policy to ensure it.

While U.S. support helped Argentina weather recent market volatility, the need for such backing underscores the country’s high external vulnerability, still reflected in its “CCC+” sovereign rating, according to Fitch Ratings. Improving this rating will depend on further policy changes that allow the country to sustainably build its own foreign currency buffers and regain market access—so that it no longer relies on emergency loans from official creditors and can eventually repay its large stock of debt accumulated during previous crises.

Private Investment Fund Managers’ Assets Surge in the U.S.

| By Amaya Uriarte | 0 Comentarios

Private investment funds based in the United States currently manage approximately $7.26 trillion in assets, according to a report by Ocorian.

More than half (52%) of global private investment fund assets are held in vehicles domiciled in the U.S., according to the firm’s Global Assets Monitor. This compares to one quarter (25%) in Asia and around one fifth (19%) in Europe.

The total value of assets in U.S.-based private investment funds has surged over the past 10 years, rising more than 300% since 2015, when the value stood at $1.81 trillion, and over 500% since 2009, when it was $1.07 trillion.

The report breaks down the distribution of U.S.-domiciled private investment funds by type. Out of the total $7.26 trillion, private equity markets account for the largest share, with $5.06 trillion in assets (70%), followed by private debt with $846 billion (12%), real estate with $829 billion (11%), and infrastructure with $529 billion (7%).

Among the various classes of private assets, U.S. private equity remains dominant: infrastructure continues to attract long-term investors, real estate faces structural challenges, and private credit is expanding into new horizons.

While private markets have faced challenges in fundraising, divestments, and the restructuring of investment theses—due to interest rate adjustments, macroeconomic shifts, and geopolitical factors—Ocorian’s analysis predicts that their positive growth trajectory will continue over the next five years.

“The universe of publicly listed companies in the U.S. has declined from over 8,000 stocks in the 1990s to roughly half that today, while the number of private companies has surged,” said Yegor Lanovenko, Co-Global Head of Fund Services at Ocorian.

Prepared and Empathetic Advisors Gain More Value Than Ever

| By Amaya Uriarte | 0 Comentarios

In recent years, the offshore wealth management market toward the United States has experienced notable growth, driven by both structural factors and short-term developments.

Traditionally linked to the wealth protection of Latin American families, this segment has evolved into more sophisticated and diversified models that are better aligned with the needs of today’s investors.

The transformation of this market is no longer merely about protecting wealth; it is about managing it with a global vision, technological tools, generational empathy, and clear ethical principles.

New generations are redefining the relationship with wealth. Women—both as clients and as advisors—are playing an increasingly central role. And artificial intelligence is optimizing operational efficiency without sacrificing personalization. In the face of global volatility, well-prepared and empathetic advisors are more valuable than ever.

Sustained Growth with Strong Foundations

Several Latin American countries have increased their assets under management on offshore platforms located in the United States, driven by the pursuit of financial stability, access to global markets, and legal protection through structures such as trusts, Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), and corporations. While uncertainty in some countries has accelerated this migration of wealth, more structural factors also play a role: the strengthening of platforms with advanced technological capabilities, regulatory openness with greater transparency (FATCA, CRS), and the need for more efficient estate planning structures.

Changes in Country Participation

Mexico remains one of the main sources of capital flowing to offshore platforms, with a strong interest in fiduciary structures and insurance-based wealth planning solutions.

In Brazil, the recent tax reform has encouraged formalization of wealth and capital flows toward jurisdictions with clear rules.

Argentina, with its currency controls, maintains its traditional focus on the United States as a destination for assets.

Colombia and Chile, though smaller in volume, show steady growth driven by emerging upper-middle classes interested in international diversification. Meanwhile, in Peru, there is increasing interest among business owners and professionals with mid-sized estates seeking stability and estate planning.

Key Trends

Growth has been both quantitative and qualitative. Platforms offering robust custody, digital tools, and international regulatory compliance are consolidating, and several firms have capitalized on this.

At the same time, the market is shifting toward hybrid models that combine traditional advisory services with discretionary management and more segmented service offerings based on clients’ wealth profiles. Sophisticated clients are seeking access to alternative investment vehicles, tax solutions, and comprehensive risk management.

New Generations and the Impact of Diversity

One of the most profound changes in the sector is the emergence of new generations. Millennial and Gen Z clients value immediacy, transparency, and alignment with their values.

They prefer digital experiences, sustainable investments (ESG), and clear communication. This generation is not only poised to inherit a significant portion of global wealth but is already making independent financial decisions.

At the same time, women are increasingly playing a decision-making role in financial matters. This not only expands the client base but also changes how advisory services are delivered: women often prefer consultative, long-term, and holistic relationships. Additionally, the offshore market is witnessing a steady rise in the number of female financial advisors, who bring new perspectives, more empathetic communication styles, and greater diversity to wealth management teams.

This trend reflects both a generational shift and institutional recognition of the value gender diversity brings to client relationships. Firms once dominated by men are now promoting female leadership, fostering more inclusive environments, and strengthening connections with an increasingly diverse clientele.

The inclusion of more female advisors has also improved representation, strengthened client relationships, and enriched decision-making by incorporating different approaches from the traditional norm.

Artificial Intelligence and the Transformation of the Advisory Model

Technology—and especially artificial intelligence (AI)—is redefining the financial advisory model. From using algorithms to design personalized portfolios to automating compliance, onboarding, and risk monitoring processes.

Advisors can now focus more on human relationships and strategy, leaving operational and analytical tasks to intelligent tools. In an increasingly competitive environment, this combination of efficiency and closeness makes the difference.

One of the recent challenges in the market has been the uncertainty caused by new tariff announcements and trade tensions, particularly between the United States and China, but also with Latin American and European countries.

In this context, many firms adopted protective strategies: rebalancing portfolios toward defensive assets, geographic diversification, use of derivatives, and ongoing communication with clients to avoid emotional decisions.

Proactive and personalized advice was key to navigating this period of volatility, reinforcing the advisor’s role as a guide beyond purely financial matters and above technological tools.

In Summary

The offshore wealth management market toward the United States is undergoing a deep transformation. Firms that integrate the key strategic elements mentioned—technology, diversity, multigenerational planning, and risk management—will be better positioned to lead the next cycle of growth in the offshore market.

FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) is U.S. legislation aimed at combating tax evasion. CRS (Common Reporting Standard) is the global, non-U.S. equivalent of FATCA.

State Street and Albilad Capital Sign Strategic Agreement

| By Amaya Uriarte | 0 Comentarios

State Street Corporation has announced the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement with Albilad Capital, one of Saudi Arabia’s leading financial institutions specializing in securities services and asset management. According to the statement, under this agreement, State Street will support Albilad Capital’s securities services offering in the country.

The firm stated that this partnership highlights State Street’s long-term strategic investment in Saudi Arabia and its strategy to provide global product capabilities to local clients. In this regard, they added that the collaboration, aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aims to strengthen the Kingdom’s financial and capital markets by combining State Street’s industry-leading solutions with Albilad Capital’s local market expertise.

“We are delighted to collaborate with Albilad Capital to support their clients and growth and contribute to the development of the Kingdom’s capital markets. This strategic alliance underscores State Street’s commitment to expanding our presence in the Kingdom and delivering world-class, innovative securities services to local and international clients in one of the fastest-growing markets in the world. By combining State Street’s global capabilities with Albilad Capital’s market knowledge, we can meet the growing demand for sophisticated investment solutions and help support the Kingdom’s ambition to become a leading financial center,” said Ron O’Hanley, Chairman and CEO of State Street.

Zaid AlMufarih, CEO of Albilad Capital, stated: “This collaboration reflects Albilad Capital’s commitment to advancing the evolution of the securities services sector in the Kingdom and enhancing market competitiveness by adopting global best practices. We are proud of this agreement, which combines State Street’s global expertise and advanced technological infrastructure with Albilad Capital’s leadership in the local market. This allows us to offer innovative and efficient investment solutions that support market development and meet our clients’ needs. Albilad Capital and State Street share a common vision focused on innovation, operational excellence, and the integration of international best practices to deliver highly efficient and effective local services. We are confident this collaboration will contribute to the transfer and localization of global knowledge, thereby supporting the development of the Kingdom’s financial market infrastructure.”

Commitment to Saudi Arabia

State Street has been serving clients in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for over 25 years and established local operations in 2020. Currently, the firm manages $127 billion in assets under custody and/or administration and $60 billion in assets under management for clients in the Kingdom.

“This initial cooperation agreement is the first step toward a long-term strategic relationship. Our goal is to deepen the collaboration and introduce additional investment services and capabilities for Saudi clients, improving the efficiency of capital markets and leveraging both firms’ capabilities in ETFs to facilitate direct foreign investment in the Kingdom,” added Oliver Berger, Head of Strategic Growth Markets at State Street.

Albilad Capital, the investment arm of Bank Albilad, was established in 2008 and offers a wide range of services, including brokerage, asset management, investment banking, custody, and advisory services to institutional investors, with a focus on Sharia-compliant products. The firm currently manages over $50 billion in assets under custody and/or administration.

The agreement was signed in Riyadh on October 29, 2025, in the presence of the Chairmen and CEOs of both companies, as well as other senior dignitaries.

The Investment Fund Boom in Mexico Will Be Long-Lasting, According to Santander Asset Manager

| By Amaya Uriarte | 0 Comentarios

Mexico is experiencing a boom in its investment fund industry. Savings have accelerated in recent years, and this phenomenon will continue for a long time, explained Alejandro Martínez, CEO of Santander Asset Manager México (SAM Asset Manager México), during a presentation to the media on the sector’s evolution and outlook in the country.

“We have very good news in terms of how savings in Mexico’s investment fund industry have been accelerating. We believe this is not only a great development in terms of current trends, but we are also very confident that it represents a major opportunity moving forward,” the executive stated.

The growth of the investment fund industry in the Latin American country has been so rapid in recent years that, according to SAM Asset Manager México, it already represents 13.5% of the country’s GDP. Viewed over the long term—specifically the last 24 years—the industry’s penetration has tripled, since at the beginning of the analysis period it represented 4.3% of Mexico’s GDP.

“This is due, in our view, to a fundamental change in how individuals in Mexico have chosen to participate in local markets, specifically through investment funds. In recent years, we’ve also seen a very strong growth trend in the industry, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.3% since 2001,” he added.

SAM Asset Manager also outlined the factors it believes will sustain the country’s investment fund boom in the coming years. “We see structural factors in Mexico that make us confident this trend will continue for a long time,” said Martínez.

He identified the following:

Demographic dividend: Mexico’s favorable population pyramid is highly attractive. The base of that pyramid will undoubtedly be the engine driving the creation of new savers and investors in the future.
Resilient economy: Economic dynamism and a highly resilient economy in recent years.
Financial inclusion: This is particularly relevant, according to the CEO. While there is still work to be done, financial inclusion in the country has improved significantly. There are more market participants, more people saving, and then transforming their savings into investments.

“All of this gives us confidence and justifies a strong bet on the long-term potential of the investment fund industry,” said Alejandro Martínez.

Another key data point is the number of clients, which has surged in recent years—with a striking 13 million new clients since 2008. The combination of market capacity and inclusion leaves no doubt that this trend will persist.

SAM Asset Manager Aims for a Larger Share

The firm recently celebrated surpassing €250 billion (around $290 billion) in assets under management globally. In this context, Mexico—where the firm has operated for 30 years—is a growing and strategic market, already representing 10% of total assets under management. The firm currently ranks third in the country, with 560 billion pesos in assets under management (approximately $29.5 billion). Martínez highlighted the support and philosophy of the global firm, Santander Asset Management.

“This is a firm with highly significant global capabilities, but it also has a key differentiator: a local approach. In the 10 countries where we operate, we are committed to understanding the investor. Our global capacity has helped drive growth,” said the CEO.

SAM Asset Manager has 54 years of industry experience, operates in 10 countries, and employs over 800 people, more than 200 of whom are investment professionals.

The Market Determines the Asset Class

SAM Asset Manager México is focused on identifying market opportunities and accelerating growth.

While diversification is essential in Mexico, the country’s fund industry remains heavily concentrated in fixed income. According to the executive, the market ultimately determines the type of assets under management. “In recent years, interest rates largely dictated the preference for fixed income funds, but as rates decline, fund portfolios are likely to shift. Market conditions are what determine the asset classes,” he noted.

“We have exposure to all asset classes: debt, equities, structured products—we are equipped to add value across the board, including for our institutional clients,” he added.

Finally, SAM Asset Manager reaffirms its confidence in Mexico and its belief that the country will be one of the world’s fastest-growing markets in the coming years. “We see opportunities driving the demand for investment solutions. More savers are becoming investors, young people at the base of the population pyramid increasingly need to generate value in their wealth through investments, and we’re also seeing a much more sustainable long-term savings trend. We definitely want to capitalize on those opportunities,” concluded the CEO.

RIAs Shift Their Focus Toward Organic Growth

| By Amaya Uriarte | 0 Comentarios

The registered investment advisor (RIA) channels have experienced significant growth over the past decade. Driven by advisors seeking independence and by strong market performance, assets have grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11% over the last ten years. Despite this, RIAs face challenges in achieving organic growth and are seeking new avenues for expansion while continuing to invest in proven strategies, according to the report The Cerulli Report—U.S. RIA Marketplace 2025.

Throughout the recent history of RIAs, the primary focus has been on inorganic opportunities. With M&A activity becoming commonplace, overall attention is shifting back to organic growth. This renewed focus is revealing gaps in the marketing and business development strategies of RIAs.

“In an increasingly consolidated market, the need for positive net asset flows cannot be underestimated, given their influence on the future of the RIA channels,” said Stephen Caruso, associate director at the international consulting firm Cerulli.

“The need for dedicated mindsets around marketing, business development, and client service is crucial, as firms seek to restructure and refocus for their next phase of growth and opportunity. Implementing these priorities is the challenge RIAs face today as they look to enter new markets and leverage new technologies to do so,” he added.

Since referrals play a significant role in the business development of RIAs—93% of firms with assets over 1 billion dollars consider them their main organic growth strategy—some companies have been able to avoid more traditional marketing approaches.

On the other hand, some of the largest firms have moved deeply into the marketing space, attempting to leverage multiple strategies to maximize their outcomes.

“The average RIA has limited resources to drive organic growth, and the lack of advisor time is a challenge,” said Caruso.

According to research from the Boston-based consulting firm, 83% of companies cite limited resources and advisor time as a major or moderate challenge. Moreover, advisors devote only 7% of their time to business development, which amounts to roughly three hours per week in a 40-hour workweek. “As many firms aim to scale, developing well-thought-out strategic marketing capabilities will lay a strong foundation for sustainable growth,” the expert added.

For strategic partners, including asset managers, the need for support in this area is already evident and will intensify as founders and partner advisors retire from the business. By developing value-added content around common marketing topics—such as defining ideal clients or branding—asset managers can maintain a leading position as strategic partners to RIA firms.