Discussions on new perspectives and challenges for the funds and asset management industry at the 31st IIFA Conference in Switzerland

October 5, 2017

Zurich, 5 October 2017 - The 31st Annual Conference of The International Investment Funds Association (IIFA) was held this week in Zurich, Switzerland. Over 70 people representing 38 funds associations discussed the perspectives and challenges for the global funds and asset management industry.

Having reached the level of more than US$ 70 trillion (see sources below) in assets under management, the funds and asset management industry plays a key role in the economy through enhancing retirement savings for the investors worldwide, diversifying the channels of financial intermediation and strengthening the function of financial markets. But the industry also faces increasing regulatory challenges and requirements.

The annual IIFA meeting brought together representatives of funds associations from across the world to discuss these matters. The delegates met for three days, October 2-4. Members of IIFA collectively represent managers holding US$44.7 trillion in assets at the end of the second quarter of 2017.

The delegates heard from experts on the Swiss Franc and the monetary policy of the Swiss
National Bank, on the perspectives for the global funds and asset management industry, the
changing economic and social environment, and the demographic change as key driver for the asset management industry.

Furthermore the leaders held panel discussions on many issues affecting their businesses,
including liquidity management and systematic risks, practical aspects and considerations of
commissions and regulations in Europe, Asia and the United States. They also discussed global and regional perspectives on South America, Japan and India and the geo-political landscape and the potential impacts on the financial services industry.

Thomas Richter, CEO of the German Investment Funds Association (BVI) and Deputy Chairman of IIFA, chaired the Annual General Meeting. “Our annual meetings show the growing importance of the funds and asset management industry, especially its indispensable role in strengthening retirement savings. The conference provides opportunities to learn from each other and offers insights into how our respective associations can better serve funds and their investors,” said Thomas Richter.

“We are proud to have held the 31st IIFA Conference in Switzerland. The conference brings
together leading experts and thought leaders, offering a platform to discuss many important topics and therefore strengthens the dialogue between the funds associations,” said Markus Fuchs, Managing Director of the Swiss Funds and Asset Management Association SFAMA.

Sources: Boston Consulting Group, PWC, McKinsey and others.

Contact: Paul Bourque, IIFA Director, pbourque@iifa.ca, 416-309-2300

About the International Investment Funds Association (IIFA):
IIFA (www.iifa.ca) is an association with membership of approximately 40 national and regional investment fund associations from around the globe. Members of IIFA collectively represent managers holding nearly US$45 trillion in assets at the end of the second quarter of 2017. For further information, please contact Paul Bourque, IIFA Director, pbourque@iifa.ca, 416-309-2300

About the Swiss Funds and Asset Management Association (SFAMA):
The Swiss Funds & Asset Management Association SFAMA, which was established in 1992 with its registered office in Basel, is the representative association of the Swiss fund and asset management industry. Its members include all the major Swiss fund management companies, many asset managers, and representatives of foreign collective investment schemes. Among SFAMA’s members there are also numerous other service providers operating in the asset management sector. SFAMA is an active member of the Brussels-based European Fund and Asset Management Association (EFAMA) and the International Investment Funds Association (IIFA) in Toronto, Canada. For further information, please visit www.sfama.ch. You can also follow us on Twitter @SFAMAinfo.

For more information contact:
Paul Bourque
IIFA Director
Phone: 416-309-2300
Email: pbourque@iifa.ca

Click here to view our Sources Listing:

The Investment Funds Institute of Canada (IFIC)

Topics:

• Financial Services
• Funds Management
• Investment Funds
• Investment in Canada
• Investments
• Mutual Funds
• Mutual Funds Industry
• Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs)
• Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs)