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Custodians rekindle their love for acquisitions through FinTechs

The collaboration of custodians and FinTechs has evolved into investments and sometimes outright acquisitions, but what happens when these established and large institutions bring in the people, technology, and culture of a smaller, agile and innovative setup?

SPACs: A new market for fund administrators

With the growth in popularity of special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs), what third-party support services are being sought after? Richard Schwartz investigates.

Unlocking the value of data for alternative asset managers

Service providers have touted the delivery of data analytics as something that can enhance alternative asset managers’ operations. But how are alternative investment firms and their service providers overcoming some of the challenges synonymous with data management? Asks Charles Gubert.

The Archegos Capital Management fallout

The disastrous entanglement with Archegos Capital Management and its spectacular collapse has left the prime brokerage industry reeling with over $10 billion in losses across the Street. The event has resulted in a major shift in attitudes around risk management, but how far-reaching will these changes be on their relationships with clients?

The shifting fund services landscape: Are you not entertained?

The most active M&A space in securities services is also one of the ripest for growth, while the fiercely competitive nature of the different players makes for an entertaining area of the market to observe.

Flipping the script

COVID couldn’t stop the active to passive migration, but could new vehicles flip the script?

Back with a bang

JP Morgan has spent the past few years replatforming its global alternatives investment services business. Now this project is complete, the bank is ready to make a statement.

Custodian’s ESG services: More than just a tickbox?

All custodians have an ESG data and analytics offering now, equipped with a narrative about its importance for a better world. But how are custodians differentiating their service from their peers, can you win mandates based on these capabilities, and can the services be a revenue generator in its own right?

Adapting to ETF innovation

With assets under management in ETFs nearing $9 trillion, innovation has taken off with products focusing on everything from ESG to Bitcoin. A growing number of asset managers are also converting mutual funds into actively managed ETFs, and interest in non-transparent ETFs is beginning to rise following their introduction last year. How are service providers catering for this innovation and what are the pressing needs from providers to support these products?

Sub-custody: The power of one

In the face of increasing regionalisation of sub-custody services, how are single market providers future-proofing their business? Following up on part one of our take on regional sub-custodians, Richard Schwartz investigates how single market providers are competing

Going private

Traditional asset managers increased their allocations to private market strategies in light of impressive returns and a need to counter the mounting pressures they face. Charles Gubert takes a look at how custodians are adapting their legacy servicing relationships to meet this trend, and how the technology platforms of both clients and providers will adapt.

Reshaping Europe’s funds landscape

Brexit, the pandemic and regulation have had profound impacts on three fund domiciles in particular, making for a story of break-ups, new beginnings and deepening rivalries, adding a dramatic twist to Europe’s fund landscape story, writes Jonathan Watkins.