Asset Management

GCC Asset Management and its challenges

Interview with Mr. M.R.Raghu, CEO, Marmore MENA Intelligence How big is GCC Asset Management industry and who are the major players? The GCC Asset Management Industry manages around USD 59 billion in assets, spread across 223 funds across the region. The Saudi asset management industry leads the region managing 87% of the assets and having 57% of the funds domiciled in the country. Kuwait comes in at a distant second, having 5% of the total AUM domiciled in the county....

Islamic Retail Asset Management

This article was first published in Islamic Finance News dated the 22nd December 2020 We live in times where consumers are increasingly aware of their choices and demand that values and purpose are embedded into products that they consume. In financial context, today’s generation seem less driven by the narrow definition of investing to generate returns and consider social and environmental impact of the companies they invest in to be an important part of investment decision-making. Millennials view their investments...

Secular trends underline long-term growth for Islamic asset management

This article was first published in Islamic Finance news Volume 17 Issue 41 dated the 14th October 2020 S&P global ratings expects Islamic finance industry (USD 2.4trillion) to witness subdued growth in low single digits for 2020/21 after registering strong growth of 11.4% the previous year, on the back of robust issuance and strong performance of Sukuk. We expect Islamic funds, which accounts for 4% of the overall Islamic finance industry, to fare better than industry as the demand for...

Can Robot Advisors Succeed in the GCC?

This new breed of investment advisory services currently has close to $100 Bn of Assets under Management (AUMs) in the US market which has a size of close to $30 Tn. At its current adoption rate, Deloitte predicts that robo-advisory services could be managing $5Tn - $7Tn by 2025. Big brands like Charles Schwab, Morgan Stanley, Bank of America Merrill Lynch etc. have jumped in the race to offer such services to their clients which is expected to largely increase...

Top 20 GCC Mutual Funds 2015

GCC markets are yet to recover following their retreat amid weaker oil prices. Saudi Arabia stocks were affected the most on concerns of deteriorating fiscal position and sustainability of finances. Saudi Index (TASI) declined by 16.6% YTD registering the highest loss among all GCC markets. The Dubai general index registered a loss of 14.6% as investors booked profits amid low international investor participation. Tepid earnings, negative investor sentiments following China crisis and impending U.S Fed hike continue to drag down...

UAE Asset Management Industry – An Overview

According to Marmore’s UAE Asset Management report, the UAE asset management industry manages USD 1,264.8mn in assets in about 31 funds as of 21st July, 2015. In terms of products, equity funds lead the pack with 69% share, followed by specialized funds at 20%. Remainder of the assets is spread across money market and fixed income funds. Of the total assets, Islamic funds manage USD 435mn (34.4%) in assets and rest is conventional funds. In terms of the number of funds,...