PWM’s Perspectives debate brought together some of Europe’s leading wealth managers to discuss the use of ETFs in private client portfolios and how their phenomenal growth is shaping the wealth management landscape.

With all eyes on the direction of central banks’ monetary policies, investors continue to be frustrated by government bond yields, though there are attractive returns to be found in other areas of the market

Wealthy clients are increasing allocations to private equity and real estate, although appetite for hedge funds remains well below its pre-crisis peak

Allocations to private assets have swelled in recent years, but with the sector getting expensive, hedge funds are beginning to look more attractive

Private bankers are attracted by the potential of smart beta strategies to outperform the market over time 

The European ETF market is dominated by a handful of huge players and a long tail of smaller firms. Is it ripe for consolidation?

Having endured a torrid few years, emerging markets are once again outperforming their developed peers and valuations remain attractive, so is now the time to invest?

Disruptive technology is applying downward pressure on wages and could well impact even those on higher incomes. It is therefore doubly important that investment portfolios are positioned to benefit from this growing trend