Smaller investment firms are liberated by being able to take an unconstrained approach to investing, explains Rob Harris of London-based boutique funds house Majedie

The merger between Aberdeen and Standard Life should  provide a more diversified service to clients, believes Campbell Fleming, the man chosen to run the sales side  

Fund selectors claim brand is unimportant, with the manager, investment process and anticipated returns all higher on the agenda

Asset managers looking for higher transparency and exclusivity of distribution are finding the sub-advisory approach gives access to boutiques and helps them stand out from rivals

The preferred partner model, whereby private banks source their product menu from a small number of asset managers, is gaining traction 

A merger may enable asset managers to cut costs, but the most successful collaborations are those which bring together complementary capabilities

Asset managers have long been using Luxembourg as a base for cross-border fund distribution but the Grand Duchy has found a new lease of life as a haven for tech-based start-ups

Technology has proved to be a driving force behind the rise of smart beta, both in terms of developing the strategies themselves and in distributing the products that put them to use