Boutiques and global giants take the top accolades in the Broadridge Distribution Achievement Awards at the ALFI Global Distribution Conference

BlackRock, Robeco, J.P. Morgan Asset Management and Sycomore were named the top groups in the Broadridge Distribution Achievement Awards, presented at the ALFI Global Distribution Conference in Luxembourg on 25 September.Now in their second year, the Distribution Achievement Awards celebrate the industry professionals who exemplify the unique capabilities of their companies and support the efforts of their distribution partners in delivering all the information needed to help investors make informed choices.

Announcing the winners of this year’s awards, Diana Mackay, Managing Director, Global Distribution Solutions, Broadridge, said:

“In a crowded industry where fund performance is no longer a sufficient differentiator, fund groups must excel in the delivery of information, education and services across the spectrum of client support. The Distribution Achievement Awards are designed to acknowledge excellence in these key areas where asset management brands stand out as trusted throughout the value chain.”

Denise Voss, Chairman of ALFI, said: “Investment funds play a dual role of driving the global economy and helping people reach their financial goals. Delivering information, education and service is key to ensuring that people are well-equipped to provide for their long-term financial security.”

The awards, based on responses from nearly 1,000 fund selectors participating in Broadridge’s annual sentiment survey, feature Europe’s top third-party brands and leaders in Sales Services, Marketing and Communications, and Socially Responsible Investing. These fund selectors are key influencers in their markets, representing €3.2 trn of third-party client assets in Europe.

“Brand, Sales Services and Marketing and Communications are now critical to a group’s ability to stand out from the crowd” added Mackay. “This year, however, we have added an ESG/Socially Responsible Investment award because of its increasing importance in the minds of fund selectors and their clients.”

Award categories and winners 2018:

Brand

Brand is the amalgamation of all the experiences that a client has of an asset manager. BlackRock is the winner for the second year running, but Natixis has made the most notable gains in the last year with its multi-affiliate business model, following its rebranding initiative last year.

Top group: BlackRock

Rising star: Natixis Investment Managers

Sales Services

Excellence in the sales arena is no longer about pushing the latest product. In this category fund selectors value knowledge that is both deep and broad. They are looking for a conversation that is rewarding and informative with the style of a trusted adviser.

Top group: J.P. Morgan Asset Management

Rising star: BNP Paribas Asset Management

Marketing and Communications

Over the last five years, professional fund buyers have placed increasing importance on the role of marketing, seeking more information and support for their business but also for their end clients, both from an educational and brand perspective.

Top group: BlackRock

Rising star: Sycomore Asset Management

ESG/Socially Responsible Investment

While demand from end investors and their advisers have pushed ESG/SRI into the spotlight, successful asset managers in this category have a clear commitment to ethical investment embedded in their business cultures. The launch of one or more ESG/SRI funds in a wider product range is no longer enough.

Top group: Robeco

Rising star: Hermes Investment Management