In December, the asset management industry and other financial distribution networks did not slow down in the run-up to Christmas; on the contrary, they showed strong dynamism. Over the month, 14 new mutual funds were launched, while there were 11 management and advisory role changes in asset management, private banking and financial advisory networks. These figures emerge from a survey based on press reports and on the media relations activity of the asset management companies.
Among the appointments of the month, a highlight is the new CEO of Cordusio Fiduciaria (UniCredit), Manuela Soncini, while on the product side the first European government bond fund dedicated to biodiversity launched by Arca Fondi SGR stands out.
Management moves
Manuela Soncini has been appointed CEO of Cordusio Fiduciaria, a company of the UniCredit Group. In her new role, Soncini will retain responsibility as Head of Wealth Advisory for UniCredit Wealth Management and Private Banking in Italy.
L&B Capital SGR, the asset management company of the Ifigest Banking Group, has strengthened its positioning in private capital by appointing Pierluigi Borlè Gioppi as Head of Club Deal Operations.
Artemis has expanded its SmartGARP investment team with the addition of analyst Laura Corbetta.
A group of high-profile bankers has left Mediobanca Premier to join Banca Patrimoni Sella. The team includes Paolo Consolini, Stefano Rebeccani, Alberto Rossi and Angelo Mattia Mondini.
Banca Generali has grown with the arrival of Roberto Guastello, who left Intesa Sanpaolo after 21 years to join the district led by Stefano Gardini, under the coordination of Executive Manager Massimo Ariello.
State Street Investment Management has announced two senior appointments to strengthen its global leadership and client engagement capabilities: Matteo Andreetto has been appointed Global Head of Nextgen Business Development and Digital Wealth (EVP), and Marie-Anne Heeren will take on the role of Head of Client Coverage Group (CCG) Europe (EVP).
CoinShares International Limited has appointed Matteo Stivanello as Head of Italy and Canton Ticino.
New mutual funds in December
Fineco Asset Management has announced the launch of Fineco AM ELTIF Private Equity Fund, its first private equity fund, featuring a co-investment strategy that allows all subscribers to benefit from advantages usually reserved for very high-standing clients.
Arca Fondi SGR has launched the first European government bond fund dedicated to the protection of biodiversity: Arca Obbligazionario Governativo Biodiversity (Arca OGB).
Candriam has launched a thematic equity fund focused on European strategic autonomy. The fund targets companies supporting Europe’s drive towards greater autonomy and stability in key strategic growth sectors, and is inspired by the European one-trillion-euro agenda for investments in these areas.
WisdomTree has launched the WisdomTree Physical Lido Staked Ether ETP (LIST), designed to offer investors a simple, secure and cost-efficient way to gain exposure to Lido Staked Ether (stETH) and the related staking rewards.
ARK Invest Europe has listed on Borsa Italiana the ARK Space & Defence Innovation UCITS ETF (ARKX), marking a strategic step for investors interested in the convergence of advanced technology, security and the space industry. The new ETF is the first active UCITS product dedicated to innovation in the defence and space sectors.
HANetf has revamped the AuAg Gold Mining UCITS ETF, which has changed its name and strategy, becoming Gold Miners Screened UCITS ETF (ESGO). ESGO combines hybrid exposure to leading global gold producers and royalty companies with a 5% allocation to physical gold.
Goldman Sachs AM has announced the launch of three actively managed UCITS ETFs in the EMEA region: Goldman Sachs Global Government Bond Active UCITS ETF, Goldman Sachs EUR Government Bond Active UCITS ETF and Goldman Sachs Emerging Markets Hard Currency Bond Active UCITS ETF.
Vanguard has announced the launch of the Vanguard Euro Cash UCITS ETF, its first euro money market fund within the UCITS platform. The new vehicle expands the manager’s range of fixed income and equity UCITS ETFs and will be listed on Deutsche Börse, Euronext Amsterdam and Borsa Italiana.
Franklin Resources, Inc. has launched the Franklin Small Cap Enhanced ETF, a new addition to the firm’s growing range of active ETFs in the United States.
AXA IM, part of the BNP Paribas group, has launched the AXA IM Euro Aggregate Bond Opportunities UCITS ETF, a new active bond ETF.
PIMCO has strengthened its ETF offering in the Italian market with the PIMCO Advantage Euro Government Bond UCITS ETF (EUGO), an active fixed income UCITS vehicle that provides exposure to euro-denominated government bonds.
IM Global Partner, together with its partner Polen Capital, has announced the launch of the iMGP Global High Yield Fund, which offers access to a diversified portfolio of high yield bonds in a context of still elevated bond yields and rising dispersion in global credit markets.
