Product Development

Asset managers have a wide selection of structures that can be used to deliver their investment offerings to their clients. These include the choice between open-ended and closed-ended funds, the use of multi share class (umbrella) or single share class funds and the suitability of a corporate or unit trust type structure. Further, there is the decision as to whether a fund needs to be listed on a stock exchange.

There are a number of areas that asset managers need to consider, including:

• Investment focus
• Product domicile
• Service providers
• Product features

In addition, many asset managers package their products in different formats for different client groups. Some examples are:

• Discretionary portfolio management services
• Insurance wrappers
• Structured products