Tuning in and thinking ahead: a new chapter for Wealth DFM
Welcome to the July/August edition of Wealth DFM Magazine. And yes, we’ve gone and started a podcast!
Wealth DFM Talk is our brand-new monthly podcast made specifically for you, the busy, switched-on wealth management professionals who like your macro with a decent slice of market insight.
Each episode will serve up candid conversations with top-tier guests from across the investment landscape. Think big ideas, sharp analysis and, where possible, little humour. Our debut episode features the excellent Anthony Willis, Senior Economist at Columbia Threadneedle, who joined Matt Williams and me for a wide-ranging chat about the global outlook. Spoiler alert: there’s no sugar-coating the market uncertainty, but there are plenty of clear takeaways. It’s well worth a listen.
Structuring success in uncertain times
Back to this magazine, we lead with a feature on structured products and the increasingly crucial role they play in a fast-changing financial world. Our Senior Financial Journalist, Jenny Hunter, recently caught up with Yassine Bahemou from Leonteq to talk about digital innovation, their UK expansion and how structured investment solutions are helping advisers meet growing client expectations. It’s a fascinating read—especially if you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve while markets keep you on your toes.
Why retirement income needs a rethink
We also dive deep into one of the biggest challenges facing wealth managers right now: how to deliver reliable income for clients approaching or already in retirement. Richard Parkin, Head of UK Retirement at BNY Investments, makes the case for a more structured approach. I spoke to Richard earlier this month (always a pleasure I might add), to get his take on why Managed Income strategies, like those used in the BNY Mellon Multi-Asset Income Fund, are becoming increasingly compelling under the watchful eye of the FCA.
When it comes to M&A, it’s not just about being big anymore
Next, we shift our attention to the accelerating wave of M&A in asset management. But as Hugh Elwes from Stephens explains for us, it’s not just about scale any more. Strategic clarity, private market expertise, and clever combinations with wealth and insurance services are now the real value drivers. If you’re keeping an eye on the industry’s future shape, this one’s a must-read.
And speaking of the future – yes, we’re talking AI again
Last but not least, we tackle the topic that always gets plenty of attention from Wealth DFM readers – and that’s AI. But before you get carried away with dreams of robo-analysts and algorithmic enlightenment, Adam Graham from FE fundinfo offers a reality check. His message? Before AI can transform asset management, the industry needs to sort out its data, systems and operations first. Practical, pointed and timely.
So, whether you’re on the move, at your desk or (lucky you) reading this somewhere sunny, we hope this edition brings fresh ideas, useful insights and maybe even the odd chuckle. And if you haven’t yet, please do tune into Wealth DFM Talk and we’ll be in your ears as well as on your screen from now on.
Sue Whitbread
Editor | Wealth DFM Magazine
