Association has some advice on how to invest in tumultuous years (p

Investment management delivers for investors during a tumultuous 2020

Assets under management held by Investment Association (IA) members grew to £9.4 trillion in the UK by the end of 2020, an increase of 11% on the previous year, according to the Investment Management Survey (IMS) the annual assessment of the state of the industry.

Total funds under management (FUM) for UK investors have also seen an 11% increase year on year, reaching £1.4 trillion in 2020. Quick adaptation to home working, a focus on delivering for customers, and crucial interventions from the central banks were all key aspects of the industry’s recovery and resilience through the Covid–19 pandemic.

The UK remains the second largest investment management centre in the world behind the United States, and by far the largest investment management centre in Europe with a market share of 37%. The UK’s share of the European market is larger than the combined total of France, Germany and Switzerland. The UK also remains an attractive hub for overseas investors. By the end of 2020, overseas client assets accounted for 44% of total AUM (equivalent to £4.2 trillion).

The growth in assets managed according to responsible investment criteria is one of the standout developments of 2020. The green agenda continues to rise in prominence and investment managers have committed to support the transition to net zero emissions. 49% of total assets managed by IA member firms apply ESG integration, up from 37% in 2019. The proportion of assets subject to sustainability focused criteria almost doubled in 2020 to 2.6% of total assets.

Retail investor appetite for environmentally conscious funds has been building over recent years but the pandemic brought social concerns to the fore, as net retail sales to responsible investment (RI) funds accelerated through 2020 to reach £11.7 billion, a third of overall sales. FUM in responsible investment funds grew by 60% over 2020, pushed higher by strong sales and new fund launches. The percentage of UK investor FUM in RI funds remains small but growing at 3.9% - up from 2.6% at the beginning of 2020.

March 2020’s market contraction in the equity and bond markets badly hit asset valuations globally and UK investor FUM fell 11% over March alone. A swift recovery followed as central banks took decisive action to calm markets. however, the recovery in UK equity valuations has lagged other major markets, including the US. AUM in UK equities continued to fall in 2020 - down three percentage points from 2019, reaching a record low of 26%, whilst North American equities have grown to account for 23% of equities in 2020. The fall in UK equities also reflects the long-term trend of higher allocation to globally diverse equity and bond strategies. Three quarters of equity assets are now invested overseas compared with just over 50% ten years ago and assets in overseas bonds are 55% of all bond AUM in 2020. CHRIS CUMMINGS, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE INVESTMENT ASSOCIATION SAID:

“The investment management industry demonstrated its long termism through the pandemic by supporting the companies it invests in. The swift action of the central banks supported the global economy and the industry rallied to the cause injecting over £22bn into businesses to help them ride out the storm. But the pandemic wasn’t the only story of 2020. We also saw the acceleration towards a greener economy as retail investors placed record funds into responsible and sustainable investments, seeing a new generation embracing investing. With the final transition out of the EU completed, the industry is well-set to build on its world class reputation which has already led to it managing £9.4trn of international clients’ funds.”

The IMS also sets out detail on the key themes from 2020, including: the continued growth in responsible and sustainable investing, the growth in private markets, and how the industry has adapted to the post-Brexit landscape

JAGUAR I-PACE LOOKING GOOD. FEELING GOOD.

Artists say you can only break the rules if you’ve mastered them. That’s how Jaguar created the I-PACE – the first and best electric vehicle of its kind. It’s achieved global recognition for its outstanding design. And won multiple awards. More than that, Jaguar’s allelectric performance SUV offers customers around the world an unrivalled balance of all-wheel drive performance, refinement, luxury and agility – with an outstanding real-world range and day-to-day usability. I-PACE is capable of up to 470km/292 miles (WLTP test cycle) on a single charge and, at home, up to 53km/33 miles of range (WLTP) can be added per hour using an 11kW AC wall box and three-phase supply. A 90kWh battery and two Jaguardesigned electric motors, one at each axle, produce 400PS and 696Nm of instant torque, enabling acceleration from 0-100km/h in just 4.8 seconds (0-60mph in 4.5 seconds). All this is matched with technology to make every electric journey in I-PACE simpler and more enjoyable. Pivi Pro infotainment is ready to go by the time you’re in the driving seat and is as intuitive to use as your smartphone. The navigation can show if nearby charging stations are available or in use, the type of connector they have, what they cost, and how long it will take to charge. On long drives, Pivi Pro can also show your predicted charge level at each waypoint.* There’s an embedded SIM and a 4G data plan for unlimited music streaming.** A Smartphone Pack with wireless Apple CarPlay® is standard. So is wireless Android Auto™. And you don’t have to visit a retailer for software updates. I-PACE has software-over-the-air capability, so the infotainment and vehicle systems are always using the latest version – like your smartphone. Talking of phones, I-PACE can connect two handsets simultaneously. And an optional wireless device charging pad beneath the centre console has a signal booster to improve network reception and Wi-Fi. Technology also contributes to cabin air quality, because your comfort and well-being are prioritised in I-PACE. The cabin air ionisation system has PM2.5 filtration to capture ultrafine airborne particles and allergens. It can even filter the cabin air before you begin a journey. Alan Volkaerts, Jaguar’s Vehicle Line Director, said: “When we developed the I-PACE we wanted it to be the world’s most desirable electric vehicle and to show what happens when Jaguar goes electric. I think we achieved those ambitious goals and we’ve made it even better with technology that benefits driver and passengers alike.” One example is the unobstructed view of what’s behind you on the road – even with tall passengers in the back, or a full load of luggage. The clever optional ClearSight digital rear-view mirror uses a wide-angle, rear-facing camera linked to a screen behind the mirror. You can simply switch between the standard view and the camera feed. Long motorway journeys are more comfortable thanks to the availability of Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist. It gently assists the steering, acceleration and braking to centre you in your lane while maintaining a set distance from vehicles ahead. Home charging is faster and more convenient for customers with a threephase electricity supply, thanks to I-PACE’s 11kW on-board charger. When plugged in to an 11kW AC wall box, up to 53km/33 miles of range per hour can be achieved.*** A full charge takes only 8.6 hours – ideal for overnight charging. Customers with a single-phase supply using a 7kW wall box can achieve up to 35km/22 miles of charge per hour. A full charge takes 12.75 hours. You can also set a desired start and finish time for charging – helping you take advantage of any reduced-rate electricity tariffs. When charging away from home, 100kW DC chargers can add up to 127km/78 miles of range*** in just 15 minutes. Alternatively, 50kW chargers add up to 63km/39 miles over the same period. A global success and the recipient of 88 automotive awards – including the triple accolades of 2019 World Car of the Year, World Car Design of the Year and World Green Car – the I-PACE is the first and best electric vehicle of its kind.

International Investor Awards Winners 2021

COVID-19 change the way businesses work, the investment community had to take a step further and reinvent in many ways. In order to recognise the effort behind every individual and company during this time, we selected champions from a wide range of businesses.

The awards are open to any business, large, mid-size or small, established or start-up, provided they display first rate service, opportunity, innovation and performance. The following pages celebrate organisations that drive forward the world of international business and investment.

ACTIVTRADES

Safest Global Broker // 2021

ActivTrades is a leading brokerage serving clients in over 140 countries. Launched in 2001 as a pioneer in online trading empowering a new generation of traders, today ActivTrades is a multiple award-winning, multi-platform global organisation which leads the way as a highly reputable and innovative brokerage. Initially specialising in Forex it gradually expanded the range of products and currently offers over 1000 CFDs or Spread Betting instruments across Forex, Indices, Shares, Commodities, Financials and ETFs.

Alongside MetaTrader, the world’s most popular trading platform enhanced with Smart Tools developed exclusively for its customers, the brokerage offers ActivTrader, its own intuitive and fullyfeatured platform designed for all levels of trading experience and available on desktop, smartphone and tablet.

headquartered in the City of London and with additional offices in Milan, Nassau, Sofia and Luxembourg, it delivers superior trading conditions and outstanding customer care in 14 languages across the globe.

Visit ActivTrades Website www.activtrades.com/en/ AGRI DEVELOPMENTS

Best Global Agricultural Investment Development Company Of The Year // 2021

AGRI Developments is a leading private alternative asset company specializing in the agricultural industry. We seek emerging opportunities globally with an objective of delivering long term value in high growth developing sectors within the industry.

As the world’s population increases, the need for more food and investment into productive and sustainable uses of land become increasingly urgent. At AGRI Developments we are committed to developments that deliver a positive impact which goes far beyond profitability and encompasses corporate social responsibility as well as providing benefits on a socioeconomic level.

By 2050 Earth will need to produce 70% more food to feed an additional 2.5 billion people, whilst arable land decreases. AGRI Developments, in support of the world’s needs, always aims to do more with less. By creating more value with less risk, by producing more crops from less land and generating more business with less of an ecological footprint.

www.agridevelopments.com ALPHA GLOBAL WEATH

Private Banker of The Year // CARICOM 2021

Alpha Global Wealth provides exceptional independent financial advice to international professionals in Switzerland and around the globe.

We pride ourselves on only employing fully UK qualified Wealth Managers who can offer first-class financial advice to our clients. We achieve the very best for our clients and offer 24/7 access to our services. our reputation speaks for itself as over 80% of our business is generated from our existing clients’ recommendations.

What we do We provide tailored wealth advisory, investment services, pension services, insurance and lifestyle solutions.

Who we help As an international expatriate or localised foreigner, you have specific financial opportunities and challenges to manage. We design our financial advice and tax solutions around the unique situation of you and your family. You will have access to your own dedicated Wealth Manager as well as our whole team of financial experts who will consider your individual situation in depth. We are a Swiss registered limited company with our head offices in Geneva.

ARCA FONDI

Digital Wealth Management Company Of TheYear // Italy 2021

Digital Portfolio Management Platform Of The Year // Europe 2021 (ARCACLICK)

Arca Fondi SGR is an Italian active asset management company, founded in 1983 by the association of 12 cooperative banks. Today, Arca Fondi manages around €32 billion divided between mutual funds, pension funds, and institutional accounts.

Thanks to a network of distributors made up of more than 100 banks and other financial institutions scattered throughout the country, its client base is made up of over 800 000 investors. With almost forty years of experience, Arca has established itself as one of the country’s main asset managers.

The strength of Arca Fondi is its people. Teams who continuously improve themselves to achieve corporate goals. The corporate culture nurtures talent in an environment that encourages self- improvement and striving for excellence.

Thanks to numerous innovative processes implemented in recent years, the customer has been placed at the centre of every single activity. The professionalism and creativity of all employees make Arca Fondi the ideal partner for the investor looking for reliability and safety. BGL CORPORATE SOLUTIONS

Most Innovative Fintech Company // Australia 2021

BGL delivers SMSF administration and corporate compliance management software solutions to over 8,000 businesses in 15 countries – all through its user-friendly and highly intelligent web applications, combining amazing UX with powerful technology.

Founded in 1983 with only 2 employees, BGL has grown to be the #1 developer of compliance software solutions in the world – employing an amazing team of 170+ people across the globe! BTG PACTUAL

Best Investment Banking Services // Colombia 2021

BTG Pactual is the largest investment bank in Latin America. Its principal business lines are related with Investment Banking, Corporate Solutions, Sales & Trading, Wealth Management and Asset Management. BTG Pactual is managed according to a meritocratic culture focused on the client, excellence and a long-term vision. It currently has 4903 employees through offices in Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, , Mexico, United States, Portugal and England.

For additional visit www.btgpactual.com

DOMINION FUNDS

Best Thematic Investment Management Firm // UK 2021

Dominion is a Fund Management company established in 2004. Dominion specializes in thematic investment built around the concept of Global Trends. The Dominion Funds are high performance and easy to understand capturing investment opportunities in a rapidly changing world.

As an independent company with entrepreneurial qualities, Dominion is wholly owned by the management Team and members of the Investment and operations Team are stakeholders in the Company.

Dominion is determined to fulfil its vision in creating value for investors and its highly skilled and experienced Investment Team based in the City of London work towards this goal constantly and have a long track record of delivering consistent, robust performance for our investors. From the outset, Dominion sought to create the type of Funds that the Team itself would want to invest in. For this reason, the first investors in Dominion’s Global Trends Funds were the company’s Management Team, and they remain investors today. HPS

Most Comprehensive Payment Solution // Africa 2021, Excellence in Corporate Governance and CSR // Morocco 2021

hPS is a multinational company and a leading provider of payment solutions and services for issuers, acquirers, card processors, independent sales organisations (ISos), retailers, mobile network operators (MNOs), and national & regional switches around the world. PowerCARD is hPS ‘comprehensive suite of solutions that covers the entire payment value chain by enabling innovative payments through its open platform that allows the processing of any transaction coming from any channel initiated by any means-of-payment. PowerCARD is used by more than 450 institutions in over 90 countries. hPS has been listed on the Casablanca Stock Exchange since 2006 and has offices located in major business centres (Africa, Europe, Asia, Middle East).

For more information: www.hps-worldwide.com INVEST IN DURBAN

Best FDI Agency // Africa 2021, Rusell Curtis: FDI CEO of the year // Africa 2021

Invest Durban acts as a partnership between the Metro City Council and the private business sector, offering a free investor advisory service, plus key promotion, facilitation, aftercare services between all investment stakeholders.Invest Durban delivers a world-classMetro based investor support service,encompassing our four-part businessmandate, namely investment promotion and marketing; foreign investment identification, attraction and facilitation;FDI aftercare and expansion, plus investment advocacy.Invest Durban works closely with theDepartment of Trade & Industry includingInvest SA, Trade and Investment KZN(TIKZN), the Durban Chamber ofCommerce and Industry, the KZN GrowthCoalition, and state-owned enterprises such as Dube Trade Port, the DBSA, IDC,Eskom & others. Key partners include the largest banks, audit and advisory firms,plus sector-based organised business bodies working in concert to promote investment in Durban.

INVEST IN TURKIYE

FDI Agency OfThe Year // Eurasia 2021

A resilient, fast-growing economy, Turkey offers business-friendly policies, agile talent pool and global market access at the nexus of Europe, Asia and Africa to attract sustainable FDI. The Investment Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey is the official organization for promoting Turkey’s investment opportunities to the global business community and for providing assistance to investors before, during, and after their entry into Turkey. Directly reporting to the President of Turkey, the Investment Office is in charge of encouraging high-tech, value-added, and employment-generating investments that further enhance the economic development of Turkey, with its facilitation and follow-up services during whole processes of relevant investments.

Active on a global scale, the Investment Office operates with a network of local consultants based in a number of locations worldwide and offers an extensive range of services to investors through a one- stop-shop approach, ensuring that they obtain optimal results from their investments in Turkey. KBZ BANK

Best Bank // Myanmar 2021 Best In Digital Transformation // Myanmar 2021

For over two decades, KBZ Bank has been part of Myanmar’s growth story, working tirelessly to strengthen communities and institutions for the long term and to improve the quality of life for all. As Myanmar’s largest privately-owned bank, we represent nearly 40 percent of both retail and commercial banking in the country, driving the success of the nation’s entrepreneurs, businesses and communities.

Today, KBZ Bank is helping to fast-track Myanmar’s development in the digital age, embracing next-generation banking.

We have seized the advantages of mobilefirst technology in promoting financial inclusion and connecting our customers to the people, opportunities and places that they value most. Through KBZPay, Myanmar’s fastest-growing mobile wallet, we have brought banking beyond our 500 branches and to even more communities.

We are also transforming from the inside out, drawing on the latest technologies to work more efficiently and serve our customers better, while developing the bankers and leaders of the future.

The future of Myanmar will be built on the strength of its key institutions and KBZ Bank is leading the way. MULTIBANK GROUP

Best Global FX Group 2021

Established 16 years ago in California, MultiBank Group has consistently invested in technology to enhance their financial portfolio, ensuring not only scale and scope but improving user experiences and offering new trading opportunities.

The Group and its subsidiaries are licensed and regulated worldwide through respected authorities including ASIC, BaFin, FMA, CNMV, FSC, CIMA, and DFSA. This means that clients can trade with full confidence while enjoying complete security of funds with segregated accounts, the most favorable trading conditions including leverage up to 500:1 on a wide range of over 15,000 instruments, the tightest spreads in the industry starting from 0.0 pips, and 100% ECN platform.

Today, MultiBank Group boasts a paid-up capital of US$322+ million, a client-base of 320,000+ and a daily trading volume of US$7+ billion, making it one of the largest financial derivatives providers worldwide.

For more information please visit: www.multBibankfx.com

LOTUS CAPITAL

Best Islamic Investment Company // Western Africa 2021

Lotus Capital Limited is a full-service ethical investment management company specializing in Asset Management, Private Wealth Management and Financial Advisory services. Lotus Capital is a pioneer in non-interest finance in Nigeria and duly registered with the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) as Fund Managers.

our company has consistently contributed towards the growth of non-interest finance in the Nigerian capital market. In the last 15years since our inception, we launched the first halal Exchange Traded Fund and halal Fixed Income Fund in Nigeria. We were Financial Adviser and Issuing house to three (3) highly successful Sukuk issuances in Nigeria. We are also the first Nigerian company to launch an index in partnership with the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

We currently manage 3 mutual funds listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Our goal is to build long-term wealth for our clients by leveraging our expertise to provide innovative and viable alternatives to conventional finance, thereby helping our customers align their finances with their values. WHITESTAR ASSET SOLUTION

Excellence in CSR // Portugal 2021, Best Asset Management Service Provider // Portugal 2021

Founded in 2007, Whitestar Asset Solutions, S.A. is the leading Servicer in Portugal managing credit portfolios, including performing, sub-performing and non-performing portfolios and real estate, offering an integrated and complete asset management service for investors and originators.

We guarantee an offer of related services, such as consulting, real estate management, securitization and structuring, business analytics, among others.

In 2015, Whitestar was acquired by Arrow Global Group (UK), becoming one of the main European economic groups operating in the market for acquisition and management of credit portfolios. YEMPO

Best Offshore Employment Solution Provider // Asia 2021

Yempo (“Your Employees Offshore”) is a high-value multi-award winning offshore outsourcing company, operating in 3 locations in the Philippines. Yempo’s clients enjoy all the benefits of outsourcing alongside the peace of mind that their offshore resources are provided with excellent benefits and working environments, within a professional and collaborative culture.

Specializing in senior talent, Yempo’s hundreds of employees range from IT specialists (developers, testers, engineers and technical support analysts), Finance staff (accountants, bookkeepers, CPAs) and Marketing, Engineering and Customer Support talent.

Co-founders Michelle Fiegehen and Ian Parkin have long career histories in corporate environments in Australia, Asia, US and the UK and developed the Yempo model to be flexible and low risk. As a result, Yempo enjoys high retention and low attrition of both clients and employees.

Yempo enables clients to have their own fully managed offshore team, without the overhead of an offshore entity.

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