The Overarching Themes in the Asset Management Industry

The past few decades presented an outstanding market environment for the asset management industry. Global AUM rose at a steady pace between 2001 and 2021, thanks largely to the strength of the world’s equity markets, which were able to rebound even after several severe downturns. And 2021 was even stronger. Global AUM grew at 12% last year, to more than $112 trillion, a growth rate well above the 7% average of the previous 20 years.

Last week, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) released its 20th annual report on the global asset management industry, it offers a retrospective analysis of the effects of this strong market – and as the industry enters a more uncertain era, it looks at the expected impact of new technologies such as direct indexing, increasing investor demand for alternative products, and a focus on decarbonization.