Information overload? How the fund industry has changed since 1995

The changing face of investment over 20 years

From the use of passive strategies, to an increase in correlations and a new focus on ‘short-termism', Annabelle Williams analyses how the industry and markets have developed over the 20 years since IW launched.

Much has changed in the UK asset management industry over the past 20 years, but perhaps surprisingly, many of the key players are still going strong after two decades. "One of the more surprising aspects of the past 20 years is there has not been [as much] consolidation in the UK as there has been elsewhere," explained Mike Webb, chief executive officer of Rathbone Unit Trust Management. "The much-feted wave of consolidation has never occurred." Webb believes this demonstrates the strength of business models in the UK. "The main reason is the business models are reasonably profitable...