Quality not quantity: Are fund rationalisations set to continue?

Are fund rationalisations set to continue?

Ten years ago, the buzz of a fund launch was a hot topic for many in the investment industry. Now, we are more likely to see providers closing or merging away products as they attempt to restructure their ranges into more economically-viable and appealing propositions.

Aviva Investors, JPMAM, River & Mercantile and Lazard are just a few examples of groups which have made changes so far in 2015. More recently, Neptune and Aberdeen have also closed products in an attempt to rationalise their fund ranges. Neptune closed its European Income and Frontier Emerging Markets funds in April as assets failed to grow. It was, the group said, the final part of a restructure the firm has been carrying out over a relatively prolonged period. Meanwhile, following its acquisition of SWIP 13 months ago, Aberdeen has also carried out many mergers and closures as it...