Why are independent asset managers so popular?

Independent groups' AUMs soar

Independent asset managers have more than doubled the amount of assets they manage, as a raft of mergers and acquisitions has shaken up the industry over the past decade.

According to the latest annual survey by the Investment Association, independent managers such as Majedie and Schroders managed 41% of all assets at the end of last year, compared to just 15% in 2003. Independent manager AUMs soar; Industry warns of 'regulatory tsunami' The driver for this was undoubtedly the rise of M&A activity in the industry, which has increased significantly over the past couple of years. The number of asset managers owned by insurance companies has also shrunk, which helps explain the shift towards more independents. Recent examples of companies that sold subs...