MI Talk

U.K. Fund Market Outlook for 2026

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 01:00:00 -0400

Benjamin Reed-Hurwitz, CFA®, Head of Research Development, breaks down the key investment fund trends that defined 2025 and what’s likely to carry into 2026. He also explores product innovation, fee and pricing pressures, the growing role of partnerships in distribution, and what the year ahead may look like for asset managers navigating a rapidly evolving landscape.

Key Opportunities in Asset and Wealth Management for 2026

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 01:00:00 -0400

Marc Barrachin, CFA, and Adam Feldstein of ISS Market Intelligence weigh in on 2025’s defining investment product trends and advisor shifts, highlighting emerging opportunities and what managers should watch as the industry positions for 2026.

Portfolio Construction Trends and Allocator Dynamics in the U.K.

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 01:00:00 -0400

Benjamin Reed-Hurwitz of ISS Market Intelligence explores how portfolio construction is evolving across the U.K. market; breaking down key trends in MPS, unitized multi-asset, and adviser-managed portfolios. Additionally, he highlights what fund managers should watch as allocator dynamics shift toward 2026.

What Active ETF Adoption Means for Sales and Product Strategy

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 12:45:00 -0400

Delivering some of the key perceived advantages of the ETF structure combined with active management, active ETFs are quickly emerging as a compelling option – with actively managed U.S. ETF assets surpassing $1 trillion for the first time earlier this year.

Passive strategy adoption, particularly via ETFs, transformed the industry and forced asset managers to adapt. In response, many have lowered fees on existing fund products and have launched a variety of new product wrappers, models, and packaged solutions to compete with or complement this trend toward low-cost index solutions. With many financial advisors operating on a fee base and armed with more access to technology and platforms, they are joining the push towards less costly funds, as well.

Ignites hosted a webcast on "What Active ETF Adoption Means for Sales and Product Strategy," sponsored by ISS Market Intelligence.

During this 45-minute discussion, panelists of industry experts shared insights into the dynamics shaping active ETF adoption and discussed how asset managers can position themselves for success in this rapidly changing environment. As advisors demonstrate a growing appetite for vehicles that combine active decision-making with the structural benefits of ETFs, this was an important discussion for asset managers who are reevaluating how they position and distribute active strategies. Ben Doob, Head of ISS MI, served as a key panelist in driving this conversation forward.

What Do Advisors Want in 2025?

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 15:15:00 -0400

The battle for investors and their wallets on the wealth management frontlines is on. Advisors are facing several headwinds.

The inexorable progression of the baby boomer generation—the industry’s growth engine for the past four decades—into retirement spells slower new inflows and accelerating outflows out of retirement nest-eggs. Meanwhile, the newly minted investors in the millennial and Gen Z cohorts are opting to enter the investing arena through self-directed brokerage platforms.

ISS Market Intelligence deployed a number of surveys to help identify and quantify exactly what advisors are doing, and what they are planning to do. The surveys, each completed by more than 800 advisors, asked about their preferred investment vehicles, portfolio construction strategies, alternatives and the use of personalization tools, such as direct indexing or SMA/UMA programs.

Ignites hosted “What Do Advisors Want In 2025?” sponsored by ISS Market Intelligence. During this webcast, panelists discussed what the findings of these surveys tell us about how asset managers can support advisors in growing their businesses. Panelists offered their perspective on the main themes of asset and wealth management business in 2025 and how to best leverage them to drive growth. Ben Doob, Head of ISS Market Intelligence, served as a key panelist in driving this webcast discussion forward.

Delivering Intelligence, Empowering Growth

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 01:00:00 -0400

Ben Doob, Global Head of ISS Market Intelligence, sits down with Asset TV to discuss how global asset and wealth management firms, insurance companies, and other market participants leverage ISS MI's connected ecosystem of data, research, media, and go-to-market services to drive growth.

A Pulse Check on Canada’s Household Wealth

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 01:00:00 -0400

As we approach the release of the next—2025—edition of The Household Balance Sheet Report in Canada, we take a deeper look at state of the union of Canadian household wealth. Carlos Cardone, Managing Director for ISS Market Intelligence Canada team, joins Goshka Folda, Head of ISS Research, to help her unpack household financial behavior over the past several years.

From the feast of the vast savings buoying inflows into investment funds and deposits of the pandemic years to the more recent inflow famine on the investment side, the podcast explains key factors driving household financial product choices. And since no country is an island, household behaviors observed in Canada are relevant to listeners around the world as we observe similar patterns reverberate around the globe.

Selective Growth: A New Era for Asset Managers

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Join Christopher Davis, Head of U.S. Fund Research, and Benjamin Reed-Hurwitz, Head of EMEA Research at ISS MI, as they unpack the findings of the Global Whitepaper: Growing Revenues, Not Assets, New Name of the Game. Uncover why seeking growth at the right price is essential, how active managers are adapting, and what the future holds for index funds and ETFs in the U.S. and U.K.

The full report is available now in the newly launched MarketSage research platform, a key addition to ISS MI’s suite of solutions designed to provide unparalleled access to surveys, insights, and unbiased research that empowers financial services professionals to make informed decisions and stay ahead of market trends.

Are you fit for The Squeeze?

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Benjamin Reed-Hurwitz, Associate Director of EMEA Research at ISS MI, leads a conversation with Goshka Folda, Global Head of Research at ISS MI, diving into the latest Household Balance Sheet (HBS) Report. Ben and Goshka dissect the evolving power dynamics, growth avenues, specialized strategies, and overarching trends, which, while focused on the Canadian wealth management landscape, provide transferable insights applicable to other geographies.

Subscribe to MI Talk, the podcast brought to you by ISS Market Intelligence, for monthly episodes featuring in-depth discussions with thought leaders on timely and relevant topics in the asset and wealth management industries.

For a deeper dive into the insights and analysis behind ISS Mi's Household Balance Sheet, visit https://page.issmarketintelligence.com/household-balance-sheet

Decoding the RIA Evolution

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 01:00:00 -0400

In this episode, host Goshka Folda, Global Head of Research at ISS Market Intelligence, invites Dennis Gallant, Associate Director at ISS MI, to unravel the evolution of the RIA market. From newfound independence pathways to the ascent of professional buyers and expanded services, they delve into the impact on managing client assets, the growth of Enterprise RIAs, and the intricate dynamics of asset management support.

For a deeper dive into Dennis's insights and comprehensive analysis, don't miss ISS MI's latest report: "RIA Market Insights: Refining the Opportunity." Access the full report here: https://page.issmarketintelligence.com/mi-us-research-ria-market-insights

Redefining Distribution with Rocco Benedetto

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode of MI Talk, Goshka Folda, host of MI Talk and Global Head of Research at ISS Market Intelligence, welcomes Ashley Wood, Managing Director at ISS MI, as a cohost. Together with special guest Rocco Benedetto, Head of US WMI Field Distribution at Invesco, they delve into discussions on distribution, the liquidity opportunity, sales support for ETF-focused advisers, segmentation, targeting the RIA channel, and more.

Money in Motion: Analyzing the Dynamics of Canadian Household Wealth

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 01:00:00 -0400

Join Goshka Folda, host of MI Talk and Global Head of Research at ISS Market Intelligence, and Will Stevenson, Senior Research Associate at ISS MI as they delve into the 2023 edition of the Household Balance Sheet. In this episode, they explore the “Big Squeeze,” dissect the decline in household savings rate and uncover flows within different cohorts.

Navigating the Future of Asset Management: Insights and Outlook

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 01:00:00 -0400

In this episode, our host Goshka Folda, Global Head of Research, invites Christopher Davis, Head of U.S. Fund Research, back to the show to discuss ISS MI’s five-year outlook for the U.S. asset management business, the growth of alternatives, and much more. This podcast draws on data and insights from ISS Market Intelligence’s recently released State of the Market —Future of Retail Products report.

Simfund Enterprise subscribers have direct platform access to State of the Market — Future of Retail Products, or contact sales@issmarketintelligence.com to learn more.

The Evolution of Model Portfolio Solutions in the UK and Beyond

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 01:00:00 -0400

In this episode of MI Talk, our host Goshka Folda, Global Head of Research at ISS Market Intelligence, delves into the fascinating world of model portfolio solutions (MPS) in the UK and how this trend is making waves globally. Joined by industry experts Mark Hamper, ISS MI’s Head of Client Data Strategy - Global Distribution Intelligence, and Benjamin Reed-Hurwitz, EMEA Research Leader at ISS MI, they discuss the evolution of MPS, insourcing vs. outsourcing fund selection, opportunities and challenges for fund managers, and the future of MPS. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the ever-changing landscape of the global retail financial services marketplace.

Where Are the Female Advisors?

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 01:00:00 -0400

In this episode, our host Goshka Folda returns to North America to answer the question, where are the female advisors? Goshka is joined by Vince Linsley, Associate Director at Investor Economics, a unit of ISS Market Intelligence, to discuss ways to increase the percentage of female advisors within the industry. Vince provides further insight on obstacles that women face to entering the advice business, why it is important to have female representation in the industry and much more.

Sizing Up the Australian Market

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 01:00:00 -0400

In this episode, the MI Talk podcast series makes a stop across the globe to discuss the ins and outs of the Australian market. Our host Goshka Folda, Global Head of Research, invites Alex Dunnin, Research Director at ISS MI’s Australia-based Rainmaker Information, to share with listeners why global money managers, wealth managers, and retirement funds should care about what's happening in Australia; what assets Australian investors tend to buy; and ways global fund managers can connect with the Australian market.

Retirement Income: The Decumulation Opportunity

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 01:00:00 -0400

In this latest episode of MI Talk, host Goshka Folda, Global Head of Research at ISS Market Intelligence, invites Dennis Gallant, Associate Director of ISS MI’s Product Engagement Specialist team, to discuss retirement income. As Baby Boomers retire at an unprecedented scale and factors like increased cost of living, longevity, and conflicting financial objectives multiply in retirement, the decumulation phase presents financial advisors and asset and wealth managers with a unique opportunity for shoring up and deepening their client relationships. Yet, while the decumulation opportunity looms large, so do challenges for advisors and their product and platform partners. All will have to expand and adapt their capabilities and toolkits to help households solve retirement dilemmas. Dennis and Goshka discuss how the industry should approach decumulation to ensure a smooth transition into retirement for clients and how advisors can use this opportunity to cultivate the next generation of investors.

The Growing Importance of Model Portfolios

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 01:00:00 -0400

This month’s episode features two familiar guests, ISS Market Intelligence’s Mark Hamper, Head of Client Data Strategy - Global Distribution Intelligence, and Benjamin Reed-Hurwitz, EMEA Research Leader. Mark and Benjamin join our host Goshka Folda, Global Head of Research at ISS MI, to discuss the rise of model portfolios and their significance to fund flows in the UK, which allows advisers to outsource asset allocation and fund selection, seems well-positioned to capitalize on the ongoing shift away from the “adviser as portfolio manager” value proposition narrative. The dislocation of the investment process away from the adviser, however, will add complexity to the wholesaling equation and may necessitate a rethink of determining wholesalers’ number one target.

State of the U.S. Asset Management Business in 2023

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 01:00:00 -0400

In this episode, our host Goshka Folda, Global Head of Research, invites Christopher Davis, Head of U.S. Fund Research, back to the show to discuss the 2023-2027 outlook for the U.S. asset management business, the growth of active ETFs, and much more. This podcast draws on data and insights from ISS Market Intelligence’s recently released State of the Market — Future of Retail Products report.

Simfund Enterprise subscribers have direct platform access to State of the Market — Future of Retail Products, or contact sales@issmarketintelligence.com to learn more.

Examining Trends In The Canadian Deposits Market

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 01:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Will unpacks trends in the Canadian deposits market, including the record-breaking $300 billion in demand deposits flows in 2020 and 2021, as well as the growth that guaranteed investment certificates (GICs) experienced in the first half of 2022. The discussion also touches on Generation Z and price consciousness, and the potential for household deleveraging in a sustained higher interest rate environment.

Current Trends in the Annuity Industry: Advisor and Carrier Perspectives

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 09:00:00 -0400

To close out the 2022 season of the MI Talk podcast, Mark Jeffries, Associate Director at ISS Market Intelligence, joins our host Goshka Folda, Global Head of Research at ISS Market Intelligence, to discuss the impact the current economic environment has had on the annuity industry. Mark draws on his role managing ISS MI’s insurance and annuity client relationships to provide insight into the annuity industry and how product preferences, advisor engagement, sales and distribution trends, and more are evolving in the wake of the pandemic and in the broader market environment.

Wholesaling and Intermediated Advice: Navigating a Post-Pandemic Industry

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 10:30:00 -0400

In this special November episode of the MI Talk podcast, Jeff Duckworth, President of U.S Intermediary Distribution at John Hancock Investment Management, joins guest host Ashley Wood, Managing Director at ISS MI, to discuss current trends in advisor engagement, distribution structure, and wholesaler retention. Drawing on thirty years of experience in the asset management industry, Jeff shares key insights into how COVID has reshaped the way asset managers engage with advisors; navigating the continued evolution of distribution team structures; and much more.

Intermediary Distribution and the Shifting U.S. Advisor Landscape

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 09:00:00 -0400

The U.S. advisor landscape has undergone a seismic shift over the past few decades, as advisors’ duties have evolved from facilitating transactions to holistic financial planning. Accompanying this shift towards advisor-as-financial-life-coach has been a broad move from transaction-based to fee-based compensation models, in which advisors increasingly levy a percentage fee on clients’ total assets under management (AUM).

The October episode of ISS Market Intelligence’s MI Talk podcast features Christopher Davis, Head of U.S. Fund Research, in discussion with host Goshka Folda on the changing advisor landscape and advisor preferences, and how asset managers can connect with advisors for success in the retail investment space.

This podcast draws on data and insights from ISS MI’s recently released State of the Market—Intermediary Distribution Report. Simfund Enterprise subscribers can access the report on the Simfund Research portal. Contact us to learn more: https://www.issgovernance.com/mi-universal-form/.

MPS: The Right Offering for the U.K. Investment Market?

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 09:00:00 -0400

Model Portfolio Services (MPS), which allows advisers to outsource asset allocation and fund selection, seems well-positioned to capitalise on the ongoing shift away from the “adviser as portfolio manager” value proposition narrative. The dislocation of the investment process away from the adviser, however, will add complexity to the wholesaling equation and may necessitate a rethink of determining wholesalers’ number one target.

This latest episode of ISS Market Intelligence’s MI Talk podcast features Mark Hamper, Head of Client Data Strategy – Global Distribution Intelligence, and Benjamin Reed-Hurwitz, EMEA Research Lead, in discussion with host Goshka Folda on the growth of MPS in the U.K., its implications for the distribution of investment funds, and how data will be a fund manager’s best friend for understanding this trend.

The Growth and Future of Direct Indexing

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 10:57:00 -0400

Has direct indexing outgrown its moniker?

Direct indexing originally emerged as an investment platform through which the investor can hold the underlying securities of an index directly as opposed to a packaged product like a mutual fund or ETF. More recently, advancements in technology are stretching the “indexing” part of the concept by offering investors and their advisors the opportunity for customization and opening routes to tax efficiency features.

The new episode of ISS Market Intelligence’s MI Talk podcast explores the different angles of direct indexing and the future outlook of the strategy with guest Dennis Gallant, Associate Director at ISS MI, in conversation with host Goshka Folda, Global Head of Research.

If you enjoy listening, consider leaving a review on your listening platform, and subscribe for monthly episodes featuring discussions with thought leaders on timely topics in asset and wealth management.

Five Trends for the Future of Asset Management

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 10:50:00 -0400

In this month’s episode of the MI Talk podcast, Barry McInerney, former CEO of Mackenzie Investments who recently retired in June, spoke with host Goshka Folda, Global Head of Research at ISS Market Intelligence, to reveal valuable insights from his career in the asset management industry and predictions for the future of the sector. Barry shares experiences from his career and names five catalysts for growth in asset management.

Rethinking U.S. Asset Manager Profitability

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 09:30:00 -0400

Despite a pervasive Covid-induced sense of gloom within the industry, 2021 saw record profitability for asset managers operating primarily in the U.S. What explains the surge in profitability, and where is this momentum headed in 2022 and beyond? Tune into the latest episode of MI Talk, the podcast series brought to you by ISS Market Intelligence, to hear Goshka Folda, Global Head of Research, and Christopher Davis, Head of U.S. Fund Research, discuss asset manager profitability from all angles including trends in fee pressures, acquisitions, specialization, and more.

Find more insights into the state of asset manager profitability in ISS Market Intelligence’s 2021 U.S. Asset Manager Profitability Report. Simfund Enterprise subscribers have direct platform access to the report, or contact sales@issmarketintelligence.com to learn more.

The Global Retail ESG Market Landscape in 2022

Wed, 25 May 2022 01:00:00 -0400

With the recent surge in interest in ESG investing, retail investors and advisors face new questions about how to adapt. What are the challenges – and solutions – for asset managers globally regarding ESG product development, distribution strategies, advisor adoption, and other topics relevant to ESG investing?

Tune in to the latest episode of the ISS Market Intelligence MI Talk podcast to hear Goshka Folda, Global Head of Research, and Carlos Cardone, Executive Director, discuss these topics and more. This episode stems from the inaugural issue of Investor Economics’ ESG Advisory Service report, a report produced with input from ISS ESG that provides fact-based research and evidence to assist asset managers in answering practical questions about ESG from the investment, product development, distribution, wholesaling, and marketing processes. Learn more about the report: https://www.investoreconomics.com/reports/esg-advisory-service-report-esg-investing-opportunities-and-challenges-2022/.

The State of the ESG Fund Market

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 09:30:00 -0400

About the episode:

In this inaugural episode of ISS Market Intelligence’s MI Talk podcast series, Goshka Folda, Global Head of Research, and Christopher Davis, Head of U.S. Fund Research, discuss ISS MI’s recently released State of the ESG Fund Market report. What is ESG investing, and what kind of inroads has it made in the U.S. funds market? Listen to our experts discuss these questions and more.

About the series:

MI Talk, a podcast series brought to you by ISS Market Intelligence (MI), delivers global coverage of developments in the asset management, wealth management, insurance, and distribution industries. Each episode features ISS MI’s experts in conversation about topical issues, trends, and developments that are shaping the market intelligence landscape, specifically, and global financial services industry more broadly. Financial services professionals focused on funds, annuities, insurance, mortgages, and related areas will find MI Talk particularly helpful in staying abreast of what’s of import across the industry.