Asset management at 'tipping point' as revenues fall for first time since 2008

Despite 7% increase in AUM

For the first time since the global financial crisis in 2008, asset management firms' revenues fell globally in 2016 along with profits, according to a report by Boston Consulting Group.

According to Bloomberg, the fall in revenues and profits during the 12-month period, which dropped 1% and 2% respectively, was largely driven by an increase in fee pressures. The report, which surveyed 153 asset managers globally, found high-margin offerings such as private equity, hedge funds and commodities were hit the hardest. The research said this was a siginificant develoipment, as alternative investments contribute 42% to overall revenues, despite making up only 15% of assets globally. Two thirds of asset managers expect profitability to fall within 12 months However, on...