Overview - Ernst & Young

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Evolving private equity operations for growth
The improving economy offers new growth opportunities for the PE industry, marking fundamental shifts in firms’ operating models. Learn how PE operations are adapting.
2012 EMEIA asset management risk survey
Our fourth annual survey gathers the perspectives of dozens of industry leaders and offers 12 specific actions to improve risk management processes.
How are asset managers preparing for Solvency II?
Our latest survey reveals that engagement with insurers is deemed one of the biggest challenges to asset managers’ Solvency II Programs.
FATCA and private equity: what you need to know
The regulation’s impact on private equity goes beyond its tax implications. Learn how FATCA affects the entire PE organization, including operations, investor relations, and others.
Eurozone forecast: autumn 2012
With the Eurozone facing multiple challenges – policy uncertainty, rising unemployment and tighter corporate investment – things are likely to get worse before they get better.
2012 US asset management risk survey
The influence of risk managers appears to be increasing, but they face tremendous challenges. See our survey findings for further insights.
Asset managers: prepare for FATCA regulations now
From the proposed regulations and the intergovernmental agreement, asset managers must take steps now to prepare for this implementation without business interruption.
Seven challenges for asset management in Asia
The region is not immune from issues common in other parts of the world, including regulatory uncertainty, investor skepticism and revenue pressures.

Asset management: achieving a competitive advantage

"Asset managers have challenging times ahead where they will have to leverage the necessary investments made in compliance and risk functions to identify opportunities and support growth" - Chris Sickle, Asset Management Leader

Today’s asset management industry is marked by increased competition, heightened regulatory scrutiny and growing customer demands for more information and greater transparency – all set against the backdrop of a volatile market.

As firms grapple with business issues such as product innovation, evolving fee structures and industry consolidation, they also find themselves needing to devote more time than ever to managing regulatory demands.

Key issues in today's asset management environment include:

Eurozone impact

With the Eurozone hanging on by a shoe-string, and its statud changing on a weekly basis, there continues to be mixed views in the asset management industry. Whilst some managers are waiting for corrections and others expect further growth, the local industry has held up well over the past 18 months. Investors seem to be re-entering the market, albeit in a reserved fashion, through balanced and other products and not pure equities.

Related content:

Regulatory landscape

Coupled with the above and the continuing outworking of post-financial crisis regulatory reform, the asset management regulatory landscape has changed significantly over the past year, both locally and internationally. Managers are not only managing money, but more emphasis is now being placed on regulatory and internal control compliance. Recent and forthcoming changes include Regulation 28, CISCA Board Notice 1503 and S13B of the Pension Funds Act.

Leveraging investment

The challenge for asset managers will be to leverage the necessary investments made in compliance and risk functions to identify opportunities for increased efficiency and to support book growth, for example by providing additional assurance to investors.

Our credentials

Implementation and verification of control environments (front and back office functions) in terms of ISAE 3402
Internal audit co-sourcing arrangements
Ad hoc projects relating to specialist needs of asset managers

Contact us

Chris Sickle
+27 21 443 0434
Africa Asset Management Leader

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Held in financial centers around the world, this symposium series examines the multi-faceted issues and challenges facing the hedge fund industry.

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Industry insights - Unlocking value in Africa

This Industry insights directory (pdf, 1.8mb) introduces you to our sector leaders for Africa and provides you with an overview of your industry, as well as a look at some of our credentials per sector.