How to Do Asset Management Thought Leadership (+3 Examples)

By Intelligent Relations Team

November 20, 2023

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Navigating the vast and choppy seas of finance is often a daunting and uncertain task. 

Luckily, when it comes to asset management, there are experts at the helm.

These experts are thought leaders. 

And while the role of asset manager grows more complex, these leaders have enough industry knowledge and confidence to see the portfolios they manage to safe harbors.

But how do you become a thought leader? Why should you even bother?

Well, it isn’t easy. 

You have to stay on top of changing regulations, technology advancements, and shifting investor preferences. You have to provide innovative strategies and fresh perspectives. 

The benefit of all that work is creating trust and confidence in your field and your work.

To help you get started, this article delves deeper into the significance and trends driving asset management thought leadership.

Our guide also explores the characteristics of an effective strategy and content, illustrated with real examples.

Here’s what we’ll discuss: 

• What is Asset Management Thought Leadership?
• Current Asset Management Thought Leadership Trends
• 3 Examples of Asset Management Thought Leaders
• What Makes Asset Management Thought Leadership Content Effective? 

What is Asset Management Thought Leadership?

Asset management thought leadership focuses on the management of financial assets, including investments. It typically caters to high-net-worth individuals (HWNI) or institutions and encompasses not only investment strategies but also the overall management and optimization of a portfolio. 

Asset management thought leaders provide guidance on creating and maintaining a diversified portfolio that aligns with an individual’s or organization’s financial goals and risk tolerance.

What’s an example of asset management thought leadership? 

Vanguard, one of the world’s largest asset management firms, is renowned for its thought leadership in the realm of low-cost, passive index investing. 

Through research papers, whitepapers, and educational materials, Vanguard has become a trusted source of asset management guidance.

Why is Asset Management Thought Leadership Important?

Now that we understand what asset management thought leadership is, let’s take a look at why it’s such a valuable financial tool: 

• Staying Ahead of the Curve: In a sector as dynamic as asset management, staying ahead of the competition is crucial. Thought leaders offer fresh perspectives, enabling companies to proactively address challenges and seize opportunities.

• Building Trust: Thought leadership contributes to building trust and credibility in the financial industry. Investors, clients, and other stakeholders value insights and advice from recognized experts, fostering long-term relationships.

• Regulatory Compliance: Thought leaders often interpret and forecast changes in regulations, helping asset managers adapt their strategies to remain compliant and thrive in a constantly shifting legal landscape.

• Innovation: Asset management thought leaders push the industry to innovate and adopt emerging technologies, which can optimize operations, reduce costs, and enhance overall performance.

• Knowledge Sharing: The knowledge shared by thought leaders helps create a more informed, educated, and resilient financial community, fostering mutual growth and collaboration.

 For more on the importance of thought leadership, click here: Unlocking the Power of Thought Leadership Marketing (Benefits + Best Practices)

4 Current Asset Management Thought Leadership Trends

The world of asset management underwent a remarkable transformation in 2023, driven by a convergence of technological innovation, evolving investor preferences, and shifting regulatory landscapes. 

As the industry adapts to these changes, several key trends are reshaping the way assets are managed and investments are approached.

Let’s take a look key industry trends for 2024:

1. Digital Transformation and Blockchain

The rise of digital platforms and blockchain technology is transforming how investments are managed and traded. Investment thought leaders and asset wealth managers (AWMs) are exploring the potential of blockchain for asset tokenization and enhancing transparency in investment processes. 

Enhanced transparency is becoming a crucial factor in rebuilding trust lost due to crypto volatility. Investment and asset management thought leaders need to identify trust gaps and shore up credibility through innovative, transparent investment practices. 

Digital transformation has been a top priority for asset management thought leaders with 60% of business executives citing it as the most important driver of growth last year. This is due largely in part to the exponential increase of remote work in the post-pandemic era and the need for AWM firms to replace outdated systems and strategies.

2. Regulatory Compliance

In an era of evolving regulations and growing global compliance concerns, asset management thought leaders are advocating for a proactive approach to compliance. While concerns vary depending on country and region, there are areas of overlap. The global impact of organizations and compliance obligations should be carefully evaluated. 

Take ESG in the US for example. Greenwashing claims are undermining  trust in organizations’ environmental efforts while partisan politics threaten state-level ESG initiatives, creating uncertainty for businesses and investors alike. 

Staying ahead of regulatory changes and ensuring ethical practices are essential for long-term success.

3. ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Integration

ESG factors have gained substantial importance in asset management. Asset management thought leaders are at the forefront of ESG integration and its impact on investments. 

Being environmentally responsible and generating profit are not mutually exclusive. Keeping your personal values and portfolio intact go hand in hand with the right guidance.

4. AI and Data Analytics

Advanced AI and data analytics are revolutionizing asset management. Machine learning models and big data analytics are enhancing decision-making, risk assessment, and asset allocation, making the process more efficient and insightful.

Pro Tip: In 2024, asset managers who embrace these trends are poised to thrive in an environment that demands agility, innovation, and a deep commitment to responsible investment practices.

To learn more about analytics and measuring thought leadership efforts, check out our article: How to Measure Thought Leadership: Metrics, Strategies, and KPIs

3 Examples of Asset Management Thought Leaders

In the world of asset management, there are many influential and guiding voices. Let’s take a look at a few notable figures in asset management thought leadership:

1. Larry Fink, CEO of BlackRock

Larry Fink is widely recognized as one of the most influential thought leaders in asset management. His annual letters to CEOs and shareholders have garnered attention for their insights into issues like sustainability, climate change, and responsible capitalism. 

Fink’s advocacy for ESG investing has reshaped the way companies approach corporate governance and sustainability. His thought leadership has played a pivotal role in shaping BlackRock’s approach to ESG integration and influencing the entire asset management industry.

2. Cathie Wood, Founder and CEO of ARK Invest

Cathie Wood is a thought leader known for her innovative approach to investing in disruptive technologies. ARK Invest’s focus on thematic investing, particularly in areas like genomics, artificial intelligence, and fintech, has challenged traditional investment strategies. 

Wood’s thought leadership has brought disruptive innovation to the forefront of asset management, attracting a dedicated following of investors interested in future-focused investment.

3. Nassim Nicholas Taleb, Author of The Black Swan

Nassim Nicholas Taleb is a thought leader whose work on risk management and market volatility has had a profound impact on the financial industry. 

In his book The Black Swan, Taleb emphasizes the need for robust risk management strategies to mitigate the impact of unforeseen and rare events in financial markets. 

His thought leadership has led to a greater focus on building resilient portfolios and strategies capable of withstanding extreme market conditions.

Pro Tip: We realize not everyone is in the C-suite like most of these examples. The good news is that thought leadership can be done at any level. It’s a good idea, however, to examine the strategies of those at the highest levels in their industry to inform your approach. 

To learn more about executive thought leadership, read our article: Executive Thought Leadership: A Comprehensive Guide

What Does an Asset Thought Leader Do?

An asset leader, or asset manager, plays a pivotal role in overseeing and optimizing a client’s financial portfolio. 

Their responsibilities include:

• Assessment and Planning: This involves analyzing the client’s financial situation, goals, and risk tolerance to create a tailored investment strategy. As the financial landscape continues to evolve, asset management thought leaders see robo-advisors becoming more commonplace. 

• Investment Selection: Asset leaders choose suitable investments, such as stocks, bonds, real estate, or alternative assets, to build a diversified portfolio. Asset management thought leaders understand the rise of digital transformation and global diversification is opening new doors to a wider range of investment opportunities. 

• Risk Management: Asset managers implement risk mitigation strategies to protect the client’s investments from market volatility. As ESG investments prove less volatile, asset management thought leadership will continue to trend toward impact investing. On the more risk-averse end of the impact investing spectrum, ESG risk management is about filtering out companies that don’t exhibit solid ESG practices.  

• Performance Monitoring: Continuously tracking and assessing the portfolio’s performance and making adjustments as needed to achieve desired outcomes is essential. As ways of collecting and interpreting important analytics advance, asset management thought leaders see data-driven decision-making as a fast-growing necessity in the financial world. 

• Client Communication: Asset managers must maintain open and transparent communication with the client, provide updates, address concerns, and offer guidance. This process is becoming easier as firms replace outdated systems and strategies.

• Compliance and Regulations: Adhering to relevant financial regulations and ensuring that the portfolio aligns with legal and ethical standards is necessary for successful asset management. Asset management thought leaders need to take proactive approaches and stay ahead of regulatory changes.

Pro Tip: Incorporating these tasks into your regular financial practices will inform your asset management and investment thought leadership strategies. 

Learn more about thought leadership strategy here: Thought Leadership Strategy: 14 Steps to Balancing Authority and Authenticity (+ Examples)  

What Makes Asset Management Thought Leadership Content Effective?

Effective asset management thought leadership content shares several key characteristics:

• Expertise: Thought leaders should possess deep industry knowledge and experience to provide credible insights and guidance.

• Vision: Good thought leadership anticipates and shapes the future of asset management, offering innovative and forward-thinking perspectives.

• Clarity: Thought leadership content should be well-structured and easy to understand, ensuring that the audience can grasp and apply the insights provided.

• Relevance: Thought leaders address current and emerging challenges and opportunities in the asset management sector, ensuring their content remains pertinent.

• Authenticity: Thought leaders should maintain their authenticity and integrity, as trust is a critical factor in thought leadership.

• Engagement: Effective thought leadership encourages dialogue, discussion, and engagement within the industry and with stakeholders.

• Adaptability: Thought leaders should adapt to evolving trends and technologies, embracing change and innovation.

• Data-Driven Analysis: Thought leaders use data and analytics to support arguments and recommendations, adding depth and credibility to their thought leadership content.

Want to know the difference between investment and asset management thought leadership? Then check out our article: Exploring Investment Thought Leadership [+6 Trends & Examples]

Key Takeaways

Asset management thought leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the financial industry. It offers: 

• Guidance
• Insights
• Innovation

These crucial ingredients enable professionals to navigate an ever-changing financial landscape with confidence and expertise. 

Thought leaders like Larry Fink, Cathy Wood, and Nassim Nicholas Taleb are emblematic of the diverse and influential voices that shape the asset management sector.

As the industry evolves, asset management thought leadership will continue to be a beacon for investors, firms, and professionals seeking a strategic advantage. Thought leaders guide the way forward with wisdom, innovation, and foresight. 

By adhering to key thought leadership principles and data-driven analysis, thought leaders in asset management will remain at the forefront of this dynamic field.

Want help developing an asset management thought leadership strategy? Let us help! Simply book a free consultation to get expert insight into how to create a robust strategy that works.