The wealth management landscape is evolving rapidly. Many fund management companies are facing both new challenges and significant opportunities.
We’ve seen consolidations sweeping through Sweden’s fund management industry since the end of the zero-interest-rate era. Notable examples include DNB acquiring Carnegie and Lannebo being acquired by Öhman. To quote Tomas Hellström, CEO of Odin Fonder, in a recent article published by AMWatch:
“The impact in Sweden could be that smaller companies find it harder to raise capital on the equity markets. Diversity will suffer, and it could also lead to worsening activity on Swedish capital markets."
In the same article, Evli’s Managing Director offers a somewhat more optimistic perspective, noting that smaller players may need to rethink their business strategies.
At Sharpfin, we’ve identified three key trends that smaller players should consider to strengthen their position in this shifting market:
1. Is your platform provider undermining your business?
How much of your assets under management (AUM) are being lost each year because your platform provider is pushing their own products? Consequently, this may lead to reduced client retention and profitability. With platform providers increasingly offering proprietary products, your clients may be drifting away without you realising it.
We call this the “Swedish ICA effect”—the market is coming closer to an oligopoly, where a few players control prices and offerings to their advantage. Consider adopting a direct-to-consumer solution that helps you connect with clients directly and capture more value.
Key benefits include:
- Transparent pricing: Offer end-clients more affordable and transparent fees
- Faster onboarding: Automate compliance processes for a seamless customer experience
- Direct communication: Build loyalty by maintaining direct contact with your clients
2. Strengthen client relationships to drive growth
Losing clients due to a lack of understanding of their preferences or goals can be devastating—and once they leave, it’s nearly impossible to win them back. Modern technology can empower you to enhance client relationships, build trust, and offer personalised services through real-time communication.
Ask yourself:
- Does your platform allow you to deliver tailored experiences that strengthen personal relationships?
- Are you keeping clients informed during challenging market conditions to build trust?
- Do your advisors have the tools to focus on clients’ needs and preferences, driving growth in AUM?
3. Brand loyalty is your competitive edge in 2025
As the wealth management industry embraces rapid technological change, being a first mover could be critical. A diversified, client-centric offering that evolves with your client needs, can set you apart from the competition.
Strengthening your brand and gaining market share requires:
- Leveraging data to personalise client experiences
- Aligning your organisation with a unified brand vision
- Innovating early by adopting tools and technologies that streamline your business
Take control of your future with Sharpfin
With Sharpfin’s modular fund distribution platform, you can regain control from third-party platforms and deliver better, more cost-effective products directly to your clients. Our solution is simple to implement, with no lengthy integration processes or high overhead costs. In fact, our turnkey solution can be up and running in just one week.
Top benefits of our platform:
- No more kickbacks: End-clients can increase profits and avoid high platform-driven fees
- Faster time to market: Implement new features and onboard clients in record time
- Low total cost of ownership: Scale affordably with our pay-as-you-grow model
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Protect your firm from a potential commission ban: Get everything you need in place to navigate your business effectively, if, or when, a commission ban comes into effect
Be part of the growing group of asset managers, including SilverDome and Evli, who are taking control of their business and building deeper client relationships with Sharpfin.