Insights into the Middle East fund industry 2012

ADV Advent ENT Software AN INSIGHT INTO THE FUND INDUSTRY IN THE MIDDLE EAST The 2012 Advent Software and MEED Insight Fund Survey provides a unique view of market sentiment across the Middle East region. Its findings offer in-depth insights into the level of optimism in financial organisations, the effects political instability is having on business, and how companies are approaching complex problems like risk management and compliance. SAYS WHO? The survey's respondents comprise investors, fund companies and distributors from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the other GCC and Levant States. 33% 20% 47% FUND COMPANIES DISTRIBUTORS INVESTORS THERE IS OPTIMISM IN THE REGION BUSINESSA 70% PERF NET INFLOWS RECRUITMENT 79% 80% of respondants expect better business performance in 2012 – up from 49% in 2011. of fund companies and distributors expect to see consistent overall net inflows to the fund industry in 2012. of companies surveyed expect to expand their employee base this year. WHERE ARE THE OPPORTUNITIES? MAIN DRIVERS FOR GROWTH FUND COMPANIES Existing clients and products, and new products will be key DISTRIBUTORS New products and new markets will be the top means of achieving growth. areas of focus in 2012. GULF CO-OPERATION COUNCIL (GCC) STATES OFFERING GREATEST OPPORTUNITY CLIENT SEGMENTS OFFERING FUND COMPANIES THE MOST OPPORTUNITY 48% 42% 10% INSTITUTIONAL RETAIL WHOLESALE SAUDI ARABIA QATAR U.A.E. BUT KEY ISSUES STILL REMAIN ..'!. FUND COMPANIES FUND DISTRIBUTORS INVESTORS Risk Management, capital inflow and weak regulatory frameworks are key concerns. Important issues include the overall economic outlook, long-term economic outlook, European fund company performance, and the European debt crisis. Focus is on the overall debt crisis and regional political tensions. LACK OF CONFIDENCE IN EXISTING REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS Issues that companies would like to see addressed include: INEXPERIENCED COURTS NON-DEMOCRATIC I STRUCTURES CONTRACTUAL UNCERTAINTEES LACK OF AUTHORATIVE EXPERTISE CHANGES IN | MANAGEMENT KNOWLEDGE IS POWER 91% of respondents believe there is a need for more qualified professionals and specialists in the industry. SO WHAT'S THE WAY FORWARD? DIVERSIFICATION TO HEDGE RISK RESTORATICN OF POLITICAL STABILITY STRONGER REGULATORY FRAMEWORK AND COMPLIANCE DOWNLOAD OUR REPORT TO GET THE FULL PICTURE AT bit.ly/Rsbasp What do industry leaders think is needed for long-term regional success? From what sources do distributors and fund companies expect to see most inflow? Get answers to your questions on the Middle East fund industry in our comprehensive report. www.advent.com MEED Advent Software EMEA Advent Software US Email: [email protected] Twitter: @AdventEurope Email: [email protected] Twitter: GAdventSoftware Insight :. .: