Q: Is there a particular EM/frontier market attracting your attention at the moment? Why?
The Middle East is a highly compelling emerging market, and in particular the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries within it. In recent years, these nations have embarked on extensive social, economic and political reforms, exemplified by initiatives like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
These reforms have transformed the local landscape and created substantial opportunities for individuals and businesses within the region. The speed and scale of these changes, driven domestically, make the GCC an attractive area for both investment and observation.
Q: How do you see sustainable and ESG-oriented investing evolving from here?
Historically, the primary distinction within our asset class has been the level of communication between companies and the market, which has been steadily improving. At Fiera, we engage directly with companies, including regular visits to meet with management teams, which allows us to more effectively assess management quality.
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As transparency increases, this asset class will become increasingly attractive to international investors, revealing hidden gems and promising opportunities for those committed to ESG principles.
Q: What will be different about the investment sector a decade from now?
I expect technological advancements will profoundly transform the sector. The integration of automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning into the investment workflow will significantly enhance decision-making efficiency for portfolio managers and analysts. This new breed of investment professional will be equipped with tools that leverage historical data and ongoing trades, allowing for more precise risk and return assessments.
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Furthermore, increased computational power will democratise access to these advanced tools, enabling a broader range of investment managers to harness these capabilities. As a result, the accuracy and effectiveness of investment strategies are expected to improve, reshaping the sector dramatically.
Read the rest of this article in the May issue of Portfolio Adviser magazine
