At AlgoMe Consulting, a key mission of ours is to help industry players make sense of the myriad changes and innovation which are a daily, almost hourly occurrence in Financial Services.

Looking at the recent Woodford Funds saga, where unauthorised illiquid securities have somehow been forced into a UCITS Funds, one cannot help but wonder whether any lessons have been learned in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. Why are scandals resulting from a lack of strong conduct and governance still taking place? Are there any hopes of culture may change in the Investment Management industry?

The list of high-profile Investment Management integrations is ever increasing as the trend towards consolidation in the industry continues unabated. We have worked in the industry for many years and experienced the various facets of merger & acquisitions both directly and through working with firms. The insight we have developed has informed our methodology and pragmatic approach.

Why does culture matter and what does it mean? Let’s borrow from Groysberg & Al. to define culture: “Culture is the tacit social order of an organization: It shapes attitudes and behaviours in wide-ranging and durable ways. ” Why is this relevant to the Investment Management industry?

Juncker once famously said “Borders are the worst invention ever made by politicians”.

Since taking up office in 2014, his Commission has been addressing exactly that: Remove obstacles for sustained improvement to the economy which will benefit the European people, regardless of where they are located. This is embodied in Juncker’s ambitious Investment Plan for Europe.

In life it’s possible to identify moments when you’re about to turn a new page of the book you’re writing. For us it was in July 2017, we were all at a career crossroads, independently deciding to set up our own companies. While we’d made headway with new projects, an exciting digital platform, and training to gain new skills, we instinctively knew that together, we had a bigger story to tell, and a greater mission to accomplish.