Survey of independent asset managers

Each year, we conduct a survey of all the independent asset management firms registered with BaFin across Germany. The study is carried out online during February and March, consisting of around 70 questions. In addition to the set list of questions, current topics of particular relevance to the industry are included in the survey each year.

The goal of our survey is to analyze market changes and developments while providing an overview of the current state of asset management firms. We aim to create greater transparency in the asset management market, benefiting both the industry as a whole and its clients and interested parties. Additionally, the results will support practical teaching sessions and provide material for thesis projects.

Our questionnaire is divided into four sections:

• Development of clients and assets under management
• Company staff growth
• General economic situation and industry trends
• Investment strategy

You can find our current questionnaire in the downloads section below.

After completing the analysis, we will send you a personalized report. This will compare your data with the average results from all participants. For example, you will learn:

• The industry average return before costs and taxes in 2020 was +6.3%. How did your performance compare? Were you above or below the average?
• In 2020, 74% of independent assest managers in Germany increased their client base, and nearly 85% reported growth in assets under management. How does this compare to your experience?
• Three out of four independent asset managers incorporated sustainable investing into their strategies in 2020, with more than half adopting an exclusion strategy. How sustainable are your investment strategies?

All asset managers registered with BaFin throughout Germany will be contacted by post at the beginning of February with a request to provide a contact person and e-mail address.

The asset managers then receive the access data for the questionnaire by e-mail. The survey takes about 45 minutes to complete. You are also welcome to contact us directly.

The survey takes place online. As soon as you have received the access data from us, you can log in using a link and a code. This code is personalised and ensures that only the respective respondent can provide information about their company.

The InVV is a purely scientific research institute. It works on a non-profit basis. The institute is financed by third-party funds from V-Bank AG, among others, and is supported by the “Verband unabhängiger Vermögensverwalter e.V.” (VuV).

We assure you that no individual data will be passed on to these parties. We have subjected ourselves to strict data protection and treat all participants completely anonymously and confidentially. In addition, the data you provide to Unipark via the online questionnaire will be stored on German servers.