"Increased demand anticipated for active asset management"
Union Investment, a leading player in the financial industry, has reported impressive results in the first six months of 2025. The company has recorded a new business inflow of 10.4 billion euros, a figure almost matching last year's high of 11.5 billion euros.
The inflow is split between retail business, which accounts for 6.6 billion euros, and institutional business, with 3.8 billion euros. Notably, net inflows for mixed funds have returned after a difficult period, and Union Investment's flagship Uni Global equity fund has gained 1.4 billion euros in inflows.
The company's assets under management have also seen a significant increase, reaching 511.2 billion euros, an increase of 5%. Union Investment has also reached the four million mark with classic savings plans.
The financial industry's role in Europe's future is under discussion, with a focus on addressing challenges such as affordable energy, security, maintaining the German industrial location, modernizing infrastructure, and coping with demographics. Union Investment is involved in this debate, advocating for asset management's potential to contribute through the introduction of ELTIFs and pension products.
The pension savings account is proposed as a solution to alleviate the burden on statutory pension insurance. Union Investment supports this idea, with the extension of the age range from 6 to 18 to 6 to 66. The demand is for 4% of the contribution assessment limit to be possible for early-start pensions.
The cooperative network is also exploring offers to attract Gen Z customers, and new technologies are being considered for an integrated, data-based market approach. Asset management will continue to be a hybrid model of digital media and personal contact.
However, the planned legal framework for access to financial data (FiDA) has been criticised for potentially giving financial data to American big techs. The fund industry, including Union Investment, is involved in the debate, warning against well-intentioned but poorly made regulations.
Recruitment of specialists at Union Investment is not an issue. The average employee at Union Investment is 43 years old. The average savings rate in Union Investment's savings plans is 159 euros.
Despite the retiring executive's plans for the future not being shared, Union Investment implemented an efficiency program called "Fit for Future" last year. Short-term bond funds have performed well with private clients, and Union Investment has no plans to offer passive Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs).
In conclusion, Union Investment's strong first half of 2025 and ongoing initiatives underscore its commitment to serving its clients and contributing to the financial industry's future.
- Union Investment's impressive first half results in 2025, with a business inflow of 10.4 billion euros, highlight their success in both retail and institutional business, as well as in the management of mixed funds and flagship Uni Global equity fund.
- As the financial industry discusses Europe's future, Union Investment advocates for the potential of asset management to contribute through the introduction of ELTIFs and pension products, such as the proposed pension savings account aimed at alleviating the burden on statutory pension insurance.
- Union Investment continues to invest in its future with ongoing initiatives like the "Fit for Future" efficiency program, while maintaining a commitment to digital media and personal contact in asset management, even as they consider new technologies to attract Gen Z customers.
