2014 Mutual Fund Outlook

The priorities for mutual funds are expected to be:

• New products to meet investor demands
• Balancing risk with growth
• Staying in front of regulatory flux

For a quick view into the predicted trends, view the infographic.

2014 finds the mutual fund industry in an enviable spot. Mutual fund firms have steadily added new assets while navigating a slippery regulatory terrain. Having grasped this balance, mutual fund firms are now looking to up their game. Much like speed skaters in search of that extra edge that will put them ahead of the pack, mutual fund leaders are innovating around the margins and experimenting with new products to help them develop a competitive advantage.

These new forays are placing additional importance on oversight and compliance frameworks as slips in execution could prove costly. We are seeing a first wave of mutual fund firms embracing risk-based resource models in order to gain a holistic view of risk within their organization and align resources to address this added complexity. At the same time, risk and compliance leaders are increasingly taking part in business development and other planning discussions, adding valuable insight into strategic decisions.

Of course, mutual fund firms will have to manage these growth-related risks while they remain responsive to regulators who are ratcheting up their enforcement efforts and standing on the cusp of imposing new requirements. Missteps are not an option and mutual funds firms will need to keep a close eye on Washington as some key issues remain unsettled.

Download the 2014 Mutual Fund Outlook or read the companion documents about the outlooks for alternative investments and private wealth.