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In the year of its 25th anniversary, Fisch Asset Management, the Zurich-based asset management boutique, achieved several key business milestones. In addition to the successful introduction of its new high-performance portfolio management system, the firm also saw its IT infrastructure outsourced to the cloud in a move that will further streamline and optimise client services. Over the course of the year, assets under management increased by 7% to CHF 10.6 billion as a result of strong absolute and relative performance, and driven by substantial inflows across asset classes.
State of the art portfolio management application
In 2019, Fisch Asset Management bolstered its technological competence – a major pillar in its business model as an active asset manager – with the introduction of an industry-leading portfolio management platform, replacing the previous proprietary solution. By linking together all relevant processes, including portfolio management, trading, risk management and reporting, Fisch will continue to provide high-quality services as an active asset manager.
Commenting, Juerg Sturzenegger, CEO of Fisch Asset Management, said: “Introducing the new portfolio management system has already improved a number of the business’ processes considerably. In addition, through the development of new tools, it will also enable us to further enhance our services and develop them in a more targeted manner to meet clients’ needs.”
Cloud outsourcing
Elsewhere, Fisch reached another milestone in 2019 with the outsourcing of the majority of its systems and software services to the cloud in order to align the business’ technology infrastructure more consistently with its core asset management practice.
Sturzenegger added: “Our cloud solution enhances the business’ flexibility and speed in a variety of ways, such as using it to model investment ideas in a faster and more dynamic manner. The Data Science and Quant Finance team has a key role here to play in this respect. The substantial investment we have committed in this area underlines our dedication to proactively pursuing the digitalisation of the business in order to further develop client services.”
Rising AUM and strong product performance
Over the course of the year, assets under management increased 7% from CHF 10 billion at the end of 2018 to CHF 10.6 billion at the end of 2019, with growth largely driven by robust investment performance and supported by favourable market conditions and increased client demand. Commenting, Sturzenegger said: “In 2020 we are looking forward to sustained client demand for convertible bond, corporate bond and absolute return solutions and our recently upgraded infrastructure puts us in an even stronger position to benefit from such a backdrop.”
Pioneering sustainable convertible bonds
In June, Fisch celebrated the 10th anniversary of its FISCH Global Convertible Sustainable Fund, a reminder of Fisch’s long-term commitment to sustainable investment. In addition to this milestone, last year also saw the comprehensive integration of ESG criteria into the bottom-up research process. While this approach has always been a key part of the company’s corporate heritage, the ESG element has now been formalised and standardised across all product categories.