New presidency of BEAMA npo
15 June 2020 - 5 min Reading time
New Composition of the Board of Directors of BEAMA vzw
Following its General Assembly on June 15, 2020, BEAMA vzw (Belgian Asset Managers Association) announces its new Chairman. The choice has been made by general consensus, with Johan Lema, representing KBC Asset Management, being selected. He succeeds Marnix Arickx (BNP Paribas Asset Management Belgium), who has excellently fulfilled this role in the previous three years.
In an environment characterized by relatively limited growth, low inflation, and extremely low interest rates, it falls upon asset managers and private bankers to provide savings solutions that offer a long-term perspective to preserve purchasing power and living standards. The way forward for the asset management sector involves a focus on digitalization and a significant renewal in the approach to customer service experiences.
An important trend that Marnix also emphasized in various forums is that the asset management sector plays a pivotal role in the concrete development of a broader range of labeled products that integrate ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) elements through the "Towards Sustainability" label. Many customers are currently paying significant attention to how to incorporate climate concerns into their investments. This necessitates clear and transparent communication from asset managers and other financial institutions with their customers.
In the ongoing dialogue with regulators, it has frequently been pointed out that the absorption of the new additional regulations rolled out in recent years in the financial sector has put the asset management sector under significant pressure. It is clear that smaller players are finding it very difficult, and they are facing pressure to scale up. At the same time, certain customer groups are finding it more challenging to access informed advice. It is essential for regulators to carefully weigh the impact of the newly issued rules against the tangible results achieved in their implementation.
In a European context, the asset management sector has also paid a lot of attention to the progress/challenges in the discussions around Brexit and the potential conclusion of a "new privileged trade relationship" between the EU and the UK. Due to the cross-border nature of European harmonized regulation in the asset management sector, this is an additional concern for Belgian asset managers who have a very open economy as their domestic market.
Asset management looks ahead, serving savers and financing the economy.
Ondervoorzitters
In the selection of a new Chairman, the Board of Directors of BEAMA vzw has also appointed two Vice-Chairpersons:
- Caroline Tubeuf, representing Degroof Petercam Asset Management, and
- Koen Van de Maele, representing CANDRIAM Belgium
The terms of the members of the Board of Directors of BEAMA vzw were renewed for the next term (June 2020 - June 2023) at the mentioned General Assembly.
Who is BEAMA?
BEAMA is the acronym for the non-profit association "Belgische Vereniging van Asset Managers." The association "BEAMA VZW" aims to represent the profession of 'Asset Management' without compromising the autonomy of its members, to develop the activity of 'Asset Management' in Belgium, and to promote its image and that of its members.
BEAMA vzw is both a founding member of Febelfin vzw (Belgian Federation of the financial sector) and EFAMA (European Fund and Asset Management Association).
Renewed Composition of the Board of Directors of BEAMA vzw
Chairman
- Johan Lema, as the official representative of KBC Asset Management
Vice-Chairpersons
- Caroline Tubeuf, as the official representative of Degroof Petercam Asset Management
- Koen Van de Maele, as the official representative of CANDRIAM Belgium
Directors
- Marnix Arickx, as the official representative of BNP Paribas Asset Management Belgium
- Thibaut de Saint Moulin, as the official representative of RBC Investor Services Belgium
- Katrin Eyckmans, as the official representative of Capfi Delen Asset Management
- Katrien Pottie, as the official representative of Amundi Asset Management Belgium
- Cedric September, as the official representative of BELFIUS Investment Partners
- Chris Sterckx, appointed director, as the official representative of KBC Asset Management (*)
Director-General
- Josette Leenders, BEAMA vzw (*)
