Diversification key for global players.

(From Funds International)

Diversity of asset mix, client type and location, combined with flexible business models are the key factors for global fund managers to have in place to successfully retain their assets, an industry study has concluded.

The report, conducted by consultancy Watson Wyatt and Pensions & Investments magazine, also compiled an annual ranking of the top 500 global asset managers in terms of total funds managed, placing UBS in the top slot with U$ trillion under management.

Among the survey's other main findings were: * global assets remained stable during 2002 despite falling markets * fixed income was the best asset class to be in * currency fluctuations were influential in determining the rankings.

"Fund managers that have focused on diversity tend to be those that have done well in this year's rankings," confirmed Susan Douse, head of …