GERMANY – Universal Investment has reported a growth in assets under management as a result of increased demand from institutional investors for Master-KAG services.

At the end of September, Universal Investment had 34.4 billion euros in assets under management in a total of 560 funds. This compares to the previous business year’s level of 28.3 billion euros.

The main reason for the increase, says Universal, is “the large, unbroken net stream of resources into the spezialfonds area, which amounted to 4.5 billion euros.” This area “continues to be dominant for institutional investors,” says the fund manager, adding that services offered, such as the Master-KAG, are seeing increasing demand.

The benefits of such services, says Universal, are greater transparency and an improved overview permit better risk control and management. The firm also claims that standard reporting documents make comparisons easier and a clear and comprehensible structure of charges results in significant cost reducing effects and savings.

Universal also promoted Oliver Harth to chief executive officer. Harth has been deputy CEO for the last two years.