Sustained acquisition of AUM will always be the holy grail for investment firms – for most it is the reason they exist and the essential manifestation of the excellence. This is no less so in the relatively attritional conditions we have seen in recent times. At the same time as they seek to grow AUM firms also look to stem outflows by developing both profile and reputation. Ever more sophisticated communication techniques must be deployed to get closer to clients and raise the client servicing bar.

Increasingly, better and more effective reporting and communication continue to be one of those tools that can be readily leveraged. Well used, it enables astute managers to stay ahead of the competition.