Long term prospects for the regional asset management industry is positive, underpinned by strong macroeconomic fundamentals. This is the view that Securities & Investment Company (SICO) will share with investors at the Fund Forum Middle East, which will be held in Bahrain from 19 to 22 October 2009.

Speaking ahead of this prestigious annual event, Anthony Mallis, Chief Executive Officer of SICO, put the Firm’s view into context:

“The impact of the global financial crisis has been widely acknowledged. In an unprecedented chain of events, asset prices have suffered a dramatic decline, leading to deleveraging, asset outflows and liquidation of funds.”

Latest international research statistics show that in 2008, global assets under management (AUM) fell by 17% to US$ 90 trillion. Regionally, some of the best performing mutual funds suffered declines in assets under management of up to 90%, as GCC stock markets lost nearly two-thirds of their value.

The full press release in English & Arabic can be downloaded here .