Investment Funds Symposium

Investment Funds Symposium, hosted by Simmons & Simmons, brought together policymakers, industry leaders and advisers for a wide-ranging discussion on the future direction of the asset management sector. Held under Chatham House Rules, the conversation was candid and constructive, allowing for open exchanges across a number of significant themes.

A clear message from policymakers was their intention to support the asset management industry. There was recognition of the sector’s role as a critical enabler of national growth and its importance in channelling savings into productive investment. The framing was positive, positioning the industry as central to broader economic ambitions.

That optimism, however, was met with measured scepticism from some participants, particularly those working in compliance and regulatory roles. While the rhetoric was encouraging, there remains a degree of caution about how supportive policy intentions will translate into practical outcomes. The prevailing sentiment in these conversations was one of watchful patience.

Two themes that have dominated conference agendas in recent years, ESG and retailisation, were still present but noticeably less central. Rather than serving as headline topics, they formed part of a broader discussion about market structure, product evolution and regulatory direction. This shift perhaps reflects how embedded these issues have become within mainstream strategy.

Unsurprisingly, artificial intelligence featured prominently, alongside private credit, active ETFs and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty. A panel discussion on defence stood out in particular, reflecting how rapidly this area has moved into the mainstream of investment debate.

Tokenisation, along with stablecoins and central bank digital currencies, also received more serious consideration than in previous years. The tone suggested that these topics are moving from theoretical exploration to practical assessment. It would not be surprising to see them become a more consistent feature of industry events throughout 2026.

Overall, the Symposium provided a thoughtful and balanced forum for discussion. The tone was pragmatic, with participants focused less on headline-grabbing predictions and more on navigating the operational and regulatory realities shaping the industry today.