Wilmington Trust has launched a new brand, Wilmington Investment Management (WIM), aimed at expanding access to its proprietary suite of asset management solutions, including alternative funds, separately managed accounts, and mutual funds, to retail and institutional investors.
The new channel builds on the firm’s economics-led investment approach and addresses a critical market need for opportunities for growth with downside protection amid heightened market volatility.
Findings from the inaugural Wilmington Investment Management Investor Confidence Survey, which surveyed 500 investors with more than USD225,000 in household income and an active investment portfolio, revealed strong consumer sentiment for strategies that offer the opportunity for growth with enhanced downside protection and low fees. Key survey findings include:
• Two-thirds of investors (65 per cent) are concerned a downturn or recession could impact their retirement
• An almost equal percentage (61 per cent) say they would give up growth for downside protection
• Among investors with HHI of at least USD500,000, 76 per cent of them agree that they would make this trade-off
“We’re in a different economic environment than just a few years ago. We’re seeing now that the upside on many investments is limited and the yield environment is challenged,” says Tony Roth (pictured), Chief Investment Officer. “As a result, we know investors need differentiated strategies that are risk-adjusted and fee sensitive in order to meet their specific needs. Our deeper understanding of global opportunities means we can offer a wider range of investors solutions and access to institutional-quality separate account managers around the world.”
Wilmington Investment Management has USD97.6 billion in assets under management and offers over 20 equity, fixed income, multi-asset, and alternative solutions. WIM also has strong third party sub-advisory relationships that enable it to architect bespoke strategies with leading asset management firms that are designed to deliver strong performance and downside protection.
“At Wilmington Investment Management, we use our own investment strategies as well as outside managers that represent the best fit for a particular portfolio,” says Matt Glaser, Group Vice President and Head of Equity, Alternative Investments and Manager Research. “We look for partners that have a demonstrated expertise in delivering successful outcomes, the highest caliber people and processes, strong risk management cultures, and who have a clear alignment of interest with our clients. Our philosophy and approach are centred around delivering high-quality solutions that advisors and their clients need today.”