Collaboration and communication is the most important aspect of network management for asset managers, according to a panel discussion and poll at NeMa.
When an audience of custodians and sub-custodians were asked what they perceive to be the most important part of the relationship, 61 percent said seeing full collaboration across the value chain.
The importance of receiving timely, relevant and real market information was also noted by 32 percent of respondents, while 7 percent thought the most important thing for asset managers was to be listened to by global custodians.
Speaking on a panel of asset managers, Lisa Martinez of Capital Group pointed out that "we're not even the end clients", suggesting that it should be a common goal to make sure shareholders get the value they want.
She added that, although it takes a lot of resources, knowledge of client needs is also an important part of the custody service. Asset managers want someone with regional expertise who is available in their time zone to answer questions, she said.
Gretchen Larson of Franklin Templeton Investments also noted that collaboration is key to keeping asset managers informed about the markets they're invested in, noting that passing on an element of local knowledge can be helpful for knowing what is happening, or what is about to happen in a market.
"That is where we look to have the discussions," Larson said, adding that with responsibility for asset safety comes the need for powerful access to information.
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