Generali Investments is the sponsor of two olms — also known as “human fish” — from the Postojna Cave

 

 

At Generali Investments, we understand the importance of protecting nature. That is why we decided to actively support the Protect Proteus project under the auspices of the Postojna Cave and become a sponsor of two olms. By doing so, we aim to raise public awareness of environmental issues and contribute to preserving the habitat of this unique creature and, ultimately, the human environment.

Water is the source of life — both for humans and the olm. However, pollution and irresponsible actions towards nature endanger the existence of both the environment and humanity. Industrial waste, chemicals, garbage disposal and even improper farming can harm water resources and thus the olm’s habitat. If we don’t keep our environment clean, the olm populations will begin to decline, which would be a major blow to Slovenia’s natural heritage.

The olm, an adorable resident of Slovenian karst caves, has sparked the human imagination for centuries. In not so distant times, there was a general belief that caves were home to dragons as these small creatures would appear above ground when the underground waters rose. Many people thus referred to them as “baby dragons”. The olm is a unique amphibian living in the dark and cold underground waters of the Slovenian Karst. Its body is pale pink and its eyes are underdeveloped, while its senses are very well honed. It orients itself by smell, taste and a special sense of water vibrations. This unusual animal can live for more than 100 years. Not only is the olm a marvel of nature, it also acts as an environmental indicator. Since it lives exclusively in crystal clear groundwater, its survival directly reflects the state of the environment. If we want to preserve these exceptional animals, we need to make sure that rivers, streams and groundwater remain clean.

That’s why Generali Investments has launched a fun initiative that can be found at this address. All young naturalists and big animal lovers are invited to head to this simple website and explore the mysterious world of waters, peek beneath the earth’s surface into the olm’s habitat, learn some facts about environmental issues, expand their knowledge and contribute by suggesting names for the two olms sponsored by Generali Investments.

You, too, can help choose names for the two olms and become part of this exceptional story. Can you come up with a creative suggestion for a name? Your idea might just be the winning one!

Suggestions will be accepted until 13 October 2024, after which the two olms will receive their designated names. The winners will be rewarded with attractive prizes and the possibility to delve deeper into the olm’s realm.

This initiative helps educate the public about the importance of preserving drinking water and a clean environment. In the same way that sustainability is a priority in environmental contexts, the focus on long-term sustainability is imperative in capital market investments. We are confident that this contribution will help increase the understanding about the importance of preserving the environment, leading to sustainable development and the attainment of goals that are perfectly aligned with the values and long-term strategy of the Generali Group, which encompasses the first Slovenian asset manager Generali Investments.

Let’s take care of nature and our future

The olm reminds us how precious a clean environment is. Protecting nature and managing our resources responsibly is a task that we must take seriously.

Join us on this important mission — take part in the competition and help the olms find heir new names!

 

 

 

Generali Investments again with the Best Asset Manager in Slovenia

 

Aleš Lokar, the head of the portfolio management team in charge of the Generali Umbrella Fund subfunds Generali Galileo, Generali Global and Generali Rastko, with a total of EUR 225 million under management, previously clinched the best fund manager title in 2017. On this occasion, he said: “This accolade is the result of the outstanding efforts of the entire Generali Investments team. The market complexities and rapid developments make effective teamwork indispensable. Therefore, this recognition belongs to each and every one of my colleagues.”

 

Aleš Lokar, head of equity investment management and Best Asset Manager; Foto: © Jure Makovec / Moje finance

 

David Zorman, who won the prestigious Best Asset Manager title in 2011, also made it among the five best asset managers in Slovenia this year.

Over the course of the 14-year history of these awards, Generali Investment managers won the Best Asset Manager titles an impressive eight times. This achievement firmly establishes Generali Investments as one the most acclaimed asset management companies in the history of the awards, underscoring the unwavering performance demonstrated by its manager teams. The Best Asset Managers by years were: David Zorman (2011), Primož Cencelj (2014, 2016 and 2018), Aleš Lokar (2017), and Luka Flere (2019). Additionally, Primož Cencelj was honoured with the title of the Best Asset Manager of the Decade (2010–2019).
The key criterion for determining the best manager is the consistent outperformance of the relevant fund they manage in comparison to the benchmark. Generali Investments, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, ranks among the oldest asset managers with long-standing tradition and experience in Slovenia. Throughout its history, it has won numerous domestic and international accolades for its high-quality work, excellent asset management, and product and service development.

At this year’s event, stars were assigned to funds based on their performance over three-year and ten-year periods, representing the highest distinction in the mutual fund industry and expressing unparalleled excellence in fund management.

This year’s top awards – five stars – went to the following funds:

Generali Galileo*****, Mixed Flexible Fund, in the Mixed Global category over a three-year period,

Generali Rastko*****, Equity, in the Equity – Europe category over a ten-year period,

Generali Bond*****EUR, in the European Bond category over a ten-year period.

 

Melita Rajgelj Ozebek, the President of the Management Board of Generali Investments, said: “The accolades received, along with the performance rates yielded by our funds, underscore the excellence of our management team, of whom we are immensely proud. We work in a rapidly changing environment that necessitates us to adapt on a daily basis, and this is where our long-standing experience proves invaluable. Over the past 30 years, we have always known the paramount importance of quality in asset management. We remain steadfast in our commitments to honour the trust bestowed upon us by our investors, and we thank them for their trust on this occasion.”

The numerous awards received, and, most importantly, the trust placed in the company by its clients, its long-standing relationships, prudent investment policy, high-quality products, top-notch team with a winning mindset, as well as professionalism and international focus, are certainly the motivating factors driving the oldest asset management company in Slovenia and its team. They also serve as proof that Generali Investments is on the right track.

 

From left to right: Geza Norčič, asset manager, Matej Krajnik, analyst, Sašo Šmigić, member of the Management Board, Aleš Lokar, head of equity investment management and Best Asset Manager of 2023, David Zorman, head of ESG analysis, and Matej Škerlep, analyst (missing: Beti Bacetič Kern, asset manager, and Grega Meden, senior asset manager).

 

Generali First Selection and Generali Vitality receive the highest Morningstar overall rating of 5 stars for asset management

“Uncertain” is the word that best describes 2022. War on the doorstep of the European Union, inflation at rates reminiscent of the 1980s, the rise of dictatorships and the fastest rate hike in US history are the topics that have shaped capital markets over the past year. Economic recovery expected to occur after the end of the pandemic was weaker than foreseen due to the decline in consumer and investor confidence. The global capital markets in 2022 saw central banks reversing their policies after almost a decade, sharply raising the price of money. This brought high volatility to equity and bond markets, with the latter seeing the biggest slump in the last 50 years.

Despite the great uncertainty, Generali Investments ended the year with results testifying to its consistent professionalism and excellence in the active management of investors’ assets: 12 out of the 15 subfunds of the Generali Umbrella Fund outperformed their benchmarks in the period from 31 December 2021 to 31 December.

The above is also confirmed by the international Morningstar rating.

Five of our funds earned a Morningstar rating of a maximum of 5 or 4 stars, ranking among the top 10% of the funds rated in each category (5 stars) or among the next 22.5% of the funds (4 stars). On 31 December 2022, Morningstar assigned the overall rating of 5 or 4 stars to the following Generali Umbrella Fund subfunds:

 

 

*Morningstar, an independent and highly acclaimed rating agency based in the US, has been rating funds across the world since 1985. Funds are rated according to their risk-adjusted returns, also taking account of their investment policies and expenses. Funds are ranked within their respective categories, with ratings recalculated each month. The highest rating is 5 stars. The best 10% of funds in each category receive 5 stars, the next 22.5% four stars, the middle 35% three stars, the next 22.5% two stars, and the bottom 10% receive one star. Funds are rated for ten-, five-, and three-year periods, and these ratings are combined to produce an overall rating. How the overall rating is formed: for funds with at least 3 years and less than 5 years performance history, their 3-year star ratings will be the same as their overall star ratings. For funds with at least 5-year and less than 10-year records, their 5-year histories will count for 60% of their overall rating and their 3-year rating will count for 40% of the overall rating. For funds with at least 10 years of performance, the overall rating will be weighted as 20% for the 3-year rating, 30% for the 5-year rating, and 50% for the 10-year rating.

 

 

Copyright © 2020 Morningstar Deutschland GmbH. All rights reserved. Information in this publication: (1) is proprietary to Morningstar and/or its content providers; (2) may not be copied or distributed; and (3) is not warranted to be accurate, complete, or timely. Neither Morningstar nor its content providers are responsible for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

 

 

 

Generali Growth Equity Fund completes the acquisition of a share in Zobozdravstvo Diamant d.o.o.

 

Zobozdravstvo Diamant d.o.o. is the largest private dental centre in Slovenia headquartered in Celje, currently operating with ten dental chairs. Its core activities include prosthetics, orthodontics, implantology, dental conservation and endodontics. The company pursues a clear business strategy, focusing on customers – patients. Thanks to using sophisticated high-tech instruments and materials, the company provides its patients with high-quality services according to the one-stop-shop principle, satisfying medical, functional and aesthetic needs.

Through the Fund’s entry in the ownership structure, Zobozdravstvo Diamant will gain more financial strength and at the same time benefit from additional professional support and expertise in business expansion, thereby further consolidating its leading role in providing high-quality dental services.

Together with the founder, who is keeping a share in the company, the Fund plans expansion throughout Slovenia. This will help Zobozdravstvo Diamant bring its high-quality services closer to people in the entire country.

Generali Growth Equity Fund is a special investment fund managed by Generali Investments, Slovenia’s oldest management company with subsidiaries in Croatia and North Macedonia. Generali Growth Equity Fund invests in ambitious small and medium-sized companies, offering support for growth financing, capacity expansion, sales network building and new product development as well as the acquisition of competitors and management of succession matters.

 

 

 

The Generali Growth Equity Fund investment in Zobozdravstvo Diamant, d.o.o., is co-financed by the European Investment Fund and the SID Bank. Generali Growth Equity Fund was founded in 2019 as part of the Slovene Equity Growth Investment Programme (SEGIP), which was launched upon the initiative of the SID Bank in cooperation with the European Investment Fund (EIF). It offers equity and quasi-equity financing to Slovenian SMEs and mid-cap companies. The SID Bank committed to contributing EUR 50 million of its own funds to this programme (without state guarantee), and the EIF has provided an additional EUR 50 million under the European Fund for Strategic Investments (with EFSI guarantee). By mobilising additional funding from other private investors through the SEGIP programme, overall investments for Slovenian companies could exceed EUR 150 million, which is 3-times the contribution of the SID Bank.

 

 

NLB Banka Skopje in cooperation with Generali Investments AD Skopje introduces a new product – sale of units from investment funds

 

Today the cooperation between the two companies was marked with a donation for the young mathematics genius Damjan Davkov from Štip to whom the Council of the Municipality of Štip recently awarded the highest municipal distinction, the 8th of November award. The President of the Management Board of NLB Banka Skopje, Antonio Argir, President of the Management Board of Generali Investments, Luka Podlogar and Chief Executive Officer of Generali Investments AD Skopje, Laze Kamchev, presented Damjan with a voucher worth 3,000 euros, funds that will be invested in units in “Generali Top Brands”, in order to achieve additional income that he will be able to use in the future for his education and training.

“NLB Banka continuously introduces new and innovative products, at the same time enabling sophisticated and advanced consulting and optimal management of clients’ funds through products that correspond to their current needs and ensure future financial stability. Trading in units of investment funds is one of the fastest growing financial activities in our country, and additionally, after stabilising the situation arising from the pandemic and consequently, the domestic and world economy, even greater and faster growth of this industry is expected in the future. With this product NLB Banka Skopje completes its offer of non-banking financial products and thus equals the services offered by Western European banks by enabling wide opportunities for clients, comprehensive financial advice and access to a range of instruments that can meet even the most complex needs of clients and achieving their financial goals,” said Antonio Argir, President of the Management Board of NLB Banka Skopje, who congratulated Damjan and his family and expressed confidence that the units of the investment fund will bring Damjan a return that will provide him with a decent education in the future.

The President of the Board of Generali Investments, Luka Podlogar welcomed the cooperation between the two companies and on this occasion said: “We nurture the cooperation with NLB Banka Skopje and recognise the Bank as an important business partner. We strongly believe in synergy and I am convinced that this is just the beginning for further joint local and international growth and expansion of our product portfolio. I would say we are the best at what we do.”

“First of all, I would like to thank NLB Banka Skopje for the cooperation, the vision of the management for the future of the financial products and the comprehensive approach to the needs of the clients. Together with NLB Banka Skopje we are building a strong partnership and we are confident that this cooperation will provide a special approach and range of products that will benefit existing and future clients. I am convinced that our products, now available in all branches of NLB Banka Skopje, add value to the Bank’s offer because investment funds are becoming an increasingly important savings and investment product,” stated Laze Kamchev, Chief Executive Officer of General Investments AD Skopje.

Some of the products that are subject to this cooperation are: sale of units in equity funds with one-time payment, sale of units in equity funds with programmed payment, and sale of units in cash funds – intended for legal entities, as well as sale of units in investment deposit.

Both companies, Generali Investments AS Skopje and NLB Banka Skopje, are subsidiaries of two big and eminent Slovenian companies, the first one of Generali Investments, one of the largest and the oldest asset management companies in South-East Europe and the oldest asset management company in Slovenia; the second one of NLB Group.

THE GENERALI INVESTMENTS AD SKOPJE

Established in 2008, Generali Investments AD Skopje manages seven investment funds with EUR 37 million of assets of approximately 3.000 investors under management. Generali Investments AD Skopje is owned by Generali Investments Slovenia, and is part of the Generali Group.

THE GENERALI GROUP

Generali is one of the largest global insurance and asset management providers. Established in 1831, it is present in 50 countries in the world, with a total premium income of € 70.7 billion in 2020. With more than 72,000 employees serving 65.9 million customers, the Group has a leading position in Europe and a growing presence in Asia and Latin America. Commitment to sustainability is one of the enablers of Generali’s strategy, inspired by the ambition to be the Lifetime Partner to its customers, offering innovative and personalized solutions thanks to an unmatched distribution network.

In Austria, Central and Eastern Europe and Russia the Group operates through its Austria, CEE & Russia Regional Office (Prague) in 13 countries being one of the top three insurers in the Region.

THE GENERALI INVESTMENTS
Generali Investments has EUR 563 billion in assets under management globally, and EUR 25 billion in assets under management in the CEE countries, which makes it one of the largest asset management companies in the CEE region.

 

 

 

Delo’s entrepreneurial stars on a transition that will lead us to climate neutrality

 

 

Before the evening announcement, a seminar hub was held, and Luka Flere, a member of the Management Board of Generali Investments, addressed the audience about the important role that the financial sector plays in sustainability.

 

 

He called on all individuals, consumers, investors, entrepreneurs, managers, as well as decision-makers, “to start cooperating, to act together, to move from words about sustainable growth to action”. In his address, he emphasized that we must integrate sustainable principles into the investment process and that the goal of sustainable investment (the so-called ESG) is to create a competitive company while influencing society (S), the environment (E), and corporate criteria through management (G). Companies will have to integrate ESG standards into their operations and also disclose indicators. Companies have still a room for improvement in this area—in the calculation of indicators and transparent publication. However, all parts of the state, companies, financial institutions, and individuals must be involved—because the intersection of all interest groups means the quality of life on this planet. He added that the state must regulate this area systemically with appropriate incentives and laws, and the company will then have to implement the rules and change business processes.

In the future, investors can expect to see labels on financial products, as well as on in-store products, from which it will be possible to deduce whether and which sustainability aspect a financial company pursues with them.

He concluded that the asset management company has tasks to integrate into the investment process a criterion by which the company that would bear the greatest risks associated with sustainability can be excluded from the portfolio. Such examples could be, for example, an oil company that has an oil spill, corruption in a pharmaceutical company, money laundering.

 

 

Generali First Selection and Generali Bond receive the highest Morningstar overall rating of 5 stars

 

Generali Investments has consistently been known for its professionalism and excellence in managing investor assets. Three of our funds received a maximum of 5 or 4 stars, ranking among the top 10% of funds in each category (in the case of 5 Morningstar stars) or the next 22.5% of funds (in the case of 4 Morningstar stars). On 31 December 2020, Morningstar assigned 5 and/or 4 stars to the following funds:

Generali First Selection, 5 stars in the Flexible Allocation – Global category
Generali Bond, 5 stars in the EUR Diversified Bond category
Generali Vitality, 4 stars in the Global Large-Cap Blend Equity category

 

 

Morningstar, an independent and highly acclaimed rating agency based in the US, has been rating funds across the world since 1985. Funds are rated according to their risk-adjusted returns, also taking account of their investment policies and expenses. Funds are ranked within their respective categories, with ratings recalculated each month. The highest rating is 5 stars. The top 10% of funds in each category receive five stars, the next 22.5% four stars, the middle 35% three stars, the next 22.5% two stars, and the bottom 10% receive one star Funds are rated for ten-, five-, and three-year periods, and these ratings are combined to produce an overall rating. How the overall rating is calculated: for funds with at least three years and less than five years performance history, their three-year star ratings will be the same as their overall star ratings. For funds with at least five-year and less than ten-year records, their five-year histories will count for 60% of their overall rating and their three-year rating will count for 40% of the overall rating. For funds with at least 10 years of performance, the overall rating will be weighted as 20% for the three-year rating, 30% for the five-year rating, and 50% for the 10-year rating.

 

Copyright © 2020 Morningstar Deutschland GmbH. All rights reserved. Information in this publication: (1) is proprietary to Morningstar and/or its content providers; (2) may not be copied or distributed; and (3) is not warranted to be accurate, complete, or timely. Neither Morningstar nor its content providers are responsible for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

 

 

Generali First Selection and Generali Bond with a maximum Overall Rating 5 Morningstar stars

 

 

Generali Investments is maintaining professionalism and excellence in managing the assets of its investors. Three of our funds received a maximum of 5 or 4 stars, which means they rank among the top 10% of funds in each category (in the case of 5 Morningstar stars) or the next 22.5% of funds (in the case of 4 Morningstar stars). On 31 December 2019, the holders of 5 or 4 Morningstar stars are:

 

Generali First Selection, 5 stars in the Flexible Allocation – Global category
Generali Bond, 5 stars in the EUR Diversified Bond category
Generali Vitality, 4 stars in the Global Large-Cap Blend Equity category

 

Morningstar, an independent and highly acclaimed rating agency based in the US, has been rating funds across the world since 1985. Morningstar rates funds from one to five stars based on how well they have performed (after adjusting for risk) in comparison to similar funds. Within each Morningstar Category, the top 10% of funds receive five stars, the next 22.5% four stars, the middle 35% three stars, the next 22.5% two stars, and the bottom 10% receive one star. Funds are rated for up to three time periods –three-, five-, and 10 years –and these ratings are combined to produce an overall rating. Funds with less than three years of history are not rated. Ratings are objective, based entirely on a mathematical evaluation of past performance. They are a useful tool for identifying funds worthy of further research, but should not be considered buy or sell recommendations.

 

 

© 2018 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved. The information contained herein: (1) is proprietary to Morningstar and/or its content providers; (2) may not be copied or distributed; and (3) is not warranted to be accurate, complete, or timely. Neither Morningstar nor its content providers are responsible for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

KD Funds Skopje proud to become Generali Investments Skopje

 

Generali Investments AD Skopje, remains a company that best understands the needs of investors, has great team of experts and long tradition of asset management in the market. All the advantages of our value-increasing asset management services remain unchanged, whilst at the same time the door is opening to gain access to all the global sources and markets offered by the international Generali Group, which according to Forbs is the best insurance company in the world.

The celebration was opened by Chief Executive Officer Laze Kamcev, who stated: “By integrating knowledge from General Investments’ Centers in the region, we will be able to offer our clients the best financial products and services. Today we are already a modern asset management company that has identified customer needs over the years. In this regard, we become a financial supermarket for all combined products linked to investment funds. Investing in investment funds, life assurance combined products and investment funds linked to bank deposits are all in order to have a complete offer in terms of client assets. ”

Luka Podlogar – President of the Board of Directors of Generali Investments AD Skopje and President of the Management Board of Generali Investments d.o.o Ljubljana noted on this occasion: “The presence of Generali in North Macedonia is a strategic change. Our group wants to grow the business on the healthy foundations laid by our brilliant team from Skopje. I’m looking forward to the development of financial services in North Macedonia and have high confidence in the development of the Macedonian economy. ”

The celebration was also attended by the Italian Ambassador H.E. Carlo Romeo who addressed the guests, introducing them to the beginnings of Generali in Italy and its development through the history in Europe and the world.

 

THE GENERALI GROUP

Generali is one of the largest global insurance and asset management providers. Established in 1831, it is present in 50 countries in the world, with a total premium income of more than € 66 billion in 2018. With nearly 71,000 employees serving 61 million customers, the Group has a leading position in Europe and a growing presence in Asia and Latin America. Generali’s ambition is to be the lifetime partner to its customers, offering innovative and personalized solutions thanks to an unmatched distribution network. In Austria, Central and Eastern Europe and Russia the Group operates through its Austria, CEE & Russia Regional Office (Prague) in 13 countries.

Generali Investments has EUR 488 billion in assets under management globally, and EUR 20 billion in assets under management in the CEE countries, which makes it one of the largest asset management companies in the CEE region.

 

Even stronger from now on

How would you present Generali Investments, an asset management company and a subsidiary of Generali?

Josef Beneš: Generali is the name under which companies operate comprehensively in Europe with a global reach in US, Latin American and Asian markets. In Central and Eastern Europe (the CEE region), where its operations are incorporated under the umbrella company Generali CEE Holding, based in Prague, Generali is present in the markets of 13 countries. So far, it has been active in four countries in this geographical area with Generali Investments companies in the field of asset management, each with a local asset management centre and a team of investment experts.

Luka Podlogar: It is true that, until now, the Slovenian public has known Generali primarily as an insurance company with good products, an international presence and a long history, and ultimately, as a company based in Trieste. But due to its enormous balance sheet, the Generali Group is also a large asset manager. The Generali Investments brand includes a number of asset management activities, ranging from investment management of insurance companies, various mutual funds, to private equity and real estate investment strategies, as well as very niche investment strategies implemented within individual investment boutiques. Looking at individual investment classes, Generali Investments covers most areas: from classic cash, bond, mixed and equity strategies, to more niche strategies within private equity, real estate and infrastructure, and so on, as well as hedge-fund strategies. Through its investment boutiques, Generali Investments also covers more specialised niches, such as investing in accordance with environmental, social, corporate (ESG) criteria.

 

Can you summarise key information about the size of Generali Investments for our readers?

Josef Beneš: In total, globally speaking, Generali Investments has €443 billion in assets under management. In the CEE countries, we manage €20 billion in assets, making Generali Investments one of the largest management companies in the region. Financial experts with excellent knowledge of the specifics of individual markets operate in centres in Prague, Warsaw, Budapest and, of course, also in Ljubljana. Together, there are more than 250 employees in these centres alone, including more than 40 top portfolio managers.

Luka Podlogar: With the acquisition of KD Funds, Generali Investments has added three new countries within the Central and Eastern European region, namely Slovenia, Croatia and North Macedonia, to the existing four, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary. For example, the volume of assets under management in Slovenia is, globally, of course small, compared to the aforementioned €443 billion, but we must bear in mind that Slovenia is not a large country. However, the local presence is of paramount importance for Generali Investments as the company wants to be close to its clients, that is, the investors.

 

With the acquisition of KD Funds, Generali Investments continues its more than 25 years of operations of the first management company in Slovenia and one of the leading companies in this region. Where do you see the main benefits of this story?

Josef Beneš: Trust and experience are key to investments. These are the values most prized by investors according to financial research. They are not easy to acquire, they cannot be borrowed and they are difficult to conquer. KD Funds built them. Generali Investments does not want to repeat mistakes, such as some American institutions did in the CEE region in the 90’s, when their management companies or banks tried to approach different markets in identical, uniform steps. Savings and investments in the CEE region have evolved very differently – according to the situation and experience of the financial markets, their history, structure and ownership of the capital markets. The great advantage of a quarter century of KD Funds is that with this heritage, that is, with the position and reputation in the market and knowledge, we maintain a local approach and proximity to our clients.

Luka Podlogar: It is important that the DNA of KD Funds remains the same after the takeover and name change. People are the most important in our business. The team that has successfully managed our funds for many years remains the same. In addition, KD Funds and Generali Investments share the same values: excellence in management, long-term vision and a winning, team spirit.

 

Mr Beneš, how would you assess the current situation on the Slovenian market? Do you expect Slovenes to invest more in mutual funds and similar products in the future compared to, for example, bank deposits?

Josef Beneš: I have to praise the Slovenian market. Looking at the numbers, it appears that Slovenian investors are behaving quite maturely. The share of dynamic products, including equity funds, is higher than in other CEE countries, for example. Contrary to say Poland, Slovenia and the Czech Republic are relatively small countries, but regardless of this, we also expect investment growth in the long run. The economy is healthy, wages and other income will grow. We are confident that the demand for asset management and investment in funds will continue to grow significantly.

 

Mr Podlogar, what is said is a positive outlook, and it appears that Slovenes are increasingly recognising opportunities to increase the value of their money. On the other hand, sometimes we still get the feeling that many people are still holding back on their investments. Why?

Luka Podlogar: Slovenians currently have a lot of assets in bank accounts, where nothing is earned, or tied into real estate. We are still a little too reserved about financial investments, which is mainly due to relatively poor financial literacy. We are unfortunately at the tail end of Europe in this area. But I am convinced that financial literacy will increase in the coming years and that more and more Slovenes will decide to invest their savings in capital markets. Of course, the most effective instrument are investment funds. At Generali Investments, we will ensure that our products are always well managed and attractive to our investors in terms of investment strategies, as well as competitive in terms of overall management costs.

 

What benefits will the operation under a new, significantly larger umbrella company or group bring to individual and institutional investors in Slovenia? What impact can the power and size of Generali Investments have on the market and on the investments of investors?

Josef Beneš: Together we are stronger. By integrating the knowledge of four Generali Investments centres in the region, we will be able to offer our clients and partners the best financial products and services. We will have even better market insight, which can bring even better results and risk management. Our contributions and analytics of CEE markets are already appreciated by colleagues in Western markets, and at the same time we have access to the analyses of investment teams of the entire Group, from Paris to Trieste.

Luka Podlogar: A strong financial background is undoubtedly very important. Moreover, we cannot emphasize enough the extraordinary importance of knowledge that has accumulated in the Generali Group throughout its nearly two centuries of history. Generali Investments employs more than 450 experts who today manage, as was said earlier, a total of €443 billion in a range of different investment classes. None of the Slovenian asset managers has access to such a large team with such management knowledge.

 

Will the range of products and services you offer to investors in Generali Investments continue to expand? What can they expect?

Josef Beneš: There will be many changes that may not be visible but are very important. These include upgraded investment management services, such as investments that fit the liability structure and risk models. We will also develop new products in our companies in the region and offer additional investment opportunities.

Luka Podlogar: There will definitely be innovations. I am pleased that we will soon be able to launch a new fund within the Generali Group that will meet the needs of Slovenian investors in an area where it has been difficult to invest so far. Working with the hinterland of a large merged Slovenian insurance company will also bring innovations in the field of investment risk insurance, where, in partnership with Adriatic Slovenica and Zavarovalnica Generali, we will offer a combination of the best products of both insurance companies.

 

What do you want to say to existing investors and all those potential investors who may choose to manage their assets at Generali Investments?

Josef Beneš: We are building a new, strong asset management group in Central and Eastern Europe, and Slovenia is part of this development that will bring investors the highest quality product and service offering. We want to maintain the trust of our existing customers with good results, an expanded offer and a strong local presence. Just as we want our current investors to remain an active part in our future journey, we will, of course, strive to persuade new ones. We can offer great advantages over the competition in Slovenia and in other markets of Central and Eastern Europe to them as well. All clients, old and new, will be able to take advantage of the long-term positive effects of increasing the value of their money.

Luka Podlogar: In the end, I will once again emphasize the importance of cooperation, trust and closeness. Business is people. The team that has been responsible for good management results and good financial consulting to Slovenian investors remains the same. This means that nothing will change for our clients in the short term and that they retain all the existing benefits. On the other hand, in the long run, we will strive to be even better and to offer investors innovative, well-managed products, backed by the knowledge, resources and power brought by the large Generali Group.

 

Flip through the new edition of Optimum (the magazine is in Slovenian).