Asset Management in a Down Market: Know Thy Customer; New Report From Meridien Research Examines the Competitive Landscape Facing Global Asset Managers.

Business/Technology Editors

NEWTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 7, 2001

As the overall market for global asset managers becomes increasingly more competitive, asset management firms must get much closer to their customers, says a new report from Meridien Research. As with other financial industry segments, it is essential that asset managers realize the immediate need for and benefits of a client-centric approach to their business.

"In the bull market of the last few years, the asset management business tended to be transaction oriented, with brokers selling high volumes of product to the masses," said Stephen Ross, analyst at Meridien Research. "With the recent market downturn, we are seeing asset managers scramble to protect their customer base and save face with pension funds, institutional investors, and high net-worth individuals; to identify new revenue opportunities to maintain revenue growth; and to grow market share, domestically and globally. We believe that strategic technologies can play a major role by helping firms better understand their customers' unique investment needs and to develop offerings tuned to their target markets."

"Strategies for Asset Managers: Follow the Money" is a comprehensive look at the competitive landscape facing asset managers today and also provides strategic alternatives and a case study of Dreyfus Corporation. This strategy report is one of a quartet of reports that examine the value of using front-office CRM technology solutions to improve the strategic capabilities of institutions competing in the investment banking and asset management business segments. Previously released reports in this series were: "Investment Banks: Can a CRM Strategy Create an Edge?" and "In Search of the Holy Grail: Front-Office CRM for Investment Bankers and Asset Managers." In the last report of this series, Meridien Research will offer strategic alternatives to the institutional-based broker distribution channel supporting investment bankers and asset managers. More information on purchasing these reports can be obtained from [e-mail] or by calling 617-796-2800.

About Meridien Research

Meridien Research of Newton, MA, provides analytical research services to users and providers of financial industry technology. Meridien Research targets three technology areas of strategic importance to financial services firms: eFinancial Services, Trading & Risk Management and Customer Relationship Management. Each practice delivers quarterly reports and monthly briefs, detailing new issues and challenges. Visit www.meridien-research.com/press to register for announcements as new research becomes available. For media relations, contact Parallax LLC at 781.235.7025 or [e-mail].