In a move which they said would enhance transparency and efficiency in the European asset management industry, three key players--Kneip, FNZ and Nasdaq--announced a new strategic partnership on 5 October 2023. The alliance aims to improve the accessibility of investment products on FNZ’s global wealth management platform by introducing standardised five-character Nasdaq Fund Network (NFN) identifiers.

The implementation of these NFN identifiers, a widely recognised standard framework, will simplify the buying process for investors, the firms said. This initiative aims to improve efficiency and transparency in the European investment market, where a lack of uniform identifiers has often posed challenges, according to a joint .

Navigating industry challenges

Kneip, a provider of fund data management and reporting solutions that covers 40% of the European undertakings for collective investment in transferable securities (Ucits), aims to facilitate more precise and consistent data checks between vendors and platforms. By collaborating with Nasdaq’s NFN, Kneip seeks to enhance the discoverability of mutual fund symbols through NFN’s extensive distribution network.

FNZ, renowned for its comprehensive wealth management platform that integrates technology, infrastructure and investment operations, will host these NFN identifiers. Enrique Sacau, CEO of Kneip, remarked that as the exclusive partner of NFN in Europe for the registration of mutual funds, they are looking forward to making it easier for European investors to locate funds.

Adam Green, CEO of asset management solutions at FNZ, expressed the company’s enthusiasm about partnering with Kneip and Nasdaq to accelerate innovation across the asset and wealth management industry. According to him, FNZ’s mission is to use technology to democratise wealth and create a more transparent, sustainable and personalised asset management industry.

Garrick Stavrovich, vice president of investment intelligence at Nasdaq, also expressed optimism about the collaboration. He stated that the partnership would provide investors with greater transparency and a more efficient process for transacting investment products.