Executive Summary

In corporate and investment banking, the role of trade and industry associations is critical to fostering collaboration, influencing policies, and disseminating knowledge among key stakeholders. The global investment banking and trading services market size was valued at $267.86B in 2019 and is projected to reach $520B by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2020 to 2027. This comes at a time of broadening environmental, social and governance standards and stricter regulations over the use of data and technology. With JP Morgan signalling disappointment in capital regulations and their impact on lending, the influence of the external environment has never been clearer. Associations serve as critical platforms for professionals within the sector, enabling them to collectively address challenges, drive industry growth, and elevate industry standing.

Associations play a particularly important role in Europe’s corporate and investment banking industry, working to represent firms on issues like investment products frameworks and capital markets union. When firms navigate intricate regulatory frameworks to deliver optimal returns, the significance of effective association engagements cannot be overstated. Within this context, trade and industry associations in Europe, such as the European Banking Federation, and national associations like the Investment Association in the UK, assume central roles. They not only provide a unified voice for the industry but also offer valuable insights, best practices, and networking opportunities that contribute to informed decision-making and strategic growth. However, corporate affairs professionals working in the asset management space grapple with challenges stemming from underperforming associations. These challenges reflect a gap between the expected benefits of affiliations and the realised value. This discrepancy impacts policy influence, networking initiatives, and even industry reputation.

A comprehensive approach to addressing these challenges is association assessment and optimisation. This solution is marked by its data-driven foundation and strategic alignment with industry-specific goals. Anchored in industry benchmarks and insights, it empowers firms to make well-informed decisions about their association engagements, enhancing resource allocation and strategic concentration. The choice of the right solution for association assessment and optimisation holds paramount importance. Tailored recommendations and a holistic evaluation of association impacts, spanning networking, insights, and policy influence, ensures a well-rounded perspective. Implementation support bridges the gap between recommendation and tangible outcomes, effecting change within the European financial context.

The complexities presented by underperforming association memberships necessitate a bespoke approach. By embracing comprehensive solutions, Europe’s corporate and investment banks can confidently navigate the policyscape. This strategic partnership between firms and assessment providers propels enhanced growth, heightened industry influence, and sustained prominence within Europe’s corporate and investment banking landscape. To read the full report, please click the download button above.