Robo advisor – new standards in asset management | BankingHub (2024)

By Maria Katharina Heiden

  • 26/07/2019
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Under the terms “robo advice” respectively “robo advisor”, a new type of digital asset management respectively its providers has established itself over the past few years. A robo advice will be part of the standard offering of any financial services provider in the future because a loss of customer trust, a confusing variety of investment products and the trend towards “do-it-yourself” by App are setting new standards not just in online banking and online brokerage, but also in asset management.

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Robo advisor – new standards in asset management | BankingHub (1)

What is a robo advice resp. a robo advisor?

The widely accepted definition of robo advice as a digital and fully automated asset management solution actually goes too far, as robo advice in itself is merely the digital customer interface for identifying the most suitable risk profile for an investor. A web- and/or app-based input template gathers customer data, investment horizon, risk preference and other legally required investor information and, to put it simply, the risk profile is determined using an if-then logic.

The robo advice merely digitalizes the WpHG[1] classification and the MiFID II suitability and appropriateness assessment carried out by the client advisor in a traditional advisory meeting. A differentiation between robo advisors only takes place in the subsequent process of actual asset management where the risk profile is translated into a strategic asset allocation (SAA) and implemented by selecting specific investment products.

The robo-advice process

Robo Advisors: Development and status quo

Internationally, robo advisors manage approximately EUR480bn in assets under management (AUM), which corresponds to about half of the German market for mutual funds. With about EUR110bn, Vanguard Personal Advisor Services is the largest provider worldwide and has a global market share of around 20%. The top 5 robo advisors manage about EUR170bn, which corresponds to a market share of roughly 40%. The sector is estimated to grow to more than EUR2,300bn in AUM over the next five years.

Robo advisors in Europe

With a volume of about EUR14bn in AUM, the European market is relatively small and roughly equals the size of the third-largest robo advisor in the world, Betterment. In Europe, the United Kingdom is the largest market with AUM of EUR5.5bn, followed by Germany with AUM of about EUR3.9bn.

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Robo advisors in Germany

In Germany, there are currently around 30 robo advisors; globally, there are about 350. From an international perspective, the number of German robo advisors is thus quite large. Only the USA, a much bigger market, offers more of them. A look at the ownership structure of German robo advisors reveals that only very few of them are independent start-ups (such as Liqid or Scalable). The majority of robo advisors are digital customer interfaces within the omnichannel offering of private banks (such as Warburg, Hauck & Aufhäuser or Quirin Privatbank), large-cap banks (Commerzbank or Deutsche Bank) or regional banks (Volksbanken and Sparkassen).

Market overview: robo advice in Germany



In spite of their large number, providers in Germany currently only manage relatively limited asset volumes compared to international standards—the size of the German market has remained below both expert forecasts and the expectations of providers themselves. With the exception of Scalable Capital competitors’ AUM are still in the tens or low hundreds of millions. Due to the lack of official reporting obligations, however, all figures are to be taken with a pinch of salt and may actually be considerably lower.

Robo advice—fit for the future?

Robo advice has taken root as a self-service in German asset management. Besides independent start-ups, established banks have integrated it into their offering. What’s missing, however, is satisfactory performance, i.e. the required product quality. Therefore, the market continues to be attractive to new players that not only promise customers such quality, but are actually able to deliver it.

Software providers, such as Aixigo, the company behind Investify’s robo advisor, allow independent asset managers to rent the robo advice functionality and thus offer their strategy online. As Germans are becoming more and more familiar with the offering due to the service portfolios of established banks and digitalization is progressing, a corresponding market and growth opportunity for all providers of asset management strategies is emerging.

More information about robo advice and robo advisors can be found in the following publications (in German language only)

[1] WpHG = German Securities Trading Act

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Maria Katharina Heiden

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Robo advisor – new standards in asset management | BankingHub (2024)

FAQs

What is the role of a robo-advisor in modern asset management? ›

Robo-advisors usually allocate funds to risky assets and risk-free assets, and the weights are decided based on the investors' goals and risk profile. Robo-advisors monitor and rebalance the portfolio as economic conditions change by adjusting the weights of risky and risk-free assets.

What are the regulations for robo advising? ›

Under the new regulations, firms relying on the internet adviser exemption must amend their Form ADV to confirm their eligibility under the revised criteria by March 31, 2025. Those unable to meet these updated requirements are directed to register at the state level and withdraw from SEC registration.

What are the assets under management of robo-advisors? ›

Robo Advisors: Development and status quo

Internationally, robo advisors manage approximately EUR 480 bn in assets under management (AUM), which corresponds to about half of the German market for mutual funds.

How are robo-advisors transforming the provision of retail asset management services? ›

Robo-advisors leverage advances in algorithmic trading and electronic markets to automate investment strategies for ordinary investors. Often based on modern portfolio theory, robo-advisors are able to optimize investors' risk-return tradeoffs and automatically manage and rebalance their portfolios.

What is the biggest downfall of robo-advisors? ›

Real estate, commodities, emerging market stocks, precious metals, and digital assets offer investors additional avenues to increase diversification and generate yield—particularly during times of high inflation. The problem is that most robo-advisors do not offer comprehensive exposure to these assets.

What is a disadvantage of using a robo-advisor to manage your investments? ›

Limited Flexibility. If you want to sell call options on an existing portfolio or buy individual stocks, most robo-advisors won't be able to help you. There are sound investment strategies that go beyond an investing algorithm.

Do millionaires use robo-advisors? ›

According to Spectrem, on a scale of 1 to 100 (1 being low and 100 being high), wealthy investors rated their knowledge of robo advisers at 15.47, and only 6% said they have ever used one.

Who regulates robo-advisors? ›

In the United States, robo-advisors must be registered investment advisors, which are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

What are the problems with robo-advisors? ›

Robo-advisors lack the ability to do complex financial planning that brings together your estate, tax, and retirement goals. They also cannot take into account your insurance, general budgeting, and savings needs.

What is the difference between a managed fund and a robo-advisor? ›

Robo-advisors charge a management fee, usually equal to a percentage of your invested assets each year. Mutual funds charge an expense ratio, which is also equal to a percentage of your invested assets. Some mutual funds may also charge other fees, such as purchase or sales loads.

Who owns advisors asset management? ›

AAM is a part of SLC Management, the institutional alternatives and traditional asset management business of Sun Life. AAM is a SEC registered investment advisor and member FINRA/SIPC. As of December 31, 2023, the brokerage and advised business at AAM represents approximately $41.4 billion in assets.

What is the difference between robo-advisor and asset allocation ETF? ›

ETFs provide low-cost, diversified exposure to a collection of assets, typically designed to replicate the performance of an underlying market index. Robo-advisors are digital platforms that can help investors tailor a portfolio that aligns with their goals and at a lower cost than working with a human advisor.

What is the biggest downfall of robo-advisors when compared to human managers? ›

Most robo-advisors charge a fee based on how much money is in your account. It can vary depending on the platform and the balance, but often ranges from about 0.25% to 0.89% per year. In comparison, a human financial advisor may charge 1% to 2%. The ETFs and mutual funds you're invested in may also charge a fee.

What is the future of robo-advisors? ›

Robo-advisors will need advanced technologies to improve their algorithms, drive more personalization in their offerings for millennials/ Gen Z investors. They need to involve human advisory at higher portfolio thresholds and expand distribution through Robo-for-advisor solutions.

What is the average return on a robo-advisor? ›

Robo-advisor performance is one way to understand the value of digital advice. Learn how fees, enhanced features, and investment options can also be key considerations. Five-year returns from most robo-advisors range from 2%–5% per year.

What is the purpose of robo-advisor? ›

Robo advisors use technology to manage investments on your behalf using a strategy built around your goals and preferences. While costs can vary, robo advisors are typically a more affordable option than traditional investment management.

What does advisors asset management do? ›

AAM provides: Investment solutions — Alternative Investments, Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), Fixed Income, Managed Accounts, Mutual Funds, Structured Products and Unit Investment Trusts (UITs). Sales and distribution services for investment managers seeking opportunities. Bond Services.

Why would you use a robo-advisor instead of a financial advisor? ›

For core investing and planning advice, a robo-advisor is a great solution because it automates much of the work that a human advisor does. And it charges less for doing so – potential savings for you. Plus, the ease of starting and managing the account can't be overstated.

How do robo-advisors affect wealth management? ›

Robo-advisory combines advanced software algorithms, ML and AI, which can lead to better decision-making, providing critical investment advice and portfolio management services. Affordability: Devoid of human intervention, robo-advisors in India typically charge lower fees than traditional financial advisors.

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