CONCLUSIONS

This requires investment firms to recognize these changes and adapt to them by:

• Exploiting technology.
• Building greater collective intelligence through teams with deep knowledge and wide perspective.
• Doing far more joined-up investment thinking and practice.
• Engaging more by identifying client needs and managing to their desired outcomes.

The future state of the investment industry will reflect progress by investment firms on these issues. We suggest a forward-thinking investment industry that copes well with change will be characterized by:

• Holding itself up to clearer, higher standards.
• Becoming more proactive and purposeful.
• Adding value well beyond the rewards it enjoys itself.
• Making positive contributions to society’s deeper-rooted issues.

This can become reality if investment firms adopt the principles and strategies outlined in the Investment Firm of the Future. The Shifts represent actions to be taken.

CFA Institute is committed to further consultation with leading industry figures on the issues raised in this paper and in particular moving our industry to higher standards of professionalism.

CFA Institute restates its support for the investment industry through credentialing, education, standards, research, and advocacy activities.

As we outline a more forward-thinking future for the industry, we also view this report as a source of thinking for CFA Institute itself to reflect on its vision, strategy, and goals to support its mission “to lead the investment profession globally by promoting the highest standards of ethics, education, and professional excellence for the ultimate benefit of society.”