Apollo Global Management President Jim Zelter has declared that the future of investment-grade private credit lies in strategic collaboration with banks, marking a significant shift in how alternative asset managers approach deal sourcing and market expansion. With 12 active origination partnerships already in place with major financial institutions including BNP Paribas, Citigroup, and Standard Chartered, Apollo is leading the charge toward a new era of cooperation between traditional banking and private credit markets.
about Apollo's Zelter: Bank Partnerships Key to IG Credit FutureBNP Paribas SA
0 in Finance and 0 in Crypto last weekAxa IM Prime Boosts Asia Hedge Fund Allocations
Axa IM Prime, a division of the global asset manager recently acquired by BNP Paribas SA, has been ramping up its investments in Asia-based hedge fund managers over the last five years. This strategic move coincides with a retreat by US institutions, which has left the regional hedge fund industry struggling for fresh capital. The shift highlights Axa IM Prime’s confidence in Asia’s growth potential and its ability to capitalize on opportunities where others have pulled back.
about Axa IM Prime Boosts Asia Hedge Fund AllocationsDeutsche Boerse Expands Bank Roster for $1B ISS Stoxx IPO
Deutsche Boerse AG has enlisted additional banks, including Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, and Societe Generale, to support a potential $1 billion IPO of its ISS Stoxx division. The German exchange operator is evaluating whether to list a stake held by a private equity firm or buy it back. The IPO, if pursued, could launch in Frankfurt as early as late 2025, with junior roles assigned to major financial institutions. This strategic move highlights Deutsche Boerse’s focus on monetizing its data analytics arm amid evolving market conditions.
about Deutsche Boerse Expands Bank Roster for $1B ISS Stoxx IPOBNP Paribas Appoints UBS Executive to Lead Corporate Coverage in Switzerland
BNP Paribas is enhancing its corporate coverage in Switzerland by appointing Michael Keller, the former Managing Director of UBS’s Corporate & Institutional Clients division, as Head of Corporate Coverage. Keller, who has over 30 years of experience in Swiss banking, will start on March 1, 2025, in Zurich. CEO Enna Pariset emphasizes that Keller will be key to the bank’s growth strategy.
about BNP Paribas Appoints UBS Executive to Lead Corporate Coverage in SwitzerlandAXA Switzerland Reports Profit Decline Despite Increased Premiums and Business Growth
AXA Switzerland reported a profit of 781 million francs for 2024, a 3.3% decline despite a 5.9% increase in business volume to 6.19 billion francs, driven by higher premiums in both corporate and private customer segments. The rise in claims costs and storm damage impacted profitability, with the combined ratio worsening to 90.4%. Meanwhile, the parent company AXA saw a 10% increase in net profit to nearly 7.9 billion euros, alongside plans for a dividend increase and a share buyback.
about AXA Switzerland Reports Profit Decline Despite Increased Premiums and Business GrowthIntesa Sanpaolo Invests in Bitcoin Amid Growing Institutional Interest
Intesa Sanpaolo, Italy’s largest bank with $1 trillion in assets, has acquired 11 Bitcoins through its digital assets trading desk, signaling growing institutional interest in cryptocurrency. CEO Carlo Messina described the investment as a test for potential sophisticated clients, amid a backdrop of increasing demand following the launch of a Bitcoin ETF in the US and a favorable regulatory environment under President Trump. However, European regulators remain cautious, with the Bank of Italy and the European Central Bank expressing skepticism about the intrinsic value of cryptocurrencies.
about Intesa Sanpaolo Invests in Bitcoin Amid Growing Institutional InterestFederal Reserve Expected to Maintain Interest Rates Until Mid 2026
The Federal Reserve is anticipated to maintain interest rates at their current level during Wednesday’s rate decision, with projections suggesting they could remain unchanged until mid-2026, according to BNP Paribas’s Anis Bensaidani. This outlook may influence market performance, with the Dow expected to decline.
about Federal Reserve Expected to Maintain Interest Rates Until Mid 2026Oddo BHF strengthens M&A division with new global head appointment
Oddo BHF has appointed Hubert Preschez as the new Global Head of M&A, effective February 3, 2025, to enhance its M&A advisory services, particularly in France, Germany, and Switzerland. With 30 years of experience and over 65 transactions led, Preschez aims to expand the Group’s investment banking and corporate finance division, focusing on complex deals in the healthcare, industry, and energy sectors. The firm plans to strengthen its M&A activities by hiring additional staff in key markets.
about Oddo BHF strengthens M&A division with new global head appointmentDomestic Investors Bolster Indian Stock Market Amid Foreign Fund Withdrawals
India’s stock market is increasingly reliant on domestic investors as foreign fund outflows reach $6 billion this month, marking the worst start for the NSE Nifty 500 Index in nine years. Despite global volatility and high valuations, local institutions and retail investors have countered this trend with $8 billion in net purchases, reinforcing their critical role in supporting market stability. Analysts suggest that the resilience of domestic flows will be vital as the market faces challenges from slowing corporate earnings and shifting global investment dynamics.
about Domestic Investors Bolster Indian Stock Market Amid Foreign Fund WithdrawalsIndian Stock Market Faces Significant Decline Amid Economic Challenges and Investor Concerns
The Indian stock market has experienced a significant downturn, with the Sensex dropping over 10,000 points, or 11.79%, since its peak in September 2024. This decline is attributed to slowing GDP growth, high food inflation, and rising US bond yields, leading to heavy selling by Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs). While large-cap stocks have been most affected, mid and small-cap stocks may still face further corrections as the economic landscape remains challenging.
about Indian Stock Market Faces Significant Decline Amid Economic Challenges and Investor ConcernsAsian stocks decline as US economic strength impacts interest rate expectations
Asian stocks fell sharply as investors adjusted to expectations of prolonged high US interest rates following a robust US payroll report that added 256,000 jobs in December. The dollar index reached a two-year high, prompting concerns over capital outflows from Asia. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 index dropped 1.3%, while South Korea’s Kospi and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 1.1% and 1.4%, respectively. Despite some resilience in mainland Chinese markets, overall equities have declined significantly since October, amid fading stimulus hopes and economic uncertainties.
about Asian stocks decline as US economic strength impacts interest rate expectations