BTN News: Banca March’s subsidiary, Inversis, is set to accelerate its growth and international expansion plans by partnering with Euroclear, a leading provider of Financial Market Infrastructure (FMI) services. Euroclear has acquired a 49% stake in Inversis, which specializes in global investment technology solutions and outsourcing financial services. This agreement, pending regulatory approval, includes a plan to increase Euroclear’s stake to 100% within the next three years. This strategic move aims to boost Inversis’ technological investments and human resources, propelling the company to new heights.
Strengthening Technology and Human Resources
Euroclear’s entry into Inversis’ shareholder base is designed to fast-track the company’s growth and elevate it to a new level. The partnership will significantly enhance investments in technology and other areas, surpassing previous forecasts. This strategic collaboration aims to bolster Inversis’ technological capabilities and expand its workforce, ensuring the company is well-equipped to meet increasing market demands.
Euroclear: A Leader in Post-Trade Services
Headquartered in Brussels, Euroclear is a major provider of post-trade services, offering settlement and custody services for both domestic and cross-border securities, including bonds, equities, derivatives, and investment funds. With approximately €37 trillion in assets under custody and over €1 quadrillion in annual transactions as of the end of 2023, Euroclear is a key player in the financial markets. Additionally, Euroclear manages €3.3 trillion in fund assets and serves around 3,000 fund distributors and 2,500 fund managers across 85 countries.
Euroclear Bank, a significant Central Securities Depository (ICSD), enables its clients to operate with over a million securities worldwide. In Europe, Euroclear operates national Central Securities Depositories (CSDs) in Belgium, Finland, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. These CSDs cover more than 65% of the trading volume of major European companies and 50% of European national debt.
Leaders’ Perspectives on the Partnership
José Luis Acea, CEO of Banca March, highlighted the significance of this partnership. Since acquiring full ownership of Inversis in 2014, Banca March has supported its steady growth, aiming to offer institutional clients a broader range of comprehensive and global solutions for their financial asset distribution businesses and to enhance their international capabilities. Euroclear, being a prominent provider of financial services to major international banks, is deemed the ideal partner to take Inversis to the next growth level.
Alberto del Cid, CEO of Inversis, emphasized the benefits for Inversis’ large clients and existing customers, including Banca March, who will gain from an expanded value proposition in all business areas. Euroclear FundsPlace, Euroclear’s fund distribution solution, will significantly enhance Inversis’ fund distribution platform, positioning it as a leading international operator.
Valérie Urbain, CEO of Euroclear, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting that Inversis’ attractive business model aligns perfectly with Euroclear’s ambition to provide comprehensive solutions to clients across all fund product regions. This collaboration is expected to strengthen Euroclear’s presence in Spain, a market offering substantial growth opportunities in fund distribution.
Expanding International Footprint
In April 2023, Inversis acquired Banque Havilland’s investment fund depositary business, gaining a portfolio of approximately €3 billion and opening a Luxembourg branch operational since May 31. Additionally, in late 2022, Inversis acquired a 40% stake in the Luxembourg-based Adepa Group, which specializes in managing and administering investment vehicles. These acquisitions have enabled Inversis to offer comprehensive solutions to financial institutions aiming to develop product offerings through Luxembourg-domiciled vehicles or access specialized financial instrument services from this jurisdiction.
In July 2023, Inversis further strengthened its national and international product strategy by acquiring Openfinance, solidifying its position in the market.
Conclusion
The strategic partnership between Inversis and Euroclear marks a significant milestone in Inversis’ growth journey, enhancing its technological capabilities, expanding its workforce, and broadening its value proposition. With Euroclear’s expertise and resources, Inversis is well-positioned to achieve its ambitious growth and internationalization goals, offering clients cutting-edge solutions and unparalleled service
