Wilmington Trust said Tuesday it is launching a new brand, Wilmington Investment Management, to create more access to its proprietary suite of alternative funds, separately managed accounts and mutual funds to retail and institutional investors.
The company said the channel would provide opportunities for growth with downside protection amid heightened market volatility.
The company said that its Investor Confidence Survey indicated a need for such products. The poll, which surveyed 500 investors with over $225,000 in household income and an active investment portfolio, found that 65% are worried that a downturn could put a dent in their retirement savings, with 61% saying that they would forego growth for downside protection. That percentage rose to 76% among investors with household incomes over $500,000.
“We’re in a different economic environment than just a few years ago. We’re seeing now that the upside on many investments is limited and the yield environment is challenged,” Chief Investment Officer Tony Roth said. “As a result, we know investors need differentiated strategies that are risk-adjusted and fee sensitive in order to meet their specific needs. Our deeper understanding of global opportunities means we can offer a wider range of investors solutions and access to institutional-quality separate account managers around the world.”
Wilmington Investment Management has $97.6 billion in AUM and offers over 20 equity, fixed income, multi-asset and alternative investment products.