The Contrarian Investor: Be careful what you wish for

clock

David Stevenson looks at how, following the financial crisis, innovation has been stifled and investors led into an ever-narrower range of funds.

When it comes to regulation, we should be careful what we wish for. Following the global financial crisis, everyone and their dog seemed to approve of the idea the markets required closer inspection and supervision. Markets and key financial agents such as investment banks simply could not be trusted to do ‘the right thing’. That market failure in turn required regulators to intrude into internal processes and management, especially around issues such as risk, treating customers fairly, and professional training. This form of what is essentially micromanagement borrowed many of the in...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Investment

SEI to launch two LTAFs in private markets 'expansion'

SEI to launch two LTAFs in private markets 'expansion'

‘Mansion House ambition’

Cristian Angeloni
clock 03 July 2026 • 1 min read
Darius McDermott: Building a resilient portfolio in a concentrated market

Darius McDermott: Building a resilient portfolio in a concentrated market

'A well-balanced portfolio should also take in the broadest possible range of growth opportunities'

Darius McDermott
clock 01 July 2026 • 5 min read
Fahad Hassan: Progress on many fronts

Fahad Hassan: Progress on many fronts

'Financial markets are increasingly pricing in a more benign inflation environment ahead'

Fahad Hassan
clock 01 July 2026 • 5 min read