'2,000 Trillion AUM' France's NIM: "Positive on Korea's Value-up... Will Expand Investment Opportunities"

"Korea, the Most Mature Market in Asia"
"European Capital Shifting from the US to Europe... Korea Should Also Seize the Opportunity"

"Since the launch of the new administration, I believe the investment attractiveness of the Korean capital market has increased. As Korea plays an important role in global investment strategies, we plan to expand our investments in line with the future demand of Korean institutions and investors."

Natixis Investment Managers (NIM), a France-based global asset management company, is rapidly expanding its presence in the Korean capital market.

Fabrice Chemouny, Global Head of Sales at NIM, emphasized in a recent interview with Asia Economy at the company's Gwanghwamun office in Seoul, "We will make the most of Korea's positive investment environment."

Fabrice Schumani, Global Head of Sales at Natixis Asset Management, is being interviewed at the Natixis Asset Management office in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 2nd. Photo by Jinhyung Kang

NIM operates 18 specialized subsidiaries in areas such as bonds, equities, and alternative investments under its 'multi affiliate model' strategy, with total assets under management (AUM) reaching approximately $1.4 trillion (about 1,930 trillion KRW). Since establishing its Korean branch in 2013, the company has expanded cooperation with major domestic pension funds, mutual aid associations, and insurance companies, including the National Pension Service. Chemouny has held roles such as Head of Asia-Pacific at NIM since 2000 and now oversees global sales.

"Korea, the Most Mature Market in Asia"

Chemouny stated, "NIM does not simply engage in mergers and acquisitions (M&A); we actively support each affiliate in maintaining independence and expertise, enabling them to develop strategies tailored to client needs. In response to the growing demand for alternative investments such as private assets and infrastructure, we are contributing to client portfolio diversification through collaboration among affiliates."

He assessed the Korean market as "one of the most structured and mature asset management markets in Asia."

In particular, when asked whether the perspective of global investors has become more positive since the launch of the Lee Jae Myung administration, he answered, "Yes." He believes that if various government policies and legislation to resolve the issue of undervaluation in the stock market are fully implemented, it will have a positive impact on the growth of the capital market.

He said, "NIM fundamentally enters markets that are assessed as having a positive investment environment, and recently, the investment attractiveness of the Korean market has been increasing. Global asset managers cannot help but pay attention to this trend, and NIM is also responding proactively to seize these opportunities."

"European Capital Being Redistributed from the US to Europe... Korea Should Also Seize the Opportunity"

He also discussed changes in global asset allocation. Chemouny said, "Since the Russia-Ukraine war, European countries have been investing significant fiscal resources in energy transition, defense, and infrastructure. This represents a major shift in capital flows within the capital market."

He continued, "In the past, European funds were concentrated in the United States, but now European countries are reinvesting these funds into their own economies. Within NATO, the number of countries allocating 5% of their GDP to defense spending has increased. Korean institutional investors should also pay attention to this shift."

Additionally, Chemouny emphasized, "NIM has strengths in the mid-market segment. We have the capability to meet the expectations of investors seeking additional returns." The mid-market refers to a segment where, compared to large-scale projects that require high entry costs, there is greater potential to directly invest at a lower cost during the development stage and increase asset value.

He added, "Korea has ample growth potential in both public and private markets. We aim to become a prominent asset manager in Korea, recognized for delivering tangible results to our clients in the future."

Fabrice Schumani, Global Head of Sales at Natixis Asset Management, said, "The investment attractiveness of the Korean capital market has increased," positively evaluating efforts to resolve the issue of undervaluation in the stock market since the launch of the Lee Jae Myung administration. Photo by Jinhyung Kang