Disruption. Change multiplies opportunity
Disruption is all around us. From new technologies to shifting trade patterns, the status quo is being challenged. Embrace disruption to seize the moment.
What we mean by disruption
We live in an age of disruption. Transformative new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) are upending multiple sectors. Climate change is shaking up the energy system. Geopolitical realignments are forcing businesses to rethink supply chains. And demographic shifts are putting pressure on healthcare systems.
The consequences of disruption are profound. They present challenges, but they also create opportunities.
With the right guidance, disruption can be a force for good. AI may dramatically increase productivity. Energy systems could become sustainable and clean. New markets might become integral parts of global supply chains. And medical breakthroughs could revolutionise healthcare.
Navigating through this change requires experience, foresight, and agile thinking.
By welcoming change, we can meet the challenges of the day. By embracing disruption, we can shape the future.
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Rethinking the way you invest
"For investors, it's important to focus on the opportunities that disruption brings. This means questioning old ways of investing.”
Virginie Maisonneuve, Global CIO Equity, Allianz Global Investors
Frequently asked questions
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No, disruption covers many different fields that influence multiple aspects of business activity, as well as society as a whole. We see disruption in three key areas:
- Tech – including digital disruption
- Resources – such as super-charging clean energy storage
- Fragmentation – geopolitical shifts in the global village that require a new roadmap for investment
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Disruptive innovation transforms the specific sector in which it takes place, the businesses operating in that area, businesses in other sectors that leverage these innovations, and the economy and society more broadly. AI is an example of such transformative disruptive innovation. It arose as a tech innovation but has since been embraced in many different ways in many different areas.
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It starts with a mindset. Investors should be open to seizing on fresh ideas. Disruptive innovation creates plenty of new opportunities in often unexpected areas. Embracing disruption means reframing points of view and being open to re-evaluating perspectives on the future. The following approaches can help provide a framework for responding to disruptive innovation:
- - Search for alpha opportunities, including financial and “outcome-linked” alpha
- Stay agile in the face of changing market conditions
- Include a thematic approach when investing
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Discover our investable themes
Navigating Rates
A dynamic approach is required as investors adapt to shifting interest rates, inflation expectations and exchange rates. Volatility will likely persist: while we expect monetary policy to become gradually less restrictive than in recent times, higher rates will likely uncover weak points as industries feel the impact of elevated borrowing costs. Visibility of how markets will develop remains limited, even in the short term, and expectations could be upended. But we are confident this environment also creates opportunities.
Diversification is key – across public and private markets – and we have the ideas and expertise to navigate the complexity.
Embracing Disruption
We think it’s time to recast traditional definitions of “disruption”. Once a story for the tech sector, disruption is now all-encompassing as artificial intelligence and other transformative technologies are used widely.
While technology may be driving many of the changes, this new wave of disruption could shape many aspects of our daily lives. There are also geopolitical shifts to watch as China becomes preeminent in high-tech industries like electric cars and India positions itself as an emerging power.
The implications of this new age of disruption will be profound and exponential, and together we can embrace the opportunities.
Achieving Sustainability
Sustainable investing is evolving rapidly. Increased flows rightly come with increased expectations of measurability and impact. The industry is on a journey: from a focus on ESG-led risk management to purposeful sustainability solutions and ultimately to impact investing strategies that contribute to measurable environmental or social benefits.
We believe this direction of travel towards real-world change will be the long-term trend of the decade. With a considered approach to achieving sustainable outcomes, we are alongside you at the different stages of your journey, whatever your ambitions.
Transforming Infrastructure
Infrastructure is key for the development and smooth running of economies and societies, but much of the infrastructure needed tomorrow does not exist today. Private capital can play a crucial role in funding essential projects as huge investments are needed, especially for the transition to greener energy.
Investors have many ways to enter this complex asset class and can pick their spot in the capital structure and the region or duration of the investment.
With our expertise and market access we are working with investors today to transform the infrastructure of tomorrow.