Steve Johnson in the FTfm today published a story on investment boutiques – when he called me on Friday afternoon to comment on the trend, our team put together a global research piece with case studies of investment boutique success around the world since the crisis.

Key points from the report:

• Blockbusters Continue to Dominate: In 2010, global net cash flows to long-term funds reached $850 billion. Of that total, a remarkable 95% of flows went to only 0.5% of products in the market, as asset holders around the world are reducing the number of managers they work with. In Q1/2011, the number was even higher: 0.3% of all products globally, i.e. 200 long-term funds, took in over 100% of flows, totaling $210 billion in net cash flows.

• David and Goliath – Opportunities Post-Crisis: These concentrated flows to fewer products are benefiting both large independent asset managers as they are becoming strategic partners, as well as boutique firms around the world getting on global recommended lists with a flagship fund.

• Extreme Growth for Selected Boutiques Worldwide: This report shows the extreme growth of selected investment boutiques with one flagship fund in recent years, independent of asset class, investment style, category or origin of firm – a truly global phenomenon.

• Key Success Factors to Create a Blockbuster Product: In addition to clear fund positioning/investment process and competitive performance – which a number of fund managers can demonstrate –, blockbuster firms in almost all cases have highly visible fund managers, outstanding marketing and proactive communication.

Two New In-Depth Strategic Insight Asia Studies in May 2011:

Building Bridges: Views from the leading regional institutions and distributors on how to build a successful Asia-Pacific fund business.

Capturing the Promise: Funds in Asia, and Asia in Funds Worldwide – regulatory developments and Asia investments from a global perspective.