Fighting for survival

Retail trading volumes in Nordic equity derivatives have dropped precipitously. As a result, domestic and international banks are now battling for market share in the asset management community, which is beginning to use these products.

Equity derivatives trading volumes in the Nordic region have traditionally been driven by the fickle affections of retail and private client investors. Now, however, bankers and brokers in the region’s equity derivatives markets say they are seeing a marked increase in the use of these products by the asset management community. “We have seen a very strong focus on active risk management, especially among insurance companies and pension funds,” says Peter Miholich, vice-president of equity