Anne-Sophie Zoutendijk on the asset management sector: 'The sector must raise its profile'
This interview was originally written in Dutch. This is an English translation.
Experts expect the tightness in the labour market to continue for the time being. Due to an ageing population, the labour force will grow significantly slower in the coming decades, creating a structural labour shortage. Not for nothing did DNB label the labour shortage in 2024 as the ‘new normal’. What does this mean for the asset management industry? How do young professionals experience this labour shortage? Financial Investigator spoke to young professional Anne-Sophie Zoutendijk, Asset Manager at ABN AMRO MeesPierson.
What makes working in the asset management sector appealing to you?
'Working in the asset management sector appeals to me because I can share my interest in financial topics with clients. It gives me satisfaction to help them and offer them financial peace of mind. The variation in client groups and the constant learning make my work dynamic and challenging, as the market is constantly changing. These changes give me the opportunity to develop myself and broaden my knowledge.
I also appreciate working with experienced colleagues from whom I can learn a lot. The mix of young and more experienced employees contributes to a good working atmosphere and offers diverse perspectives. This allows us to respond to different customer needs, such as helping young entrepreneurs with innovative ideas and retirees with questions about asset transfer.'
How can the asset management sector better respond to the tight labour market?
'To better respond to the tight labour market, the sector must raise its profile in places where young talent can be found, such as in schools and on social media. I have noticed that there is a lot of ignorance about what asset management actually entails. This often leads young people to choose more well-known financial professions, such as consultancy. During my internship I realised that private banking and asset management are not as stuffy and old-fashioned as I had first thought.'