Leading bank-insurance group KBC Asset Management (KBC AM) – the investment arm of KBC – specialises in the sale of investment funds, advisory support and the development of innovative financial products. It has more than 41,000 employees, offering a fine-tuned menu of services to millions of clients across Europe, including Belgium, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria and Hungary. Serving 13 million clients – including 2.92 million retail and institutional investors – across Europe, KBC AM understands the importance of tailored investment solutions. With this in mind, we have developed a diverse range of services, catering to retail investors, high-net-worth individuals and institutional clients. Our expertise in discretionary portfolio management and investment funds ensures a professional, client-centric approach – and one that is carefully customised to suit individual financial needs.

So what makes KBC AM stand out? We distinguish ourselves from our peers through continuous innovation and we strive to set industry standards rather than merely following them. By staying ahead of market trends, we help clients simplify the transition from saving to investing, making it a seamless and reassuring process.

Our well-developed digital-first approach is evident in the approximately two million active investment plans, with 59 percent of all plans sold digitally. Our focus on accessibility, meanwhile, has resulted in an impressive 92 percent customer satisfaction rate – an encouraging figure underscoring KBC AM’s commitment to service excellence.

Digital innovation with a personal touch
Our digital-first approach is key; but crucially, we are embracing the digital transformation without compromising the human aspect. Our mobile-first strategy is exemplified by KBC Mobile, an advanced app featuring the virtual assistant ‘Kate,’ who is on hand to provide personalised investment insights. Kate’s AI-driven capabilities ensure that precise recommendations are provided, making the investment journey intuitive and efficient.

As for products and services, our digital offerings include the ‘spare change investing’ feature, where daily transactions are rounded up to the nearest euro and the difference automatically invested when it reaches a certain amount. This innovative approach allows clients to invest effortlessly, reinforcing the company’s goal of making investing a natural financial habit.

KBC AM’s expertise also extends to AI-powered advisory services, and our smart advisory engine conducts daily portfolio screenings for private wealth clients. A tool designed to inspire confidence, this system analyses risk and return factors, ensuring tailored, data-driven investment strategies.

Sustainability front and centre
Sustainability has become an undeniable global priority, driven by ethical concerns, financial imperatives and environmental responsibilities. At KBC AM, sustainability is seamlessly integrated into our corporate strategy. We fully recognise that financial resilience and sustainable development go hand in hand. Responsible Investing (RI) allows clients to align their financial ambitions with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. KBC AM employs a stringent RI methodology to offer investment solutions that contribute to three key missions: reducing greenhouse gas intensity (CO2), meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and enhancing corporate governance and social responsibility.

To reinforce KBC AM’s commitment to ethical investing, we exclude companies involved in controversial sectors such as tobacco, gambling and weapons. As a major financial institution, we actively support the transition to a low-carbon economy and a more sustainable society by collaborating with stakeholders across various sectors.

KBC AM has been a pioneer in sustainability since as far back as 1992, when it launched Belgium’s first RI fund. Over the years, the firm has continuously refined its methodology, introducing new sustainable solutions to meet ever-changing market demands.

Leading the way in responsible investing
Our dedication to sustainability is reflected in our policy on fossil fuel-free RI funds, introduced in November 2017. In May 2018, we launched Pricos SRI, Belgium’s first SRI pension savings fund, and by 2019, all our RI funds in Belgium had been certified with the ‘towards sustainability’ label, the quality standard of Febelfin, the Belgian financial sector federation.

As we are all aware, staying at the forefront of RI requires continuous adaptation. KBC AM recently updated its RI approach to place a stronger emphasis on biodiversity. The company now excludes businesses that engage in controversial land use practices or activities that negatively impact biodiversity without sufficient mitigation measures being put in place.

KBC AM remains dedicated to being a market leader in investment innovation and RI. We continuously develop strategies to reflect market trends and client preferences, ensuring that our services remain relevant and forward-thinking. By combining cutting-edge digital solutions with a firm commitment to sustainability and customer satisfaction, KBC AM is poised to remain a key player in the financial sector, shaping the future of investing.