Accountability for 2025
The meeting opened with the formal agenda items: the annual report and financial statements for 2025 were approved by the members. There was room to ask questions, pass things along, and fortunately members took advantage of that space. DUFAS belongs to the members, A moment of transparency and trust - the basis on which DUFAS can do its work as the collective voice of the sector.
A special moment: change of presidency
The ALV was also marked by a transition. Ronald Wuijster handed over the presidency to Geraldine Leegwater, a natural tipping point that gave cause to look back as well as forward.
Ronald held the presidency for a period of 4 years. He leaves behind a driven, healthy and focused association that will certainly miss him.
Geralinde will now take over as chair of the board as of May of this year. There is much support and appreciation in the association for her willingness to do so. On behalf of MN, Martijn Scholten will join the board.
European agenda: the SIU as an opportunity for the sector
After the formal part, a more informal substantive program took place with several speakers.
Tanguy van de Werve, General Director of EFAMA - the European umbrella organization of the asset management industry - took those present through the breadth of the European agenda. His message was clear: the Savings and Investments Union offers the sector a real opportunity to contribute to the financing of the European economy while at the same time making the savings of European citizens more profitable. The Commission's competitiveness agenda, fed in part by the Draghi report, places the asset management industry in a strategically relevant position. The question is not whether the sector plays a role in financing Europe's transition and growth ambitions - that role is fixed. The question is how that role is fulfilled most effectively, and what framework conditions are needed to do so.
Talent retention: how do you keep people in the industry?
Simon van Teutem brought up a different but no less urgent topic: talent retention in the asset management sector, for example. His presentation challenged the audience to think sharply about what makes a career in this sector meaningful and future-proof. Van Teutem's insights led to a lively discussion in the room - exactly the kind of conversation that makes the ALV more than a meeting.
Networking lunch: the connection that counts
After the substantive sessions, there was room for something that easily gets snowed under in busy schedules: real contact. The networking lunch provided an opportunity for members to continue conversations, make new connections and share experiences in a relaxed setting.
That informal moment is an important complement to the more formal ALV that precedes it. It is precisely in those conversations that insights, collaborations and ideas arise and find their way into practice.
A special thanks to Wouter Peters and CACEIS for the hospitable reception and excellent facilities. And to all the members who attended: your involvement and input make DUFAS what it is.
