Wealth managers say future is bright

BNP Paribas says total structured products issuance in the US slipped to $12 billion in 2004, down from $15 billion in 2003. But more and more wealth managers are embracing structured investments, according to delegates at a conference in New York. Paul Lyon reports

US wealth managers are increasingly turning to the structured products market as they seek diversity and principal protection for their clients. But they should be aware of one thing: the industry as a whole has to act now to avoid unwelcome regulation. This was the message delivered by Thomas Handler, chairman of the advanced planning and family office practice group at Chicago-based boutique law firm Handler, Thayer & Duggan.

Speaking at a wealth management conference in New York at the end