DWS Partners with BlackFin to Unlock the Full Potential of Digital Investment Platform IKS

DWS Group (DWS) and BlackFin Capital Partners (BlackFin) have agreed on a long-term strategic partnership to jointly evolve the digital investment platform into a platform eco system that provides comprehensive digital investment solutions and services to distribution partners, institutional investors and retail clients. The aim is to adapt the digital investment platform even better to the opportunities offered by the platform market, which in future will undergo a rapid pace of change as a result of new technologies. In addition, both partners have agreed to transfer the digital investment platform into a joint venture with DWS maintaining a stake of 30 percent.

“Our aspiration is to deliver a best-in-class client experience and service. Digital capabilities and solutions are key for this – therefore we firmly believe in the great growth potential of the platform business. With BlackFin, we have found the right partner to help us unlocking the full potential of our digital investment platform IKS. Our joint mission is to create a true pan-European player and we look forward to working with our new partners and making IKS a strong sales channel for DWS in the long term,” said Dirk Goergen, member of the Executive Board of DWS Group and, as Head of Client Coverage Division, responsible for sales management and the global sales strategy.

Laurent Bouyoux, President and Founding Partner of BlackFin Capital Partners, added: “We share the vision of DWS to provide best in class solutions for its clients. To do this BlackFin will lean on our demonstrated history of successfully leveraging technological, operational and regulatory expertise to seamlessly execute complex carve-outs in order to create efficient stand-alone champions. For over two decades, we have played a key role in the transformation of the European financial services industry with an established track record of building and growing digital investment platforms while improving client satisfaction. Additionally, our deep relationships within the financial services sector across Europe have consistently delivered growth via international expansion. In partnering with DWS, BlackFin has cemented our commitment to the DACH region and our position as the reference private equity partner for major European financial institutions. We are thrilled to embark on this journey with such a storied organization.”

The digital investment platform IKS is the leading provider of fund platform services in Germany enabling seamless connectivity between investors, distributors and fund providers. In Europe, it ranks among the top ten. IKS covers all relevant distribution channels from B2B through B2B2C to B2C and has deep long-standing customer relationships. Its diversified business model, including the digital solutions capabilities, is a key strength. With its strong ETF and unit-linked offerings, IKS is particularly well positioned to capitalize on these growth areas.

The parties agreed to maintain confidentiality on the price of the transaction and further financial details. The transaction is still subject to the approval of the relevant authorities. Closing of the transaction is expected for the second half of 2022.

For further information please contact:

DWS
Adib Sisani
+49 69 910 61960
adib.sisani@dws.com

Karsten Swoboda
+49 69 910 14941
karsten.swoboda@dws.com


BlackFin Capital Partners
Dr. Kai Wilhelm Franzmeyer, Partner
+49 69 70795 400
kai.franzmeyer@blackfin.com

 

About DWS Group

DWS Group (DWS) is one of the world's leading asset managers with EUR 859bn of assets under management (as of 30 June 2021). Building on more than 60 years of experience, it has a reputation for excellence in Germany, Europe, the Americas and Asia. DWS is recognized by clients globally as a trusted source for integrated investment solutions, stability and innovation across a full spectrum of investment disciplines.

We offer individuals and institutions access to our strong investment capabilities across all major asset classes and solutions aligned to growth trends. Our diverse expertise in Active, Passive and Alternatives asset management – as well as our deep environmental, social and governance focus – complement each other when creating targeted solutions for our clients. Our expertise and on-the-ground-knowledge of our economists, research analysts and investment professionals are brought together in one consistent global CIO View, which guides our investment approach strategically.

DWS wants to innovate and shape the future of investing: with approximately 3,500 employees in offices all over the world, we are local while being one global team. We are investors – entrusted to build the best foundation for our clients’ future.

 

About BlackFin Capital Partners

Founded in 2009, BlackFin Capital Partners is an independent private equity firm led by its Partners who have worked together as senior executives and entrepreneurs in the financial industry for decades. The team has a total of 35 investment professionals across offices in Paris, Brussels, and Frankfurt. Focused on investing in financial services companies and FinTechs, BlackFin is the sector leader in Europe with EUR 1.8bn assets under management.

For more information, visit www.blackfin.com

 

Important Note

This release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts; they include statements about our beliefs and expectations and the assumptions underlying them. These statements are based on plans, estimates and projections as they are currently available to the management of DWS Group GmbH & Co. KGaA. Forward-looking statements therefore speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update publicly any of them in light of new information or future events.

By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could therefore cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Such factors include the conditions in the financial markets in Germany, in Europe, in the United States and elsewhere from which we derive a substantial portion of our revenues and in which we hold a substantial portion of our assets, the development of asset prices and market volatility, the implementation of our strategic initiatives, the reliability of our risk management policies, procedures and methods, and other risks.