| Fund managers say quality research matters most |
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| In a year which has seen the reputation of many top investment banking houses and their analysts tarnished over the quality and independence of their research capabilities, Irish and international fund managers responding to the 16th annual Finance Stockbroking Survey have voted that a top-class research facility is the most important service provided to them by Irish stockbroking firms. |
The quality of research provided by Irish stockbroking firms has superseded dealing service offered as the most important service provided to Irish and international investment managers in the 2002 Finance Stockbroking Survey. The increasing international focus on improving corporate governance and accounting standards in light of recent corporate scandals at companies such as Enron has meant that the provision of quality research now is more critical than ever to fund managers trying to find value in current market conditions.
Overtaking Davy Stockbrokers as the winners of the ‘Best Irish Equity Research’ category is NCB Stockbrokers, who came in second place in last year’s survey. Davy have held onto their title however in the other ‘blue riband’ category, ‘Best Settlement Service’, with Goodbody Stockbrokers coming in second place and NCB third.
NCB scored again in the ‘Analyst of the Year’ category with John Sheehan taking the title for the second year running and Seamus Murphy of Merrion Stockbrokers stepping into the runner-up position. Indeed, Merrion, who are only participating in the survey for the third time, made a considerable impact on the survey this year winning two categories and improving its position in a number of important areas, including moving from fourth to second in the ‘Best Irish Equity Research’ category.
For the first time, Colin Hunt of Goodbody was voted ‘Best Research Economist’, fending off tough competition from the likes of second placed Dermot O’Brien of NCB and third placed Robbie Kelleher of Davy. Donal O’Mahony of Davy was voted ‘Best Bond Analyst with Michael O’Sullivan of NCB dropping to second place.
Shane Lawless of AIB’s Private Dealing Unit took the ‘Best Bond Sales Person’ title and David Smith of Davy was voted ‘Best Equity Sales Person’. Rising from a ranking of fifth place last year is Bernard McAlinden of NCB who took the ‘Best Equity Analysts Overall Strategy’ title beating last year’s winner Robbie Kelleher of Davy. |
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| Article appeared in the September 2002 issue.
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