A Leader in Bulgaria’s Asset Management Industry

Concord Asset Management stands as Bulgaria’s second-largest asset management company in terms of assets under management (AuM) in mutual funds and alternative investment funds (AIFs). The firm oversees six UCITS funds, one national investment fund (NIF), and two AIFs—one in Bulgaria and one in Luxembourg. Over the past six years, Concord AM has achieved an impressive 4.5-fold growth in AuM. The company has also pioneered the first interactive learning platform for mutual funds and savings plans in Bulgaria, along with launching a fully remote onboarding process for mutual funds through its online platform. Concord AM holds the distinction of being Bulgaria’s first fully licensed alternative investment fund manager. In 2022, it acquired a RAIF-SICAV platform in Luxembourg and has since been at the forefront of ESG investments with the launch of the Concord Fund – 9 Green AIF.

Leadership Under Natalia Petrova

Natalia Petrova, the CEO of Concord Asset Management, brings over 20 years of experience in asset management, capital markets, equity and fixed-income trading, and UCITS products and services. She holds several licenses from the Bulgarian Financial Supervision Commission and a certificate for trading government securities from the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Bulgaria. Additionally, Natalia serves on the Board of Directors at European Investment Management SICAV – RAIF, and she is a procurator at ABC Finance. As the Chairperson of the Management Board of the Bulgarian Association of Asset Management Companies (BAAMC) and a board member at EFAMA, Natalia is deeply involved in shaping Bulgaria’s asset management sector. Her academic credentials include a Ph.D. in finance, and she has been a university lecturer for two decades, teaching subjects such as stock exchange markets, corporate finance, and portfolio management.

Natalia shared insights into how Concord AM has emerged as Bulgaria’s largest non-bank asset manager, the strategies it employs to maintain its leadership position, and its plans for continued growth in a competitive market.

Strategic Expansion and Innovation

In recent years, Concord AM has focused on expanding its range of alternative investment funds, significantly boosting its AuM. “Our eighth fund, Concord Fund – 8 Alternative Investment Fund, has grown to over 100 million BGN (more than EUR 50 million),” Natalia explained. This growth is driven by offering diverse investment strategies tailored to Bulgarian investors’ needs, meeting the robust demand for alternatives and options. Concord AM’s success is anchored in its ability to consistently innovate its product offerings while maintaining a deep understanding of market trends.

Harnessing Technology for Future Growth

Innovation at Concord AM is closely tied to the integration of new technologies, which are shaping the future of the industry. “We are most excited to utilise new technology to increase our core competencies, operational efficiency, and improve our product,” Natalia revealed. Concord AM recognizes the importance of staying informed about and investing in emerging tech-driven asset classes, such as tokenized assets and cryptocurrency. By embracing these technologies, the company aims to enhance its offerings and remain competitive in the evolving financial landscape.

Pioneering ESG Investments in Bulgaria

Concord AM is leading the way in Bulgaria’s ESG investment space, having launched the country’s first ESG-focused green alternative investment fund. Natalia highlighted the company’s commitment to sustainability: “Our strategy involves carefully identifying companies and projects that are committed to sustainability with solid business plans.” By conducting thorough analyses of financials, management practices, and sustainability initiatives, Concord AM aims to build a diversified portfolio that targets core sectors like renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. This approach not only fosters sustainable development but also delivers strong returns for investors.

Adapting to Global Economic Changes

The global economic environment has prompted Concord AM to adjust its asset management strategies. “The rise in global risks, be it global trade disruptions or geopolitical tensions, has necessitated a more strategic approach to managing investments,” Natalia explained. In response, Concord AM has implemented a comprehensive risk management framework that allows the company to better anticipate and address challenges, mitigating losses while capitalizing on opportunities.

Engaging the Next Generation of Investors

Looking ahead, Concord AM sees significant opportunities in engaging younger investors who are increasingly drawn to alternative investments. “The expectations of these tech-savvy investors regarding accessibility, transparency, and speed are challenging,” Natalia acknowledged. However, Concord AM’s commitment to innovation, enhanced digital platforms, and a customer-centric approach positions the firm to attract and retain this demographic. The company is also focusing on education and outreach to help younger investors understand the benefits and risks of alternative investments, ensuring they make informed investment decisions.

Concord AM’s dedication to innovation, ESG leadership, and strategic growth has solidified its position as a leading asset manager in Bulgaria. Under Natalia Petrova’s visionary leadership, the company continues to shape the investment landscape, offering cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of its clients while contributing to sustainable development.

“Our strategy involves carefully identifying companies and projects committed to sustainability with solid business plans.”

“We are most excited to utilise new technology to increase our core competencies, operational efficiency, and improve our product.”

“By investing in companies with strong ESG commitments, we aim to build a diversified portfolio that targets core sectors like renewable energy.”