Last week's Fund Forum was a success despite the lower than usual numbers. First held in 1990, the Fund Forum is a conference and networking event for fund managers. This year the 19th edition of the event was held in the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco.

The effects of the credit crunch are not only being felt in the industry at large, but also in the conference, where a lower turnout and more restrained corporate partying were evident. Speakers and delegates were primarily concerned with the potential effects of reforming European financial system regulations, such as those directed at alternative investment fund managers (AIFM Directive).

Also on the agenda were discussions about increasing consolidation of the industry, designing simpler products, and most importantly, how to regain the confidence of the consumer in the current climate.