Membership of the IMA opens doors for firms to influence the debate with government and regulators, both in the UK and across Europe, with an authoritative and co-ordinated voice. Membership brings a host of benefits, for example:

Authoritative and timely briefings from IMA on topical issues .
Representation on IMA committees.
The opportunity to campaign and further strengthen the position of members operating or wishing to operate at a pan-European level.
The chance to participate in the formulation of industry responses to government, regulators and European institutions.
Open meetings on topical issues.
A ‘help-desk’ facility which members can use to ask questions about issues of the day.
UK investment fund statistics allowing benchmarking against the rest of the industry.
Seminars for training and HR to share good practice.
Warm leads via the Association’s public information service, which distributes contact details of its retail members to enquirers.
The opportunity to network with counterparts from other member companies.
Participation in the development of a dialogue with the media to promote a better understanding of the industry.

How much will it cost me?

Subscriptions are based on market share for full members (minimum Ł6,450) and a flat-rate fee for affiliates of Ł10,000.

Who is eligible for membership – do I have to be UK-based?

IMA has two categories of membership – “full” and “affiliate”. Full members are defined as firms which undertake investment management in the UK and/or operate UK authorised investment funds. The Association’s full membership is made up of 200 investment management companies. These include stand-alone investment management groups, the investment management arms of insurance, banking and investment banking groups, independent niche providers and managers of occupational pension schemes.

Affiliate membership is available to those companies which provide facilities or services to full members of the Association. Affiliate members include fund supermarkets, third party fund administrators, data providers, consultants, and accountancy and law firms. Affiliate members have full access to the IMA website and its comprehensive service of members’ circulars, as well the ability to participate in most of the activities of the IMA.

Why is the fee for affiliate members more than the full member minimum?

The benefits are different. IMA is primarily aimed at representing asset managers, but affiliate members benefit from the briefings, networking opportunities, involvement in meetings and the formulation of policy.

Can I negotiate/have a trial membership of the IMA?

No, but should you wish more information that is currently available in IMA literature, a member of staff would be happy to come and visit you and show you screenshots from the website or offer any further information that you require.

Who are the IMA? What does the IMA do?

The Investment Management Association is the trade body for the UK asset management industry, representing some Ł3 trillion funds under management. It includes managers of a wide range of assets, including institutional funds and authorised unit trusts and open ended investment companies.

IMA’s primary purpose is to make representations to Government, to regulators and to legislators on behalf of members on issues affecting investment funds and asset management. It seeks to be the first port of call for the authorities seeking information and advice about the industry and about the potential impact of possible changes to the legislative, regulator or fiscal environment. It also seeks to increase public awareness and understanding of these investments.

As a smaller member,am I going to be able to make my voice heard?

Yes. There is a requirement for the IMA Board, the Association’s ultimate decision-making body to have an appropriate balance of members which includes ensuring that there is representation of smaller members. We seek to ensure that all the Committees are also balanced between types of member.

In particular, smaller members tend to find that they benefit from the technical support and expertise which exists within the IMA team.

As a large member paying a lot of money, should I get a customised service?

This does tend to happen: Members tend to find that the more they put into the IMA, the more they get out. Larger firms tend to have more resources to participate actively in IMA’s activities so they find they gain significantly from membership.

Can I piggy back on the membership of other parts of my organisation?

No, this is not possible.

What can the IMA do me for me that my membership of other trade associations doesn’t already do?

The IMA is the principal trade body for the UK asset management industry so is clearly focused. The IMA has good relations with other trade associations and where there are areas of mutual interest good collaboration exists, in particular seeking to ensure that there is not unnecessary overlap.

What is the IMA’s track record?

Persuading the FSA to accelerate implementation of the new UCITS Directive, and introducing new abilities to offer limited issue funds; we are pursuing further reforms in the context of the FSA’s current review of the CIS rules.
Developing, with the NAPF, a Pension Fund Disclosure Code, which has done much to persuade the Government of the industry’s initention to develop serious responses itself to the Myners Report.
Leading the Institutional Shareholders’ Committee’s development of its Statement of Principles on shareholder activism, which in turn led the Government to drop its plans for legislation in this area.
Using reasoned argument and published research to bring about a much more moderate approach to the regulation of past performance information in advertising.
Applying sustained pressure on the Treasury and Inland Revenue for a tax regime which would allow fund management products full access to the pensions market. This has culminated in the publication of Government proposals for the simplification of pensions taxation which reflect the points we have been making.
Successfully putting pressure on the German Federal Government to withdraw its proposals to introduce tax measures discriminating against non-German funds.

How can I participate in IMA events/ committees?

The IMA operates a policy of asking our Committee members to serve three years and then step down, in order to allow as many members as possible with the appropriate expertise and enthusiasm to involve themselves in the Committee, and each year we have been fortunate to receive more nominations for the available places than we can accommodate. We seek to ensure that committee membership is spread among as many members as possible.

All members and affiliate members are eligible to attend the main IMA events – members’ meetings, AGM, Annual Dinner, Christmas Party and booking forms are sent.

Who does what at the IMA? How is the IMA qualified to represent our interests?

Amongst the staff at IMA are experts on regulation, tax, communication, public affairs, research and statistics, training and education. The Association works closely with the regulatory and tax authorities in the UK, the EU and around the world with the other major trade associations.

How do we join?

By speaking to the IMA membership secretary who will talk you through the benefits and ensure that a membership pack is sent to you promptly. Or by visiting the IMA website www.investmentuk.org and completing the membership form you will find there.

Does the IMA have a regulatory role?What is IMA’s relationship with Government and opinion formers?

No, but the Association works closely with the regulatory and tax authorities in the UK, the EU and around the world with the other major trade associations.

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