Talanx and FinLeap join forces to create Elinvar, a white-label platform for the digitalisation of asset management

"Having concluded partnerships with the international accelerators Plug and Play in Silicon Valley and Startupbootcamp in London, we are now, with this joint venture, continuing our digitalisation strategy specifically in the area of asset management. We are delighted to have found another partner for this in Europe's leading developer of FinTech companies, FinLeap", says Herbert K. Haas, Chairman of the Board of Management at Talanx Group.

The exponential development of technological opportunities and the far-reaching digitalisation of all areas of modern life are also bringing about lasting changes for financial services providers. In Germany, some 500 independent asset managers and approx. 300 private banks actively provide discretionary portfolio management. Often medium-sized companies, they are facing huge challenges in meeting increasing customer demands over the entire value-added chain of investment management, specifically in terms of their technical competencies and capabilities.

"We see great opportunities here for cooperation. The investment expertise of established providers and the technological competence of Elinvar complement one another perfectly", explains Harry Ploemacher, Chairman of the Board of Management of Talanx Asset Management GmbH, under whose leadership the partnership is run within the Talanx Group. "Taking into consideration the increasing relevance of operational risks, there is even greater potential for licensed platforms like Elinvar, which combine the provision of technology and financial expertise", Ploemacher continues.

Talanx Asset Management and FinLeap each hold 37.5 percent of Elinvar. Through the other 25 percent, the founders and the team have made a long-term commitment to Elinvar and its on-going success.

Ramin Niroumand, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of FinLeap, adds: "Elinvar is further proof of the core competence of FinLeap. There are many good ideas, but it is their execution that makes the difference. Chris Bartz, as Venture Partner and Marco Neuhaus, as CFO of FinLeap have, in the past year, already proven their expertise in the establishment of successful companies. I am delighted that with them and Sebastian Böttner, we have such an experienced team for Elinvar. Through the partnership with Talanx Asset Management, the ideal framework has been established for the successful development of Elinvar and of the cooperating discretionary portfolio managers."

As the CEO, Chris Bartz (39) is the first point of contact for the asset managers and private banks who are customers of Elinvar. Having held senior positions at Deutsche Bank, Dresdner Bank, MBS & Weberbank as well as FinLeap, the industry expert advocates a strong German ecosystem in the context of digitalisation. Experienced portfolio manager and Elinvar COO Marco Neuhaus (41) is responsible for the operative performance of Elinvar. To this, he brings more than ten years of expertise in investment banking and asset management at Deutsche Bank, Merrill Lynch and the Talanx Group, having performed several hundreds of due diligence meetings, and most recently, his experience as CFO of FinLeap. Sebastian Böttner (36), as CTO, is focussed on the technological side of Elinvar. In the past ten years, he has been responsible for developing pricing, market-making and trading platforms for UBS, J.P. Morgan as well as FinTech & AdTech companies. This expertise in cutting-edge solutions within a regulated environment is now at the disposal of Elinvar's customers.

The name "Elinvar" goes back to Charles Édouard Guillaume, who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1920 for his invention of the eponymous alloy of iron, nickel and chromium. "Through the work of Guillaume, the precision of watches, maritime chronometers and other scientific precision instruments has improved significantly. Working together to the same high standard, we are committed to enhancing the digital performance of independent asset managers and private banks", says Chris Bartz describing the core mission of Elinvar.