On sectors, Genin is constructive on tech and artificial intelligence in the US and emerging market equities, as well as on the infrastructure linked to AI. Nevertheless, she emphasised the importance of keeping portfolios diversified, seeing opportunities in sectors such as healthcare. As geopolitical tensions continue, the investment case for defence-related activity is also gaining traction; consequently, Genin sees investment opportunities in defence in Europe.

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the profile of defence-related investment has risen. Last year, Germany and the EU agreed to hike defence spending, after decades of underinvestment. A number of investment managers, such as BNP Paribas Asset Management and WisdomTree, also recently launched defence-focused funds to capitalise on the new investment landscape. 

On fixed income, Genin focuses on developed markets, opting for investment grade credit over high yield. She is constructive on emerging market debt, but selectively. “Most clients also look at UK gilt markets, as yields are attractive,” she added. 

Genin also highlighted the importance of private markets acting as a diversifier in portfolios, seeing good opportunities in tech. “Most clients have an allocation to alternative markets, representing up to 40 per cent in some portfolios,” she said. Similar to a number of wealth managers, California-headquartered investment manager Franklin Templeton also sees attractive opportunities globally within private markets in 2026.

AI is also expected to play an important role in wealth management; Genin said that the bank has started to use AI in their offices. Along with other wealth managers, she sees AI as complementing the manager's role, making processes more efficient rather than replacing the human touch. The benefits of AI range from automating repetitive tasks, providing data-driven advice in specific areas such as portfolio optimisation, risk management and tax analysis.