Econopolis and Allianz Benelux are launching Twain, a new scale-up joint venture that aims to fundamentally transform asset management for affluent Belgian investors. With a unique combination of human expertise, digital technology, cutting-edge data analysis, client engagement, and cost efficiency, Twain explicitly positions itself as an alternative to traditional asset management.
Strong in vision. Smart with data. Sharp in focus
Twain’s innovative concept targets affluent entrepreneurs, professionals, executives, and families—a segment that, according to both partners, is currently underserved by existing players.
“True innovation in our sector is being held back by large investments in the trappings of the business: expensive offices, numerous and costly events, passive management, and little real focus on investing. With Twain, we focus on our clients’ frustrations and improve performance: digitization, personalization, and more communication about investing and personal finance,” saysGeert Noels, CEO of Econopolis. “With Twain, we’re bringing asset management back to its essence: a clear strategy, an independent, data-driven vision, and efficient execution—with a 100% focus on asset growth.”
Portfolio Construction: Systematic, Personalized, and Data-Driven
At the heart of Twain’s model is a smart, personalized portfolio-building approach. Each client receives a unique portfolio, tailored to their goals, risk profile, investment horizon, and personal thematic preferences.
These portfolios, managed by Econopolis Wealth Management, are structured around three complementary building blocks using a complementary selection of Allianz and Econopolis funds: stability through defensive multi-asset strategies, growth through strategic core investments, and opportunities through thematic funds.
This combination makes it possible to find the optimal balance between risk and return for each client, with portfolios being actively adjusted within predetermined ranges.
The underlying allocation is supported by advanced data analysis tools, including Allianz Global Investors’ RiskLab Optimizer. This proprietary Capital Market Model uses scenario generation to continuously optimize portfolios and reduce uncertainty.
In addition, human expertise remains central: clients are assigned a personal account manager who builds their investment portfolio through co-creation, guided by a team of experts who make strategic decisions and actively monitor and adjust the portfolios.
A transparent cost structure as a point of differentiation in the market
As its second priority, Twain has deliberately opted for a transparent and competitive all-inclusive pricing structure, which clearly differs from the often opaque models in the industry.
“Today, customers still too often pay for things that have nothing to do with their portfolio,” saysPaul Bonroy of Allianz Benelux. “With Twain, we’re making a firm commitment to transparency and efficiency. The technology allows us to keep costs under control without compromising on quality or expertise.”
Digital where possible, in person where it matters
Twain combines a digital-first approach with personalized guidance. Through a user-friendly platform, clients have constant insight into their portfolio and financial situation, while they can rely on their dedicated account manager for strategic decisions.
According to both partners, this hybrid approach should offer the best of both worlds: scale and efficiency through technology, combined with trust and context through human interaction.
With Twain, Econopolis and Allianz are deliberately entering a market segment that is currently dominated by traditional financial service providers, but where customer expectations—especially under current market conditions—are rapidly shifting toward transparency, customization, and digital accessibility for the management of their assets.
We have since welcomed new clients, and the platform will be rolled out further to the market in the coming months. Both partners emphasize that their existing operations will continue as usual, but view Twain as a strategic step toward fundamentally transforming the asset management landscape in Belgium.
The partnership is being established through Econodigital, in which Allianz Benelux holds a 50% stake. In this way, both parties are combining their complementary strengths: Econopolis’ independent economic perspective and local wealth management expertise, together with Allianz’s international scale, financial stability, financial strength, and technological innovation.
About Econopolis
Econopolis is an FSMA-regulated asset manager and also acts as a financial and economic advisor. The firm offers a comprehensive range of investment services and solutions, ranging from single- and multi-asset funds to thematic and wealth management investment funds. Econopolis manages and oversees more than €3 billion in assets for financial institutions, institutional investors, entrepreneurs, and families. The firm is 100% Belgian, operates under a partnership business model, and bases its strategy on a clear, long-term macroeconomic vision, as outlined in the books *Econoshock* (2008) and *Gigantisme* (2019) by founder and CEO Geert Noels, and *De Klimaatschok* (2022, Geert Noels, Kristof Eggermont, and Yanaika Denoyelle).
About Allianz Benelux
Allianz is a global leader in insurance and financial services, with 97 million* customers in nearly 70 countries and more than 156,000 employees. Allianz is the No. 1 insurance brand in the Interbrand Global Brands Ranking and is recognized as a sustainable insurer by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Allianz Benelux, in collaboration with experienced brokers, offers a wide range of insurance products and services for individuals, self-employed professionals, small businesses, and large corporations. Allianz Benelux serves nearly 2 million customers, employs more than 1,500 people, and generates revenue of more than 4.1 billion euros. For more information, visitallianz.be,allianz.nl, orallianz.lu.*Includes non-consolidated entities with Allianz customers.
