Frequently Asked Questions.

Econopolis is an independent Belgian asset manager founded in 2009. Today, Econopolis manages and oversees approximately 4 billion euros on behalf of entrepreneurs, families, financial institutions, and institutional investors, and more than 10,000 Belgians invest directly or indirectly in the firm’s funds. The firm combines its own investment funds, customized asset management, and independent investment advice, always guided by a distinct economic vision.

Econopolis is completely independent, 100% Belgian, and is not affiliated with any major bank or insurance company. This is a deliberate choice: without a parent company seeking to promote its own products, the team can make decisions that serve solely the client’s best interests. This independence is one of the reasons why entrepreneurs and families looking for an alternative to their bank turn to Econopolis.

Econopolis was founded in 2009, in the wake of the financial crisis, with the specific aim of providing asset management and investment advisory services in a way that differed from the norm at the time. Its first proprietary funds were launched in 2012. Since then, Econopolis has grown into a full-fledged financial knowledge center with more than 40 employees and 15 proprietary investment funds, currently managing and overseeing approximately 4 billion euros in assets.

Econopolis operates based on four core values. First, conviction-driven investing: the team takes positions based on its own distinct vision, not because an index dictates it. Second, a long-term perspective, independent of benchmarks and the issues of the day. Third, personal and transparent communication. And fourth, complete independence as a Belgian boutique firm, with no ties to a major banking structure.

Yes. Econopolis has received multiple awards for its management of Belgian equities, including in 2024 and 2026 from De Tijd and L'Echo, as well as special recognition from Euronext Brussels. In addition, several Econopolis in-house funds hold the highest 5-star rating from Morningstar, the independent investment fund rating agency. Based on risk-adjusted returns, this rating is awarded to the top 10% of funds in their respective Morningstar categories.

Econopolis invests based on a distinct macroeconomic vision, as outlined in the books by founder and CEO Geert Noels (*Econoshock*, *Gigantism*, and *The Climate Shock*). This vision translates into a focus on four structural megatrends that will shape the economy in the coming decades: technology and artificial intelligence, demographics, energy and the environment, and the rise of non-Western economies. Rather than following the market, Econopolis positions its investment portfolios around these long-term forces.

Sustainability is at the core of Econopolis’s approach, based on the conviction that companies that treat people and the environment responsibly deliver the most robust results in the long term. In addition to a sustainable approach to its broader management strategy, Econopolis specifically offers funds with a sustainable focus, such as the Sustainable Equities Fund, the Patrimonial Sustainable Fund, and the Climate Fund. If you’d like to learn more about our sustainable approach, please visit our sustainable investing page.

No. Econopolis manages its portfolios actively and independently of benchmarks. The team takes well-considered, contrarian positions when its own analysis warrants it, and deliberately looks beyond short-term market movements. A portfolio at Econopolis is therefore not a replica of an index, but a reflection of a conviction.

The costs of asset management at Econopolis consist of an annual management fee, expressed as a percentage of the invested assets, plus the usual custody and transaction fees. Econopolis does not charge any entry or exit fees, and clients always invest in the institutional share class of the funds—the most cost-effective class with the lowest ongoing expenses. This ensures that a larger portion of your money goes toward the management itself. A detailed description of our fees can be found in our fee brochure, available in our document hub.

No. Econopolis deliberately chooses to be transparent about the entire cost structure, in line with MiFID regulations that require full disclosure of costs. There are no entry or exit fees, and no performance fees are charged—fees that are common at other private banks and fund managers but are not always communicated transparently. You will receive a clear overview of costs in advance and a transparent report on a regular basis, so there are no surprises.

Because Econopolis is independent, your money goes toward what truly makes a difference to your returns: managing your portfolio. Econopolis deliberately invests in investment expertise and research, not in prestigious offices, social events, or golf tournaments. We are, first and foremost, investors—not an event planning agency—and that choice keeps your costs as low as possible.

Econopolis invests with a view to long-term capital growth, but deliberately does not guarantee returns: investing always involves risks, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The expected return depends on your risk profile, your investment horizon, and the chosen strategy, which your account manager will determine together with you.

The historical performance of each Econopolis fund is presented transparently on our website, in the fund fact sheets, and in the Key Information Documents (KID). Please note that past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

Every portfolio at Econopolis is built around your personal risk profile, and the risk is actively monitored and adjusted. Econopolis diversifies across regions, sectors, and asset classes, and keeps portfolios within pre-agreed ranges. However, investing remains risky, and the value of your portfolio can go up or down.

In turbulent markets, Econopolis relies on its long-term vision rather than panic reactions. The team takes an active management approach, can adopt a more defensive stance when necessary, and communicates even more closely with clients during such periods. The hybrid approach—featuring a dedicated point of contact alongside a team of experts—ensures that even in difficult times, you receive context and explanations, not just numbers.

There are two entry levels. Through Twain, Econopolis’s digital wealth management service offered in partnership with Allianz, you can get started with as little as 200,000 euros in investable assets. For Econopolis’s traditional, fully personalized wealth management service, the minimum requirement is 750,000 euros in investable assets. For lower entry amounts, Econopolis partners with Crelan, where a number of our in-house funds can be purchased without a minimum entry threshold.

Becoming a client starts with a no-obligation introductory meeting, during which we may also assess your situation, goals, and risk profile. Based on this, Econopolis will draw up a customized proposal. Once you agree, we’ll finalize the necessary agreements, complete the legally required steps, and build your investment portfolio.

At Econopolis, asset management is a four-step process. First, your account manager assesses your situation and goals. Next, a customized portfolio is put together. This portfolio is then managed actively and transparently. Finally, your dedicated account manager regularly monitors everything personally and makes adjustments as needed.

Yes. Every Econopolis client is assigned a dedicated account manager as their personal point of contact, supported by a team of experts who make the strategic decisions. In this way, Econopolis combines personal contact with the depth of expertise offered by a full investment team.

You’ll receive a clear and transparent report on your portfolio and your results on a regular basis, supplemented by personalized follow-up from your account manager. At Twain, you’ll also have access to a user-friendly digital platform that provides constant insight into your portfolio and personalized news updates.

Yes. Your assets remain yours and are not frozen. While it’s best to hold investments for the long term to allow the strategy to work, you can generally withdraw them at any time.

Yes. Your securities and assets are held by an independent custodian and are separate from Econopolis’s balance sheet assets. Econopolis manages your portfolio but does not own your money, which means your assets remain protected regardless of Econopolis’s own business continuity, within the legal framework of FSMA supervision and applicable investor protection. To this end, Econopolis works with two reputable, long-standing custodian banks, Banque de Luxembourg (Belgium branch) and KBC Bank (Securities Services), with which it has collaborated for many years. Furthermore, the account at Banque de Luxembourg is a Belgian IBAN account rather than a foreign account, which simplifies your tax return. Because Econopolis’ IT systems are fully integrated with both banks, portfolio management and order transmission run seamlessly.

Econopolis assists entrepreneurs both with investing their corporate assets (including through the DBI funds) and with structuring their business and personal assets through wealth coaching. In this way, Econopolis looks not only at your investment portfolio, but at the full picture of your professional and personal assets. For broader strategic or policy-related issues, there is the subsidiary Ortelius.

Yes. A business sale or impending retirement is exactly the time when an independent perspective can make a big difference. Econopolis helps you structure your newly acquired or accumulated wealth, invest it in line with your new goals, and plan for the next generation—across all your banking relationships—through wealth coaching.

Econopolis serves pension funds, family offices, large families, nonprofit organizations, universities, and financial institutions. For each of these clients, Econopolis develops customized investment mandates tailored to the organization’s risk profile, investment horizon, and vision for the future.

Whereas a major bank often offers its own products and must finance a broad network, Econopolis is independent and fully focused on asset management itself. You receive a clear investment vision, a dedicated point of contact, and transparent fees—without the conflicts of interest that can arise within a banking structure. For many entrepreneurs and families, that is the decisive difference.

Twain is professional wealth management as it should be today: smart, transparent, and free of the red tape and expensive overhead of traditional private banking. Econopolis and Allianz are joining forces to give you access to an approach that was once reserved for the wealthiest clients. You’ll receive a portfolio tailored entirely to your needs, a dedicated personal point of contact, and a clear digital platform where you can track your assets at any time. And all of this at a fair, all-inclusive price—because at Twain, your money goes toward returns, not prestige.

Twain and Econopolis share the same investment philosophy but cater to different client profiles. Twain is Econopolis’s digital partnership with Allianz, featuring a minimum investment of 200,000 euros, a user-friendly platform, and a transparent all-inclusive fee structure—ideal for those seeking professional management with the best digital tools. The traditional Econopolis management service (starting at 750,000 euros) is aimed at clients with larger and more complex portfolios who also seek guidance on their overall financial situation.

You can invest on your own, but it requires time, discipline, and a consistent strategy that holds up even in volatile markets. Econopolis takes that work off your hands with a professional team, a well-thought-out long-term vision, and active risk management, ensuring that your assets are managed with the same calm and discipline in both good and bad times.

Econopolis manages 15 proprietary investment funds, including balanced funds, equity funds, bond funds, and DBI funds. This allows investors to select a suitable building block for every risk profile and investment objective.

DBI stands for Definitief Belaste Inkomsten (Definitively Taxed Income). A DBI fund allows companies to invest with a tax advantage: you pay no capital gains tax in the event of a buyback by the fund itself. Furthermore, the fund bears the tax liability, so you, as a company, do not have to classify or track individual shares yourself.

Since the recent reform of Belgium’s DBI rules, direct equity holdings have been subject to stricter ownership requirements and more complex reporting obligations. A DBI fund offers companies the same tax optimization without that operational burden, making it the simpler and safer choice for many businesses.

Econopolis offers one of the broadest DBI portfolios on the Belgian market, featuring various strategies, each with its own unique approach. As a company, you can choose from options such as a focus on technology and innovation, climate and sustainability solutions, global equities, holding companies and conglomerates, or a diversified selection of forward-looking growth themes. This way, every company can find a DBI strategy that aligns with its objectives and risk profile. You can discuss the specific funds and their official documentation with your account manager.

Wealth coaching provides independent fiduciary advice to high-net-worth individuals, institutional investors, families, and family offices. Econopolis acts as an independent advisor across all your banking relationships and asset managers, providing services for the consolidation and reporting of your total assets, strategic asset allocation, and estate and wealth planning. It is designed for those who wish to maintain an overview of and control over a complex portfolio.

Yes. Through wealth coaching, Econopolis consolidates your entire portfolio into a single, clear overview, regardless of which bank or asset manager holds your assets. This also includes the selection and monitoring of external asset managers and custodians, so you no longer have to track all these relationships separately yourself.

A wealth coaching program at Econopolis begins with a no-obligation introductory meeting, during which we work together to determine whether there is a good fit on both sides. The program then proceeds in five steps: first, a comprehensive assessment of your financial situation; next, a strategic analysis and advice; followed by the selection of the right external partners; then, transparent reporting on your total assets; and finally, ongoing monitoring that adapts to market conditions and your personal circumstances.

Ortelius is Econopolis’s subsidiary specializing in strategic advice and consulting. Its team of economists, engineers, and scientists advises companies, governments, and industry associations on economic, strategic, and forward-looking issues.

Ortelius conducts socioeconomic impact studies, develops strategic roadmaps, analyzes business ecosystems using its proprietary Ortelius AI tool, provides strategic business advice, and offers guidance on financing issues.

Ortelius combines a multidisciplinary team of economists, engineers, lawyers, and scientists with the macroeconomic expertise of its parent company, Econopolis. Thanks to the Ortelius AI tool, it has access to daily-updated financial data from all Belgian companies subject to reporting requirements.

Do you have any specific questions?

Our experts are ready to assist you with personalized advice tailored to your unique situation.