Compensation overall rose across all regions, the North East saw the largest increase in total compensation.

Compensation for financial professionals trading Fixed Income products in Asia increased in the past 12 months.

Japanese cash equity commissions increased over the past twelve months.

Use of “alternatives” continues to broaden as funds seek return and diversification benefits.

Average fees paid increased in all asset classes, likely driven by the move towards specialty product categories.

Total U.S. institutional assets increased for the fifth consecutive year, this year appreciating by approximately 16%.

Despite robust growth in institutional assets, institutional investors continue to face myriad challenges, ranging from challenged funding levels to market volatility to smaller, less experienced staffs.

Strong equity markets buoyed DC equity allocations in 2014, while target date funds continue to grow.

Overall, fixed income allocations outweigh equities, but this can vary significantly by country: only 23% of UK assets are fixed income, compared to 51% in Italy and 72% in France.

With the exception of U.S. equity, fees appears to have stabilized and active non-Canadian fixed income increased driven by specialty mandates.