The European third-party fund distribution, which accounts for €60bn ($73.1bn) of assets, is expected to reach €230bn by end of 2008, with the UK being the main driver.

According to latest research from Cerulli Associates, the US research firm, the past few years of poor markets has increased investor demand for a broader range of funds, boosting the third-party distribution market. The industry is expected to grow by a 30% compound annual rate until 2008.