This year's Financial News asset management awards will be held in London on October 27 and be presented by Claude Bébéar, chairman of the Axa Group supervisory board. Twelve organisations have been short-listed for the main European asset management of the year award, based on advice from investment consultants.

Short-listed companies have demonstrated success in winning business across Europe over the past year. Some have excelled in putting together M&A strategies as well as organic growth. Consultant support is not essential for inclusion but it is a distinct plus. Single-strategy hedge funds secure a place for the first time, now that some large pension funds are starting to use them for core strategies.