M. Verić: The investment fund industry is entering a more mature stage of development
The annual conference “Investment Funds: Investing to Achieve Goals”, held on 24 April 2026 and organised by the Croatian Chamber of Economy, highlighted positive growth trends in the domestic fund industry, along with its increasingly important role in the development of the capital market and the financing of the economy.
Martina Verić, a member of the Hanfa Board, emphasised that the investment fund industry in Croatia is entering a more mature stage of development, based on European standards and the benefits of a harmonised regulatory framework. She stressed that Hanfa continues to actively support the further development of the market by reducing administrative burdens, while preserving high standards of investor protection and effective risk management. She particularly pointed out the importance of aligning the promotion of innovation and competitiveness with the stability of the financial system.
The conference highlighted the fact that public interest in investing in investment funds continues to grow, accompanied by an increase in the number of investors and a significant rise in funds’ total assets. Such trends point to the growing recognition of investment funds as an accessible and efficient form of investment for a broad range of investors.
Representatives of the industry and institutions laid an additional emphasis on the importance of capital market development as a key source of financing for the economy. In this context, the conference underlined the need for further strengthening of the investment base, greater availability of various forms of financing, and continuous cooperation among regulators, the industry, and the public sector.
State Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, Matej Bule, emphasised that the Ministry of Finance, in cooperation with regulatory authorities and the industry, continues to encourage citizen participation in the capital market, including investments in government securities.
Tomislav Radoš, Vice President of the Croatian Chamber of Economy, stressed the importance of the development of the capital market for economic growth and competitiveness, to which the Chamber actively contributes through strategic initiatives and projects such as the educational program PutNaTržište (Road to Market).
As part of the conference, the “Top of the Funds” awards were presented to the best investment funds and management companies for their achievements in the previous year.
In conclusion, the participants emphasised that the further development of the capital market requires a coordinated and long-term approach by all stakeholders, along with strengthening financial literacy among citizens and maintaining a stable regulatory framework.
Photo: Croatian Chamber of Eonomy
