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Once very passive holders of government wealth, sovereign wealth funds have transformed operations in three critical ways since amassing greater assets. BCG’s Markus Massi explains that these funds now attract better talent, have added new asset classes and expanded into new investment strategies, and have evolved to become more active managers of their assets.

Markus Massi is a core member of Boston Consulting Group’s Principal Investors & Private Equity (PIPE) and Financial Institutions practices. He leads BCG’s PIPE practice in the Middle East as well as BCG's global work with sovereign wealth funds (SWFs).

Since joining BCG in 2000, Markus has worked with numerous SWFs, pension funds, private equity companies, investment holdings, and family conglomerates on projects related to investment strategies, due diligence, portfolio enhancements, and a wide range of organizational and operational topics. Additionally, he has helped a number of government institutions develop country and sector strategies.

Beyond his work with principal investors, Markus has acquired in-depth expertise working with central banks, regulators, and exchanges and financial centers. He has worked on projects related to financial sector strategies, rules and regulations, supervisory tasks, and wide range of organizational and operational topics. His worked with more than 100 financial institutions across Europe, North and South America, and the Middle East.

Before joining BCG, Markus worked for several financial institutions in Frankfurt, New York, London, Luxembourg, and Brussels

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

EDUCATION

  • Master’s degree, economic science, Freie Universität Berlin

Publications and Videos

Saudi Arabia’s Banking Sector 2022 in Review and the Path Ahead

Markus Massi gives his perspective on the state of Saudi Arabia’s banking sector in comparison to the global banking sector, and what can be expected moving forward.

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Saudi Arabia’s Banking Sector

Saudi Arabia’s banking sector experienced a period of high profitability in 2022 and is poised for continued growth for 2023.
The Venture Builder Strategy for Principal Investors

The Venture Builder Strategy for Principal Investors

For sovereign wealth funds and pension plans, fostering a portfolio of innovative new ventures is a powerful opportunity. You might even create your own unicorn along the way.
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2021 Consumer Sentiment Study in Banking Infographic - UAE

Competition in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) banking sector is intensifying as customer demands and expectations continue to increase, according to our recent study.
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2021 Consumer Sentiment Study in Banking: UAE

The banking sector in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is becoming increasingly competitive as customer expectations continue to rise. This study by BCG examines the reasons behind customer attrition, as well as why customers remain loyal to their bank.
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A Postcrisis Operating Model for Principal Investors

Investors must put the technology, data management, and organizational practices in place to support sustainable growth.
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Resetting Fund Strategy and Vision for the Postcrisis World

With an eye to the recovery, fund leaders should reexamine who they want to be in the post-COVID world.
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A Principal Investor’s Guide for the Crisis and the Postcrisis World

To prepare their funds and portfolio companies for the opportunities and demands that lie ahead, principal investors need to plan in layers and across multiple time horizons.
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The Next Leadership Agenda for Private Equity

If the last decade was a golden age for PE, the next one could be more gilded. Funds have the potential to deliver exponential growth—provided firms make the needed strategic and operational changes.
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Knowledge Is Power in Private Equity

Knowledge management is the next value frontier in private equity. It’s a dynamic function directly relevant to something all investment professionals care deeply about: creating value through their investments.
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Optimism in the Gulf States Points to the Region’s Potential

Confidence in their financial security is prompting GCC consumers to spend more, a survey shows. This could speed the development of the region’s e-commerce sector.
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How Private Equity Can Capture the Upside in a Downturn

During the next slowdown, the smart money will double down on growth, fast-track transformation, and capitalize on attractive, well-priced opportunities.