Background and Relevance of Actinver
Grupo Actinver, a prominent Mexican financial group, has been appointed as the trustee for 16 Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) in Mexico. Actinver already serves as the trustee for 11 real estate investment trusts and 5 infrastructure REITs, including Fibra Shop, Storage, Terrafina, and Prologis. This move comes after the U.S. Treasury accused CI Banco, along with Intercam and Vector Brokerage, of money laundering, prompting many companies to seek new trustees for their REITs.
CI Banco’s Role and the Impact of Recent Accusations
CI Banco, intervened by the National Banking and Securities Commission (CNBV), held 26% of the total REITs in Mexico, approximately 2,500 instruments. Following the accusations against CI Banco and other institutions, numerous companies sought to change their REIT trustees to ensure the security and integrity of their investments.
Understanding Trustees and Their Responsibilities
A trustee, whether an individual or a legal entity, manages the assets of a trust, safeguarding the interests of those who have entrusted their assets to the instrument. Actinver’s internal committees thoroughly analyzed and approved existing trustee businesses in the market, focusing on commercial, industrial, hotel, infrastructure, and mixed REITs.
Actinver’s Strategic Growth and Commitment to Clients
Luis Hernández Rangel, Actinver’s General Director, emphasized their pre-existing significant presence in the REIT sector and their cautious growth strategy, prioritizing client trust. He stated, “Our strategy is to grow, but with caution, as our clients’ confidence is paramount. We have reinforced our processes and meticulously reviewed each case.”
Hernández Rangel highlighted the strong investor appetite for REITs and the recent successful launch of Fibra Next, which saw substantial demand for certificates. He also mentioned a significant surge in interest from REITs seeking Actinver as their new trustee, attributing this to Actinver’s expertise and risk appetite.
Actinver’s Market Position and Financial Performance
As the second-largest REIT administrator in Mexico, Actinver oversees more than 904.46 billion pesos in assets across various sectors. Although Hernández Rangel couldn’t specify a precise growth figure, he anticipated substantial growth and aims to capture 60% of the Mexican REIT market.
Actinver reported positive results through the second quarter of 2025, with a 416 million pesos increase in net income—a 51% rise compared to the same period in the previous year. The firm administers 307 billion pesos in investment funds, reflecting a 31% growth from the same period last year.
Actinver’s Investment Strategy
Luis Hernández Rangel discussed Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) as an important investment alternative amidst the complexity of mutual funds. Actinver aims to strike a balance between traditional mutual funds and ETFs, actively participating in the Sistema Internacional de Cotizaciones (SIC) of the Bolsa Mexicana de Valores.
Actinver’s Commitment to Financial Education and Client Bancarization
Hernández Rangel emphasized Actinver’s dedication to financial education and client bancarization, acknowledging the need for increased financial literacy. He stated, “We manage around our clients with financial education and aim to build trust among investors.”
Actinver seeks to simplify financial instruments for clients, promoting discipline, saving habits, and product knowledge. The firm recognizes its responsibility to improve financial culture and deliver services in a straightforward manner.
Actinver’s Hybrid Business Model
Hernández Rangel described Actinver’s hybrid model, combining digital and physical presence. The firm has around 50 direct-contact centers, catering to clients who prefer human interaction. Actinver has introduced two strategies centered on financial education and inclusion, including the “Reto Actinver” investment simulation game and the recently launched “Resurge” plan targeting women returning to the workforce after focusing on family life.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is a trustee, and what are their responsibilities? A trustee manages the assets of a trust, ensuring the interests of those who have entrusted their assets to the instrument are protected.
- Why did many REITs seek new trustees after CI Banco’s accusations? Companies sought new trustees to ensure the security and integrity of their investments following accusations of money laundering against CI Banco and other institutions.
- What is Actinver’s strategy for growth in the REIT sector? Actinver aims to grow cautiously, prioritizing client trust and reinforcing processes while meticulously reviewing each case.
- What are Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), and why is Actinver focusing on them? ETFs are investment funds traded on stock exchanges, offering diversification and lower costs than traditional mutual funds. Actinver seeks a balanced investment strategy incorporating both ETFs and mutual funds.
- How is Actinver addressing financial education and client bancarization? Actinver is committed to enhancing financial literacy and simplifying financial instruments for clients, promoting discipline, saving habits, and product knowledge.
