Petter von Bonsdorff from Evli is our Sales Manager of the Month

Petter von Bonsdorff is Head of International Business Development at Evli, a Finnish independent investment services company with a long-standing presence in Nordic and European asset management. In his role, he is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with institutional investors, fund selectors, and professional clients across international markets.

Petter works closely with Evli’s portfolio management teams to represent the firm’s fixed income and alternative investment capabilities, with a particular focus on communicating investment philosophy, risk management, and long-term performance to professional audiences. He is a frequent participant and speaker at international investment conferences and professional events across Europe.

Evli Plc provides asset management, mutual funds, and capital markets services, and is recognized for its strong expertise in fixed income investing and active portfolio management.

What was the starting point of your interest in financial markets, and how  has your view of them developed throughout your career? 

My interest in financial markets began in the early 1990s, when trading floors still felt almost prehistoric by today’s standards. Since then, markets have remained broadly transparent yet inherently chaotic, which has paved way for  opportunities for the active asset manager to thrive.  

Who or what has had the greatest influence on your professional journey,  and what is the most valuable lesson you learned from it? 

Each time a client has told me how they use the service or product we’re cooperating on, I have learned something new. The key lesson is that while a provider may position a product for certain uses, clients or investors often  discover clever applications that go beyond the original intent. 

Which commercial or client-focused metrics do you prioritize in your day-to day role to guide your strategy effectively? 

Time used on client-centric work is what ultimately always will pay off.  

Based on your experience, what are the key elements of a long-lasting client  relationship in asset management? 

A long-lasting, well-performing product or service. Anyone can be nice and  understanding, few can deliver strong performance over time – and this is what  truly builds trust and longevity.  

Are there changes in investor behavior that you believe the industry has not  yet fully recognized? 

The rapid growth of passive, index-following capital has resulted in record  levels of investment in companies and industries without any real understanding  or engagement. While this poses systemic risks, it also creates opportunities for  traditional stock picking. The same dynamic applies in European corporate  bonds: active managers who conduct thorough research can still deliver  superior returns. 

How do you see technology reshaping the role of sales teams in asset  management over the next few years? 

Technology, particularly AI-driven tools, enables sales teams to deliver more  insightful and personalized proposals by analyzing vast amounts of data. For  investors, this means recommendations that are better tailored with their objectives and preferences. At Evli, we have been at the forefront of AI  development for several years with our proprietary AI platform, Atlas Intelligence. 

Looking ahead to 2026, which three themes or forces do you expect to have  the greatest influence on global markets, and why? 

First, global cyclical recovery. A broadening economic upswing, led by Asia  and gaining momentum in Europe and the US, is reshaping market dynamics.  This recovery is driving rotations: from growth to value, from US to non-US  markets, and from mega-cap tech concentration toward broader sector  participation. Cyclical equities and credit stand to benefit, while traditional  industries gain momentum after years of underperformance. Corporate credit  spreads still offer attractive opportunities. Nordic managers can top up these spreads. 

Second, the evolving AI landscape. AI remains a powerful structural growth  driver, but increasing complexity makes it a double-edged sword. Key risks  include software disruption across sectors, concerns over hyperscaler capex  and return generation, and the potential for valuation corrections in over-hyped  segments. 

Third, bond yield pressure. Rising long-term yields pose a significant risk,  particularly for expensive growth stocks that are sensitive to discount rates.  Stronger growth, inflation risks, and fiscal concerns could push yields higher and  accelerate rotation away from high-multiple growth equities. The US 10-year  Treasury yield will remain a critical indicator to watch. Good pockets of return are  available, though: healthy corporate issuers in the Nordic countries are still  issuing at premium. 

Which personal traits do you think have played the biggest role in your  success as a sales manager? 

Endurance. Not rushing, but being available and reliable when you can add  value for a potential client.  

Outside the office, what passions or activities give you energy and  perspective? 

Living in Finland, I’m fortunate to have easy access to energizing outdoor  activities such as trekking, cycling, and skiing. Spending time with family and  friends also offers a welcome counterweight to the demanding work.