The hedge fund population is getting thinner as more and more firms convert to family offices, according to news site and peer group network COOConnect. “Hedge funds are increasingly contemplating launching family office structures and we have seen north of 100 different funds converting to family offices,” said hedge fund sales director Keith Gertsen.
“The primary reason for this is the cost of regulation and maintaining operational overheads. Total spend by hedge funds on operational and back office functionalities is very high, and consumes a significant chunk of Assets under Management (AuM),” he added.
Considered as further catalysts for the institutionalization of the hedge fund sector, are the constantly demanding regulatory changes that cause higher operational costs and management fees. “The Citi Hedge Fund Expenses Benchmark Survey published in early 2014 found the average manager required at least $310 million for their two per-cent management fee to pay for their regulatory and operational expenditures,” COOConnect added.
The impact of these overwhelming fees to the hedge fund industry came like a nuclear bomb last yearas the number of new hedge fund manager start-ups fell by 40 per cent compared to 2013 – the lowest record since 2003.
Some of the regulations that increase barriers to entry, due to the financial demand that they impose,include Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD), the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), the Dodd-Frank Act in the US and the European Market Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR).
Of these regulations, KPMG’s case study “The Cost of Compliance” shows that AIFMD has the highest cost of compliance (with about 46 per cent of all respondents voting for it), followed by SEC registration and reporting and FATCA.
Results of the study further imply that the hedge fund industry is allocating at least USD3 billion on regulatory compliance alone, including technology, headcount and third-party vendors.
Explaining the negative impact of these rising costs to new players, a fund manager from Asia shared that, “The entire nature of the alternative investment industry – particularly the hedge fund industry – is one of innovation and finding new ways to achieve alpha. There’s no doubt that regulation is constricting this and making it harder for new players to enter the market.”
Meanwhile, hedge fund managers that have made it to the game but struggling to survive find salvation in shifting to family offices. Aside from lower operating costs, Hannah Shaw Grove, a family office expert and board member of the Hedge Fund Association., shared that one of the main reasons why even successful hedge funds switch to that industry is because family offices are not as constrained by investment objectives as a pure-play asset manager.
“Other family priorities such as tax efficiency, philanthropy and asset protection can be considered and more fully accommodated in the investment process than they might be otherwise,” she added.
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Brand Development 101: Employees as Brand Ambassadors
Many companies pour tens of thousands of dollars to get the hottest celebrities as their endorsers. The fact is, they often forget that in brand development efforts, the best possible ambassadors of their brand are already right under their nose.
Here are ways to turn your employees into the best ambassadors your brand could ever have:
Educate them about your brand and marketing goals. Aside from the general orientation about the company’s mission-vision during the on-boarding process, educate your employees about your marketing goals and strategies. Discuss to them your key messages and communication platforms. This way, they will appreciate the value of sharing the posts on the company Facebook page, or adhering to the branding guidelines.
Always give them free samples of what your company produces. Wouldn’t it be a pity if someone goes to a chocolate shop, asks the attendant for recommendation, but the latter cannot give satisfactory answers because he has not tasted any of the items he is selling? Aside from giving them another reason to stay and continue to work for you company, offering your employees a sample of your products allows them to vouch for their quality, and in a sincere way, too. They can also serve as a good source of feedback, and they will respond honestly because it will be in their best interest if it becomes a hit.
Give them branded materials that they can use everyday.Giving your employees shirts, mugs, pens, and other whatnot, branded materials or items that bear your company logo is a great way to turn them into walking advertisements of your brand. And especially if the items are well-designed and have good quality, they are seen as a reflection of the company, and can even inspire thrilling conversations. Each employee should also be provided with a set of business cards that they can hand to new acquaintances. You’ll never know how many people they meet on a daily basis outside of work, and these can belong to either your target market or your future industry partners!
Compensate them well, and treat them well. When employees are happily working for your company, you can expect them not only to deliver great output, but to always have good words for your brand. How to keep them happy? Pay them well, and observe exemplary labor practices. Reward them for getting things done above expectations, and create a fun and respectful environment where they feel that their voice matters.
Learn more about brand development by partnering with marketing experts today.
Here are ways to turn your employees into the best ambassadors your brand could ever have:
Educate them about your brand and marketing goals. Aside from the general orientation about the company’s mission-vision during the on-boarding process, educate your employees about your marketing goals and strategies. Discuss to them your key messages and communication platforms. This way, they will appreciate the value of sharing the posts on the company Facebook page, or adhering to the branding guidelines.
Always give them free samples of what your company produces. Wouldn’t it be a pity if someone goes to a chocolate shop, asks the attendant for recommendation, but the latter cannot give satisfactory answers because he has not tasted any of the items he is selling? Aside from giving them another reason to stay and continue to work for you company, offering your employees a sample of your products allows them to vouch for their quality, and in a sincere way, too. They can also serve as a good source of feedback, and they will respond honestly because it will be in their best interest if it becomes a hit.
Give them branded materials that they can use everyday.Giving your employees shirts, mugs, pens, and other whatnot, branded materials or items that bear your company logo is a great way to turn them into walking advertisements of your brand. And especially if the items are well-designed and have good quality, they are seen as a reflection of the company, and can even inspire thrilling conversations. Each employee should also be provided with a set of business cards that they can hand to new acquaintances. You’ll never know how many people they meet on a daily basis outside of work, and these can belong to either your target market or your future industry partners!
Compensate them well, and treat them well. When employees are happily working for your company, you can expect them not only to deliver great output, but to always have good words for your brand. How to keep them happy? Pay them well, and observe exemplary labor practices. Reward them for getting things done above expectations, and create a fun and respectful environment where they feel that their voice matters.
Learn more about brand development by partnering with marketing experts today.
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Tax Considerations for Hedge Funds
The industry of hedge funds has seen tremendous growth in the last five years. In 2010, Hedge Fund Research, Inc. reported that 1,000 new hedge funds have entered the market, and nearly the same numbers are launched every year after.
Emerging hedge funds often struggle with finding a balance between establishing a performance track record and building an efficient operational framework. Performance always comes first, but no matter how impressive returns are, inefficient operations cannot sustain growth and will turn away many potential investors.
Structure
Hedge fund managers must consider early on how to structure their company because this will determine which tax laws affect them. Choosing between a transparent partnership and a corporate structure will depend on investor needs, trading jurisdictions, and the physical location of hedge fund principals.
Ample time should be devoted to reviewing structural options. The needs of investors, as well as the fund’s strategy for growth should be weighed when deciding between appropriate legal structures.
Tax due diligence
In the early years of the hedge fund industry, showing performance records and creating a strong sales pitch may have been enough to persuade investors. Nowadays, investors are very are particular about the details of a fund’s operation and taxation systems.
Many institutional investors prepare due diligence questionnaires. Fund managers must be prepared to answer queries related to exposure management, tax allocation methods, tax estimates, and other tax related concerns.
Carried interest
Carried interest is the allocated profit received by a hedge fund’s general partner for managing the investment partnership. As the government is always looking for tax offsets and striving for regulation of hedge fund practices, the taxation of carried interest should always be a consideration for hedge fund managers.
Managing separate accounts
Some investors may be interested in a particular strategy but hesitant to invest in an emerging hedge fund. Managers assuage their fears by establishing a separate account where they have trading control but limited access to the investor’s assets. Fund managers must be aware of the tax implications of such practice before implementing it.
Data reporting
The government has been setting stricter reporting regulations for hedge funds. Investors have also started demanding reporting systems that will inform them about compliance, risk management, and consistency of investment strategy.
These tax considerations must be dealt with in the early stages of a hedge fund’s investment cycle if frameworks are to be set for maximum growth.
Emerging hedge funds often struggle with finding a balance between establishing a performance track record and building an efficient operational framework. Performance always comes first, but no matter how impressive returns are, inefficient operations cannot sustain growth and will turn away many potential investors.
Structure
Hedge fund managers must consider early on how to structure their company because this will determine which tax laws affect them. Choosing between a transparent partnership and a corporate structure will depend on investor needs, trading jurisdictions, and the physical location of hedge fund principals.
Ample time should be devoted to reviewing structural options. The needs of investors, as well as the fund’s strategy for growth should be weighed when deciding between appropriate legal structures.
Tax due diligence
In the early years of the hedge fund industry, showing performance records and creating a strong sales pitch may have been enough to persuade investors. Nowadays, investors are very are particular about the details of a fund’s operation and taxation systems.
Many institutional investors prepare due diligence questionnaires. Fund managers must be prepared to answer queries related to exposure management, tax allocation methods, tax estimates, and other tax related concerns.
Carried interest
Carried interest is the allocated profit received by a hedge fund’s general partner for managing the investment partnership. As the government is always looking for tax offsets and striving for regulation of hedge fund practices, the taxation of carried interest should always be a consideration for hedge fund managers.
Managing separate accounts
Some investors may be interested in a particular strategy but hesitant to invest in an emerging hedge fund. Managers assuage their fears by establishing a separate account where they have trading control but limited access to the investor’s assets. Fund managers must be aware of the tax implications of such practice before implementing it.
Data reporting
The government has been setting stricter reporting regulations for hedge funds. Investors have also started demanding reporting systems that will inform them about compliance, risk management, and consistency of investment strategy.
These tax considerations must be dealt with in the early stages of a hedge fund’s investment cycle if frameworks are to be set for maximum growth.
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
The Hamptons: Summer Destination of the Rich and Famous
When summer season begins, Hollywood celebrities and New York City’s high profile personalities head east to the Hamptons.
Located in the Southeastern region of Long Island, the Hamptons is known as one of the favorite summer destinations of the rich and famous. With its world-class beaches, high-end night clubs and restaurants, it is no surprise that New York City’s elites love to spend the hot and dry season in this place
For a sweet escape from the summer heat, the Hamptons offers pristine beaches dotted with million dollar mansions, art galleries, high profile restaurants, and night clubs. Cooper’s Beach, for instance, is a beautiful white sandy beach located in the village of Southampton.
The pristine beach boasts of crystal clear water and shorelines that stretch 500 feet along the Atlantic shoreline. Summer concerts and charity events are also held annually. A few miles away from Cooper’s Beach, another beach destination that’s drawing vacationers from everywhere is the Flying Point Beach in Watermill. Flying Point Beach is a scenic beach famed for its blue green water, cool summer breeze, and magnificent view of the sunset.
While the Hamptons takes pride in its beaches, there is more to this city than its picturesque shores. When the sun sets, the city turns into a huge party place that extends to the beach. With the wide variety of posh night clubs everywhere, a dose of the Hamptons nightlife is an absolute must. Hamptons’ night clubs boast of spectacular outdoor spaces and backyard with fire pit, perfect for an intimate fine dining experience with friends or some late night backyard party. Truly, the night life in the Hamptons, presents a great chance at an unforgettable clubbing experience – oftentimes just footsteps away from socialites, supermodels, and other celebrities.
Daytime parties are also a growing trend here. Imagine grilling barbecue, sipping martini and having a lively conversation about the New York Fashion Week or the current events by the pool. In every way, it is a perfect place for unwinding with family and friends.
No trip to this exclusive neighborhood would be complete without exploring the luxury fashion shops surrounding the place. From designer shoes to luxury bags bearing labels like Diane von Furstenberg, Tory Burch or Ralph Lauren, boutiques in this posh district got your every fashion need.
With its stunning beaches, amazing parties and high-end shopping centers, the Hamptons is set to bring you a wonderful summertime.
Located in the Southeastern region of Long Island, the Hamptons is known as one of the favorite summer destinations of the rich and famous. With its world-class beaches, high-end night clubs and restaurants, it is no surprise that New York City’s elites love to spend the hot and dry season in this place
For a sweet escape from the summer heat, the Hamptons offers pristine beaches dotted with million dollar mansions, art galleries, high profile restaurants, and night clubs. Cooper’s Beach, for instance, is a beautiful white sandy beach located in the village of Southampton.
The pristine beach boasts of crystal clear water and shorelines that stretch 500 feet along the Atlantic shoreline. Summer concerts and charity events are also held annually. A few miles away from Cooper’s Beach, another beach destination that’s drawing vacationers from everywhere is the Flying Point Beach in Watermill. Flying Point Beach is a scenic beach famed for its blue green water, cool summer breeze, and magnificent view of the sunset.
While the Hamptons takes pride in its beaches, there is more to this city than its picturesque shores. When the sun sets, the city turns into a huge party place that extends to the beach. With the wide variety of posh night clubs everywhere, a dose of the Hamptons nightlife is an absolute must. Hamptons’ night clubs boast of spectacular outdoor spaces and backyard with fire pit, perfect for an intimate fine dining experience with friends or some late night backyard party. Truly, the night life in the Hamptons, presents a great chance at an unforgettable clubbing experience – oftentimes just footsteps away from socialites, supermodels, and other celebrities.
Daytime parties are also a growing trend here. Imagine grilling barbecue, sipping martini and having a lively conversation about the New York Fashion Week or the current events by the pool. In every way, it is a perfect place for unwinding with family and friends.
No trip to this exclusive neighborhood would be complete without exploring the luxury fashion shops surrounding the place. From designer shoes to luxury bags bearing labels like Diane von Furstenberg, Tory Burch or Ralph Lauren, boutiques in this posh district got your every fashion need.
With its stunning beaches, amazing parties and high-end shopping centers, the Hamptons is set to bring you a wonderful summertime.
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Tips on Online Reputation Management
Building a reputation on the internet is a process that requires advanced planning. The goal is to increase traffic to your site and promote business objectives. Internet reputation begins with a solid premise of business image. It's much easier to establish online reputation when the existing business image is firmly embedded. Review the specifics of your existing business image and scrutinize areas that may need additional polishing or presentation.
Building an Internet Reputation from Scratch
A new business has an ideal opportunity to build an internet reputation. There are several steps to take before presenting a new business online. These include:
. Link logo, brand and business name to all promotions and advertising
. Study advantageous internet venues
. Create a four-phase plan of promotion and advertising on the internet
. Implement consistent internet promotions and advertising
. Create an interactive internet client base
Logo, Brand and Business Name
The guide to a solid online reputation begins with a creative logo, unique brand and implementation of business name to reach levels of saturation. For example, the logo and brand should capture immediate attention and be unique in order to be retained in user memory. Ideally, the logo and brand should highlight the business name and incorporate products or services within.
Study Advantageous Internet Venues
Once the logo, brand and business name arrive at the emblematic stage, it's necessary to study the most advantageous internet venues to promote and advertise. This may begin with studying the venues frequented by competitors for your market share. Target only those markets that will be directly projected and propelled by venues that link to your business site.
Four-Phase Promotion and Advertising
There are generally four phases to a solid promotion and advertising plan. These include introduction, reiteration, review and fulfillment of initiatives. In phase one of a four-phase plan for promotion and advertising, the introduction to the initial offering should be powerful enough to be retained in memory by potential customers. In phase two, promotions and advertising should reiterate the introduction with a more confident approach to presentation of the business offering. By phase three, a review of the first two phases helps to adjust weak areas and identify stronger, more attractive areas of the business. As internet reputation becomes solidly embedded, it's important to address phase four objectively. All business initiatives regarding internet reputation should reach a level of fulfillment acceptable going forward.
Implement Consistent Internet Promotions and Advertising
Most professional advertising and promotions agents agree that consistency is a primary factor in developing online reputation. For business owners, this means presenting the business and the business owner. Once a product or service becomes a highly visible internet brand, customers need to put a face to the brand. This usually generates a modicum of customer interest and customer confidence in the business. Business owners should endeavor to share the history of their company and their business experience to create customer confidence.
Create an Interactive Internet Client Base
The final step to generate a high profile internet reputation is to create an interactive internet client base. Take the time to study clients and their buying preferences. This is an invaluable tool upon which to build a solid base of online clients. Add a blog to the site or an opportunity for interactive exchanges between the business and clients. One of the most popular interactive exchanges is providing for product or service reviews. When clients take the time to review the business offering, this provides a wealth of information with positive results. In addition, many of the product review comments are helpful to business ranking and internet reputation.
Building an Internet Reputation from Scratch
A new business has an ideal opportunity to build an internet reputation. There are several steps to take before presenting a new business online. These include:
. Link logo, brand and business name to all promotions and advertising
. Study advantageous internet venues
. Create a four-phase plan of promotion and advertising on the internet
. Implement consistent internet promotions and advertising
. Create an interactive internet client base
Logo, Brand and Business Name
The guide to a solid online reputation begins with a creative logo, unique brand and implementation of business name to reach levels of saturation. For example, the logo and brand should capture immediate attention and be unique in order to be retained in user memory. Ideally, the logo and brand should highlight the business name and incorporate products or services within.
Study Advantageous Internet Venues
Once the logo, brand and business name arrive at the emblematic stage, it's necessary to study the most advantageous internet venues to promote and advertise. This may begin with studying the venues frequented by competitors for your market share. Target only those markets that will be directly projected and propelled by venues that link to your business site.
Four-Phase Promotion and Advertising
There are generally four phases to a solid promotion and advertising plan. These include introduction, reiteration, review and fulfillment of initiatives. In phase one of a four-phase plan for promotion and advertising, the introduction to the initial offering should be powerful enough to be retained in memory by potential customers. In phase two, promotions and advertising should reiterate the introduction with a more confident approach to presentation of the business offering. By phase three, a review of the first two phases helps to adjust weak areas and identify stronger, more attractive areas of the business. As internet reputation becomes solidly embedded, it's important to address phase four objectively. All business initiatives regarding internet reputation should reach a level of fulfillment acceptable going forward.
Implement Consistent Internet Promotions and Advertising
Most professional advertising and promotions agents agree that consistency is a primary factor in developing online reputation. For business owners, this means presenting the business and the business owner. Once a product or service becomes a highly visible internet brand, customers need to put a face to the brand. This usually generates a modicum of customer interest and customer confidence in the business. Business owners should endeavor to share the history of their company and their business experience to create customer confidence.
Create an Interactive Internet Client Base
The final step to generate a high profile internet reputation is to create an interactive internet client base. Take the time to study clients and their buying preferences. This is an invaluable tool upon which to build a solid base of online clients. Add a blog to the site or an opportunity for interactive exchanges between the business and clients. One of the most popular interactive exchanges is providing for product or service reviews. When clients take the time to review the business offering, this provides a wealth of information with positive results. In addition, many of the product review comments are helpful to business ranking and internet reputation.
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