The Effects of Adoption of Directive ISA Part.III

This framework has become particularly important for investors after the crisis. Indeed, many people who keep a bitter taste for excessively long periods of redemption given by some hedge funds, sometimes by breaking the terms of liquidity initially set. However, the entry of this new type of management strategies in a world hitherto occupied by standardized strategies and has known the risk of blurring the recognition gained by the UCITS label. Alternative strategies in place may pose risks not previously present in UCITS funds, including through use of complex derivatives. When using these instruments has been expanded with the publication in March 2007 of the Directive on eligible assets for UCITS III funds in the funds market Newcits was much narrower. For this reason, the introduction of funds from investors Newcits unskilled, which by definition cannot lead themselves a thorough due diligence on their investments, will likely require a level of information about the risks higher. The principles of Markets in Financial Instruments Directive should nevertheless partly to help distribute these products exclusively to European investors who understand.

The adoption of the Directive ISA has significant effects. By imposing new constraints on the personnel of hedge funds, it sets up very restrictive measures that will harm may be a first step in managing European alternative. But the whole directive, which provides greater transparency, hedge funds could boost the long term. Development funds for its Newcits represent a significant change in the landscape management. But the UCITS label must remain strong and its reputation and why the danger posed by the funds must be Newcits of attention. In fact behind the possibility of allowing individual investors in Europe to access a range of wider product, allowing them to diversify their investments, hides a real risk of cannibalization of the label. However, the readability of UCITS is a major asset for marketing to international investors. It is likely that the industry will look closely at this intrusion of hedge funds that can really tarnish the image of the dearly bought by European management.

The Effects of Adoption of Directive ISA Part.II

The novelty is real alternative for players, but already partially implemented by many of the banks after 2008 under pressure from governments. Part 3 on the CRD remuneration’s extension is to hedge funds relatively quick. A substantial increase in the fixed part is to provide for categories of personnel involved in hedge funds, like what the investment banks have made since 2009 in anticipation of regulatory restrictions bonuses.

In the market for asset management, anticipation of the adoption of the directive has had the effect of fostering the development of a new type of funds, qualified by the industry "Newcits. These funds are in place alternative management strategies usually developed by hedge funds in the regulatory framework.

The combination of an uncertain legal environment and the ability to raise funds from a new segment of investors, have decided the alternative managers to develop their strategy through UCITS vehicles. The entry into force of the UCITS IV Directive in July 2011, and the possibility for UCITS to receive a European passport for marketing in the EU could also weigh in the choice. This enthusiasm is reflected in the numbers: between September 2008 and May 2010 the number of funds Newcits almost doubled, from 270 to 520 funds and assets under administration from 45 to nearly 90 billion Euros.

Symbolizing the development of this type of fund, the index "Ucits HFX Index" to track the overall performance of these funds, was launched in February 2010. In view of investors, this new category of funds has some attractive compared to traditional hedge funds: diversification, leverage, valuation and liquidity are strictly supervised.

The Effects of Adoption of Directive ISA Part.I

Recently adopted by the European Parliament, the directive will come into force ISA in January 2011. All decisions taken under the ISA is a turning point for the industry of hedge funds because of restrictions imposed.


The national authorities of EU countries have a period of two years to transcribe those rules in their legislation, particularly on the issue of the European passport. However there is already fairly immediate impact in some areas. This is particularly the case for compensation in hedge funds and development of a new market, the UCITS alternative points on which we intend to return.


The compensation of hedge funds is generally of the type "2 / 20," that is to say 2% management fee and 20% of the outperformance retained by the manager. In terms of compensation, important work had already been conducted during the update of the directive regulating the implementation of Basel II (CRD 3 - Capital Requirements Directive - adopted by the European Parliament in July 2010). Its conclusions were largely contained in the Directive ISA. The main change is to align the distribution of salaries on the level of risk and lifecycle funds managed, and this with special attention on the variable. It found that 40% to 60% (depending on its size) of the bonus will be deferred over a period of 3 to 5 years and at least 50% should be distributed in shares themselves kept for a minimum period. Thus, for a variable compensation of € 100 K, a maximum of € 30k will be paid in cash the first year. Moreover, in case of negative performance of the fund, the amounts paid by the fund to employees may be partially recovered through mechanisms of penalty. The directive was not set up a ratio between the fixed and variable, merely specify that the two must be balanced, and fixed high enough to allow the non-payment of a variable, which guarantee payment is now banned. Because of work already conducted in CRD 3, Directive already provides a great level of detail through an appendix describing the new remuneration arrangements.

Philanthropy and Private Banking Part.III

The theme of philanthropy touches on sincerely seized beliefs of the client. It allows staff to initiate a conversation on an emotional dimension as well as financial. This dialogue can add to the development of an association of trust between a client who is not simply a portfolio of assets, and a banker who does most of the costume vendor products with high margins. This dialogue allows the bank to intensify its knowledge of clientele, and loyalty by contributing a long term relationship on sustainable projects.

Another line of work to dig for private banks: the networking of donors. Philanthropists, especially beginners, express the need to meet other people having launched in the adventure to help and share their experiences. From the perspective of the bank, linking its customer’s philanthropists represents an opportunity to expand its network of prospects. In Europe Wealth Management team understands this challenge.

For the client, a private bank that support its philanthropic investment it would provide a single window for management of its assets, both financial and philanthropic. Several studies have identified the reasons why wealthy people to contact their banks to invest in private philanthropic topics:
1. Tax benefits,
2. Need advice on clearing the jungle of philanthropic organizations,
3. Want to measure and control effectively grants.
Structuring, in the engineering heritage, a philanthropic offer to optimize tax and guide the client through the maze of legal philanthropy takes on its meaning.

Today, private banks gaining momentum on the subject of philanthropy, sensing the potential of loyalty and competitive differentiation behind. But they will fail to fully play this role once they are deemed competent on the subject by their customers. This involves the guidance of management consultants to private customer approach in its personal dimension and not just financial, and reorganizing the supply of products and philanthropic services taking into account the tax aspects, legal and emotional donation.

Philanthropy and Private Banking Part.II

For older donors, donating was good in itself, while for the new, the gift must be effective. The typical modern philanthropist made his fortune quickly, has an entrepreneurial mindset and will firstly give back to society part of what he has won and the other involved in the projects it supports. His archetype is Bill Gates, who created the foundation "Bill and Melinda Gates before his fortieth birthday and whose endowment now stands at over 35 billion dollars. There is currently strong demand from high net worth individuals to invest in philanthropy, both in Anglo-Saxon (which is an old trend) than in European countries (which is newer).

The increasing needs of the poor at local level in developed countries and at global level in some countries remained on the margins of globalization, also explains the renewed media attention to philanthropy.

Philanthropy is a segment whose financing requirements are increasing and in which many actors are willing to commit themselves, wealthy individuals as firms. The challenge in this sector lies in its ability to structure itself to meet the demand (need help finance the public interest) and supply (philanthropists want to give).

This need for structure has been highlighted by a study of Scorpio Partnership in 2007 showing that 90% of European philanthropists expressed the need to be advised on their philanthropic investments. They are looking for sound advice enabling them to make appropriate choices. The study also reveals that most of these philanthropists are willing to pay to dispose of such boards, and opens a huge market for private banks.

By their knowledge of financial products they have, and they affect the public, private banks can take part in the expansion of philanthropy by offering:

* Product socially responsible investment.
* Investments in philanthropic or charitable funds.
* Advice to clients wishing to establish a foundation.

Cont.