When checking out a money manager remember to ensure the identity of the custodian. Above all, ask questions about:
- Background of the firm
Overview of strategy, investment process, and market opportunity; management company details - The "Delta" - What has changed within the past year?
People, philosophy, process, plans, leverage, performance, AuM, service providers - Redemptions
Most recent figures and changes to policies, if applicable - Liquidity profile
- Risk Reporting and processes
Portfolio transparency and concentration / stratification, and risk guidelines - Operations - broken down as below, as applicable:
Trading – discuss lifecycle of trade and trading platforms / reconciliation
Pricing and valuation
Custody arrangements
Best Execution
Sec Lending
Swap and Counterparty management
Business Continuity - List of Service Providers:
Auditor
Administrator
Custodian
List of Brokers
Legal
Any external consultants (identify what role the consultant plays)
Other - Discussion of counterparties and process for managing
- Discussion of compliance policies
Code of ethics, insider trading, personal trading, conflict of interest - Regulatory registrations
Check for registrations and ensure that there are no disclosures or regulatory findings - Full background checks
The firm and key principals in the firm, along with the PM of the fund, including verification of: education, employment, litigation, media, police records, any regulatory findings - Any other risk issues/concerns from the other teams
(investment, ops, legal) not covered in the above - Infrastructure
Investment Fraud - Bobby's View
