Asset management

Private fund advisers: Integrating testing into a risk-focused compliance program Private fund advisers: Integrating testing into a risk-focused compliance program
The financial services industry that has emerged from the recent market turmoil is one that has stricter standards, greater regulatory scrutiny, and higher client expectations for alternative asset management firms. As part of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act many hedge fund and private equity fund advisers (private fund advisers) will be required to register with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC).
2nd Quarter 2010 current developments for mutual fund audit committees
The document includes PwC articles & observations for the quarter, tax developments, summary of developments for this and the previous quarter and publications of interest to mutual fund directors.
Working Guide for an Investment Company's Audit Committee Working Guide for an Investment Company's Audit Committee
For more than 30 years, as part of our commitment to the US investment management industry, we have been providing this reference tool for use by audit committees of registered open-end and close-end investment companies.
Thoughts from the boardroom: A frank discussion Thoughts from the boardroom: A frank discussion
PricewaterhouseCoopers recently played host to directors of major mutual fund boards for a roundtable discussion of their perspectives on current issues in the industry with respect to mutual fund board duties and responsibilities. The relaxed and frank discussion offered a window into the board-level thinking, particularly in light of the existing market volatility.
PricewaterhouseCoopers' Financial Services Regulatory Practice: How we can help quantitatively driven asset managers PricewaterhouseCoopers' Financial Services Regulatory Practice: How we can help quantitatively driven asset managers
This document provides a closer look at high frequency trading compliance and regulatory issues for asset managers and how PwC can help address regulatory compliance issues and manage regulatory risk effectively.
Viewpoint on optimal branch network strategy Navigating risk in the high-frequency trading environment
This report offers our firm's point of view on the compliance challenges of high-frequency trading and a framework for addressing the unique risk and control challenges that high-frequency trading strategies present.
GIPS take two: The second generation of global investment performance standards GIPS take two: The second generation of global investment performance standards
This point of view discusses what changes to GIPS will mean for asset managers.
PwC alternatives alert, March 31, 2010
Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act of 2009: Understanding the impact on the alternative investments industry
On March 18, 2010, the final version of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act of 2009 (FATCA) became law as part of the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act. FATCA dramatically changes the current system of withholding on payments made to non-US persons. The final version of FATCA is generally similar to the original Bill introduced by the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee on October 27, 2009, but has been modified in response to public comments.Read more.
AIFMD News Edition 3
In this edition of AIFMD News we look at the most controversial aspects of the discussions in the Council of Ministers, including the Spanish Presidency compromise position on third countries which caused the directive to be removed from the agenda of the EcoFin Council on 16 March. We draw comparisons between the Council position and the evolving views in the European Parliament's Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee (ECON) as discussed during the second exchange of views in the Committee on 17 March.
Video: Social networking to reach young affluents
Steve Crosby, PwC's head of wealth management, discusses social networking to reach young affluents on the Wall Street Journal.
Ninth annual alternative investments seminar highlights
This year, the Ninth Annual Alternative Investments Seminar kicked off in New York City in December 2009, with an audience of more than 1,000 participants. Seminars were also held in six other US cities and several major international locations. This publication captures highlights from the New York City seminar, which opened with remarks from Mark Casella, US Co-Leader of PwC’s Alternative investments practice.
Movement towards IFRS Movement towards IFRS: what is the potential for impact on processes, systems and controls for investment companies
This point of view discusses considerations, and steps you can be taking now to best position your organization.
Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2010 Emerging Trends in Real Estate® 2010
Produced by PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Urban Land Institute ULI), Emerging Trends in Real Estate, now in its 31st year, is the oldest, most highly regarded annual industry outlook for the real estate and land use industry and includes interviews and survey responses from more than 900 leading real estate experts, including investors, developers, property company representatives, lenders, brokers and consultants.
Valuation process transparency: Demands challenge asset managers and directors Valuation process transparency: Demands challenge asset managers and directors
This publication stresses the importance of asset managers taking a proactive approach to their valuation process in order to protect both themselves and their shareholders.
Due diligence Seeking transparency in uncertain times: Refocusing your investment adviser due diligence program
It is no longer advisable for investors to rely on the historical performance returns of investment managers.
The day after tomorrow for asset management
 The second of our Day after tomorrow perspective series, in this report we set out some of the most critical issues the industry faces today and in the future.
The Professional Development Program 2010 calendar
 The Professional Development Program includes a variety of learning solutions including: over 30 seminar courses, eLearning self studies, podcasts and webcasts to meet your needs in this rapidly changing industry.
FS regulatory newsletter FS regulatory newsletter
Monthly newsletter providing insight on current regulatory issues.

Against a background of increasing regulation and continuing financial market volatility, investment managers are facing mounting competition from foreign rivals and new entrants. The winners are likely to be companies that can sustain top-tier service through targeted customer segmentation, while curbing distribution and service costs. As access to market becomes increasingly critical and customers demand ever more personalised products and services, investment managers will also need to concentrate on fewer—and more effective—distributor relationships.

These challenges are being compounded by the cost and complexity of meeting new sales, reporting and prudential directives. On the plus side, effective compliance could strengthen stakeholder confidence and sharpen competitive differentiation in an increasingly crowded market place.