Publications

FS Viewpoints
Our series of timely, thought-provoking and informative publications on current issues impacting the financial services industry.

A Closer Look: The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
Through this series, recognized leaders in our Regulatory practice will take A Closer Look at how the Act will impact several distinct market segments.

Articles and observations on regulatory and market developments in the mutual fund market of interest to mutual fund audit committee members.

	Strategic Imperatives for Asset Managers This paper presents a thematic introduction to the issues the asset management industry is facing, the key implications to asset managers, and the questions firms should be asking to best adapt their strategies and take advantage of these new and emerging industry demands.

	Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive - Impact on US Managers This FS Regulatory Brief is intended to inform US asset managers of the possible consequences of AIFMD, and answer some frequently asked questions.

	Current Developments for Mutual Fund Audit Committees: December 31, 2012 This edition of Current Developments includes articles on today's growing cyber threats, new scrutiny of fund fair value policies and practices, risk management highlights, and fiscal cliff issues addressed by the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012.

	Current developments for mutual fund audit committees: 30 September 2012 This edition of Current Developments includes articles on the adoption of a new Auditing Standard by the PCAOB, regulatory highlights from a PwC Mutual Fund Directors Roundtable, and potential implications for mutual funds surrounding the uncertain fate of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts.

	PwC mutual fund directors roundtable 2012 highlights These highlights provide a summary of leading practices in mutual fund oversight, explain how directors are meeting the challenges they face and provide insights into the evolving role of directors and boards in the funds industry.

	9 new rules of IT strategy for asset management The asset management industry is in the midst of significant structural change, with primary drivers including shifting investor preferences, pricing pressure and uncertain markets. While we see significant variation in how firms are adapting to these changes, we have identified many situations where asset management firms' business and IT strategies are at risk of misalignment.

	PwC Asset Management Highlights: How asset management firms award and manage talent This summer, PwC conducted a webcast titled: “Highlights from the 2011 Asset Management Reward and Talent Management Survey.” During the webcast, PwC practitioners discussed general insight regarding headcount growth and talent-management trends, and deeper details surrounding a number of compensation issues including quantum and design, annual-incentive plans, deferred compensation and equity-based compensation, employee benefit plans, and issues related to governance and the regulatory environment.

	From black box to open book: Hedge fund trust and transparency US hedge funds have significantly enhanced their transparency, controls and infrastructure, helping to win the trust of institutional investors that is critical for their future growth. Across the hedge fund value chain, a new framework is emerging that is improving investor protection. But this evolution remains a work in progress, with inefficiencies and areas for improvement yet to be addressed.

	Top Issues Facing Asset Managers The asset management industry faces challenging markets, regulatory reform, competition for clients and talent, and new expectations from investors, regulators, industry partners and other stakeholders. In spite of these challenges, the asset management industry is positioned for future growth.

	A fast take on the impact of the Dodd-Frank Act on asset management firms Several provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act impact the asset management industry, either directly as regulated investment advisers, or indirectly as participants in the markets. Here is a summary of how Dodd-Frank impacts asset managers.

	Asset Management Alert: India proposes legislative tax amendments India proposed legislative amendments to its income tax law that include the introduction of general anti-avoidance rules and provisions to retroactively tax indirect transfer of shares of overseas entities with substantial underlying Indian asset value.

	2011 US Asset Management reward and talent management survey PwC's 2011 US Asset Management Reward and Talent Management Survey gives human resource leaders insight into emerging trends and best practices in talent acquisition and retention. Volatile financial markets, minimal M&A activity, global regulatory reform and greater investor scrutiny continued to pressure asset managers, HR leaders are redesigning incentive and governance structures to support evolving business objectives and grow their human capital base.

	Asset Management M&A Insights: The way forward 2011 was the worst year in global asset management mergers and acquisitions in five years. European bank divestitures, continuing improvement in valuations and strong buyer interest should improve in 2012. Competition for growth is increasing and continuing uncertainty could make managing performance difficult.

	Attracting pension plan assets: What alternative investment managers need to know Retirement plan sponsors are reconsidering alternative investments like hedge funds and private equity funds due to the lower historical volatility and higher returns. Alternative investment managers need to be aware of increased data requests to satisfy the increased transparency requirements of institutional investors.

	How do the proposed FATCA regulations impact Asset Managers? Long-awaited proposed regulations providing guidance on FATCA issued -- including specific implementation issues relevant to asset managers.