John Schaffer

1 week ago | citywire.com | John Schaffer

Many private markets firms are pushing educational materials through so-called ‘academies’ in a bid to increase the knowledge of fund selectors and end clients. KKR, for example, has its Alternatives Unlocked online programme, while rival Blackstone has a similar ‘University’ portal. Of course, these firms are not being altruistic here - these training materials act as a way to generate more fundraising into their funds.

1 week ago | citywire.com | Ian Heath |John Schaffer |Chris Sloley

Clearstream has launched a digital tool to take out some of the hassle and manual process of dealing with private markets funds. The new tool is said to automate key processes for wealth management firms distributing these more complex vehicles to their clients, as well as increasing efficiency for fund providers. The tool will allow for multiple portfolios to be consolidated under a single account, while also offering detailed reporting.

1 week ago | citywire.com | John Schaffer

Swiss alternatives firm Partners Group has announced a new distribution deal with Italian private bank Sella Group. Sella’s clients will be able to invest in the Partners Group Private Equity Opportunities SICAV fund, with a minimum investment of €10,000. The fund in question is a relative minnow in Partners Group’s evergreen fund line-up, with assets of just over $57m, according to its factsheet for the end of April. Since the strategy’s inception in March last year, it has returned 19.9%.

1 week ago | citywire.com | John Schaffer

Many private markets firms are pushing educational materials through so-called ‘academies’ in a bid to increase the knowledge of fund selectors and end clients. KKR, for example, has its Alternatives Unlocked online programme, while rival Blackstone has a similar ‘University’ portal. Of course, these firms are not being altruistic here - these training materials act as a way to generate more fundraising into their funds.

2 weeks ago | citywire.com | Joseph Eden |John Schaffer |Chris Sloley

Private markets asset managers are struggling with more stringent reporting requirements from their investors. According to an MSCI survey, 41% of large general partners (GPs) and 33% of small GPs cited client-specific reporting requirements as a top challenge. Nearly 20% of large GPs viewed reporting as ‘overly complex and time-consuming’. The survey of nearly 100 fund firms defined small firms as those with assets of between $1-5bn, and larger firms with $5bn plus. Already have an account?