Fundamental: Contentious Asset Management

• Trade body coalition takes aim at asset managers’ commitment to environmental issues

  Submitted: 04 June 2019

  A recent survey shows that fund managers are becoming more aware of the financial risks associated with investments in oil companies, preferring to adopt informal, ad hoc methods of engagement on environmental issues.

  

• Closet tracking – Norwegian Court of Appeal has its say

  Submitted: 31 May 2019

  This blog post and accompanying article examine the implications of a recent Norwegian Court of Appeal decision in the context of alleged closet tracking by a UCITS fund.

  

• Further update on “closet tracking” – Where is the balance?

  Submitted: 17 May 2019

  In this latest in a series of articles on “closet tracking” we update our closet tracker timeline, comment on new developments and look at the substantial remedial action now being taken by regulators.

  

• FCA anti-money laundering spot checks on hedge funds

  Submitted: 20 March 2019

  It has been reported that the FCA are to conduct anti-money laundering spot checks on certain hedge fund managers in London in late March or early April 2019.

  

• FCA raises concerns about asset managers’ disclosure of costs and charges

  Submitted: 08 March 2019

  The FCA has warned that firms should review their costs and charges disclosures as a matter of priority, and expects to see improvements in the coming weeks and months.

  

• An update on closet tracking

  Submitted: 27 December 2018

  Regulators across Europe continue to take action over closet trackers and scrutiny looks set to intensify in 2019.

  

• Call for Ban on High Charging Funds

  Submitted: 12 July 2018

  Chief Executive of leading think tank calls for increased ESMA intervention.

  

• The significance for asset managers of the Supreme Court’s decision that No Oral Modification clauses are valid and binding

  Submitted: 27 June 2018

  Terms requiring contractual variations to be made in writing will be enforceable between counterparties.

  

• Automated investment services

  Submitted: 23 May 2018

  The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) finds automated investment service providers to be deficient in conducting service disclosures, fee disclosures and suitability assessments in a warning to firms that those engaged in automated investment services must be mindful of the requirements of Conduct of Business Sourcebook (COBS).

  

• Closet trackers - preparatory steps as publicity increases

  Submitted: 16 March 2018

  Closet tracking is generating increasing publicity largely driven by a claims industry looking for opportunities as the PPI revenue stream dwindles.