New Filing Requirement for Investment Advisers and Broker-Dealers
As of the end of October, the NASD will institute a new Form available through WebCRD.
Developments in Federal and State Securities Laws
Companies operating within the financial services industry as registered investment advisers must be cognizant of developments in federal and state securities laws.
Investment Adviser Registration Renewals
This is a client alert for Stark & Stark Investment Adviser clients. In the coming weeks, all investment advisers must begin the process of renewing notice filings. Generally, the renewal process involves electronic renewal filings, but there are some states which require hard copy submission.
Warning Signs of Possible Hedge Fund Fraud
Hedge funds are by-and-large fairly private and secretive, but as a prospective investor the investor can demand that they be permitted to conduct the due diligence required to be comfortable in making (and maintaining) an investment. Such due diligence should include looking for warning signs and making inquires about the prospective hedge fund and its manager, including the following.
Preparing For a SEC Examination
The August edition of Investment Advisor magazine has published an article by Thomas Giachetti, Chair of the Firm’s Securities Compliance & Arbitration group. Come Right In discusses issues pertaining to an advisor’s compliance-readiness as well as some of the more substantive issues that are currently the focus of SEC examiners.
SEC Rule 206(4)-7
With the advent of SEC rule 206(4)-7 requiring SEC registered investment advisors to implement and maintain policies and procedures appropriate for their investment advisory business, it is critical for all RIAs to recognize that compliance is an ongoing process that requires the review, updating, and amendment of regulatory filings, disclosures, and procedures.
Investment Adviser Compliance Update – Summer 2005
Stark & Stark’s Investment Adviser Regulation group is pleased to announce that the latest Investment Adviser Compliance Update has been published and is available for download.
Asset Pricing and Fund Valuation Practices in the Hedge Fund Industry
The Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA) has just issued a white paper on the hedge fund industry. The study, ASSET PRICING AND FUND VALUATION PRACTICES IN THE HEDGE FUND INDUSTRY, is a result of the growing focus from investors on the more complex hedge fund strategies and the manner in which the portfolios of such hedge funds are priced.
Restrictive Covenants and Non-Solicitation Agreements in the Investment Advisory Industry
May 2005 article by Thomas Giachetti which discusses both the need for and necessary components of restrictive covenants and non-solicitation agreements in the investment advisory industry.
Open Season on Hedge Fund Advisers?
Even though it has been several months since the hedge fund registration rule was adopted, the SEC remains under pressure to justify the reasons for its creation.