Manager Insights

By Sarnia Asset Management

7 Deadly Sins of Fund Managers

Investors always need to be on the lookout for any shortcomings in their fund managers that could negatively impact their investment performance.

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By James Faulkner

Seed funders – how to find them, how to do deals with them, and how to utilise them (beyond just getting money from them)

Securing seed funding is sometimes the quickest way of getting your fund out of the starting blocks from day one. However, it comes at a cost and isn’t always the right option. Here’s a look at the factors you need to consider before accepting seed-funding.

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By James Faulkner

What functions can you outsource as a fund manager?

As an emerging manager, there are only two things you can’t outsource: your investment strategy and investment selection process, and your fiduciary responsibility. Just be careful who you hand these responsibilities over to – otherwise you may come to regret it further down the line.

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By James Faulkner

Third-party marketers and placement agents: should you hire them as a boutique fund manager?

As an emerging manager, should you be using a placement agent to help market your fund? The answer will depend on your own individual circumstances and business model, but here’s a look at fund placement agents and what they’re all about.

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By Swen Lorenz

Why family offices like emerging managers – and how to win them over

Being validated by one family office can be the springboard from which you then succeed in building an entire investment firm. But what's the best way to get in front of them and convince them of your new firm?

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By James Faulkner

Operational Due Diligence (ODD) – what is it and how will you get through it?

Those managers that take Operational Due Diligence seriously set themselves in good stead to win the trust of capital allocators and grow their business; those who don’t are in for a tough ride.

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By Swen Lorenz

8 tips on fundraising post launch

Raising money for a fund post launch isn't rocket science – it’s just another process you need to go through with a methodological approach. Being successful requires know-how, resources, and deep dedication.

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By Swen Lorenz

Positioning and marketing your fund – a primer

Show the world that you are running not just a stock portfolio, but a fund management business. If you do that, clients will come to you – rather than you having to chase them!

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By James Faulkner

Why size really does matter in fund management

Some funds can maintain their performance as they get bigger while others can’t. We reveal our tips for finding funds that are the right size for their respective mandate and how to spot a fund that could be getting too big for its boots.

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By James Faulkner

The importance of a performance track record – and how to create one for yourself!

If you are not a fund manager yet but you would like to become one, how can you work strategically to build a track record?

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By James Faulkner

Unconstrained investing: the right choice for active managers

History shows that it pays for a skilful fund manager to operate under an unconstrained mandate.

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By James Faulkner

Boutique asset managers and family offices – a match made in Heaven?

Boutique asset managers might be at a disadvantage in terms of fundraising prospects vis-à-vis the big boys, but family offices know that what they lack in size they make up for in performance!

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By James Faulkner

Can I start a crypto fund in Guernsey?

Crypto is here to stay as a financial asset class in spite of the current shakeout. But anyone looking to start a crypto fund should think very carefully about where they do it. We provide answers to some of the most common questions.

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By James Faulkner

How to build a fund manager: an interview with Swen Lorenz

It is more difficult than ever to set up a new fund management company, but Swen Lorenz is an entrepreneur with an eye for an opportunity. In this interview he explains why the market is wide open for a nimble emerging fund manager like Sarnia Asset Management.

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By James Faulkner

British Switzerland by the sea: why Guernsey’s future is brighter than ever

Guernsey has carved out its own unique niche based on stability, professionalism, and financial prudence. It’s a winning formula that is becoming increasingly hard to ignore. Read on to learn more about this dynamic island.

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