The results of a Guernsey Finance funds survey, carried out among asset managers and intermediaries at private equity and venture capital event SuperReturn International in Berlin in February, show that more than half of managers would consider splitting global and EU distribution if it led to improved levels of service.
Key initial findings from the survey include the following:
• More than half of firms surveyed are considering reviewing their distribution and structuring of investment funds in the next 12 months; three-quarters had reviewed their distribution arrangements in the previous two years.
• Market access is a key priority – managers are starting to recognise Guernsey’s credentials in global distribution, with routes to market for institutional investors to more than 50 jurisdictions.
• Standards of service are a factor of growing concern – more than half of managers say they consider service levels to be extremely important and may influence a change of jurisdiction.
The survey also showed that more than half of managers would consider splitting global and EU distribution if it led to improved service and reduced costs.
Dr Andy Sloan (pictured), Deputy Chief Executive, Strategy, at Guernsey Finance, commented: “Guernsey can provide asset managers with a single route to investors – our ‘four corners of the globe’ distribution model needs to be more widely recognised.
“Many promoters think they need to have a UCITS or an AIF but, when they actually analyse who their target market is and what they require from their fund, a Guernsey vehicle often turns out to be a better regulatory fit, and offers a cheaper, faster solution.”
• Interim results from the survey will be presented at a Guernsey Finance event in London on Tuesday 26 March. The full survey will be published at the Guernsey Funds Forum on Thursday 16 May.