SEC issues risk alert on alternatives due diligence

The alert acknowledged that advisors are performing due diligence when investing client assets in alternatives. Compared with previous examinations, advisors are more frequently going directly to the managers of alternative investments for information. The alert noted that managers are often reluctant to share too much information about their investments; consequently, successfully getting information from managers was a result of negotiation between advisors and managers.

Another due diligence trend is that advisors are supplementing the data they do receive from managers with third-party research and additional quantitative analysis and risk assessment. The alert said advisors used risk aggregators and service providers like administrators, custodians and auditors to conduct due diligence on alternatives. In some cases where advisors were unfamiliar with a service provider, they would conduct due diligence on it, too.

Some advisors refused to invest with private alternative funds if they didn't have an independent third-party administrator, according to the alert.

"Money continues to flow into alternative investments," said OCIE Director Drew Bowden. "We thought it was important to assess advisors' due diligence processes and to promote compliance with existing legal requirements, including the duty to ensure that such investments or recommendations are consistent with client objectives."

See also:

• Asset managers are staffing up to support alternatives
• Alternatives steadily luring cash from institutions
• Alternatives to hit 14% of mutual fund assets