IOSCO Hedge Fund Standards Report

IOSCO Hedge Fund Standards


The International Organization of Securities Commissions just released a new report providing additional hedge fund standards related to both liquidity risk and due diligence processes.  Here is a quote which FinAlternatives took out of the report this morning:

Liquidity Risk

In dealing with liquidity risk the fund of hedge funds’ manager should:
  1. make reasonable enquiries in order to be in a position to consider if the fund of hedge funds’ liquidity is consistent with that of the underlying hedge funds, particularly in order to meet redemptions;
  2. prior to investing, and during the investments’ lifetime, consider the liquidity of the types of the financial instruments held by the underlying hedge funds;
  3. if introducing limited redemption arrangements, consider whether these are consistent with the fund of hedge funds’ aims and objectives. Moreover, their operation should comply with the conditions defined in the proposals; and
  4. before and during any investment, consider whether conflicts of interest may arise between any underlying hedge fund and any other relevant parties.

Due Diligence Processes

These should be carried out prior to any investment being entered into and on a continuous basis following the commitment. They can be divided up into the following areas:
  1. Elements requiring constant monitoring and analysis by the funds of hedge funds’ managers:
  2. establishing and implementing appropriate due diligence procedures for the purpose of investment into hedge funds, which are reviewed regularly;
  3. assessing the specific legal and regulatory requirements applicable in the hedge fund’s jurisdiction; and
  4. carrying out appropriate due diligence on the underlying hedge fund whenever it is considered necessary.
  5. Adequate resources, procedures and organizational structures necessary for the purpose of carrying out a proper and robust due diligence:
  6. documented and traceable procedure for selecting hedge funds;
  7. appropriately skilled staff and adequate technical resources to implement the due diligence procedures;
  8. the resources, procedures and organizational structure to deal with any anomalies identified by due diligence system, to take the necessary corrective action and confirm that all procedures are traceable and have been catalogued;
  9. Regularly assess if selection procedures for eligible underlying hedge funds have been properly met, or not met, and to explain any deviations; and
  10. Outsourcing Due Diligence  If a fund of hedge funds’ manager wishes to authorize the outsourcing of any aspect of its due diligence it should: determine that any conflicts of interest are adequately addressed; and consider the extent that outsourcing of due diligence is consistent with the IOSCO Principles on Outsourcing of Financial Services for Market Intermediaries.

Here is a link to the full report.

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