Meeting your payment and delivery obligations doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Many agreements, such as prime brokerage, term commitments, derivative agreements and fund administration agreements contain provisions that allow banks and vendors to...

Uncleared Margin Rules (UMR) have been shaking things up in the derivatives world, adding layers of compliance that investment firms can't afford to ignore. Understanding and tackling them head-on can save you from major operational headaches....

Data analytics has transformed investment management, aiding portfolio selection and risk management. Yet, contract negotiations—a crucial aspect of financial operations—are often stuck in the past, relying on precedent and intuition instead of...

Obligation ManagementAsset managers oversee a range of critical agreements with investors, including Limited Partnership Agreements (LPAs) and Side Letters. These agreements outline contractual obligations that must be diligently tracked and fulfilled to maintain...

Task management is a critical yet often underappreciated component of investment management firms’ workflows. From trade and financing agreements to vendor and investor documentation, every document contains key deadlines and deliverable obligations that must be met...

As the new year begins, investment management firms should take an active approach to ensure their operations are streamlined and compliant. Here's a checklist of critical items to review and address:1. Counterparty RelationshipsCounterparty relationships are...

What is AI?Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the use of machines and algorithms to simulate human intelligence. In the financial and legal sectors, AI is revolutionizing the way organizations analyze contracts, manage compliance, and make data-driven decisions....

In today’s fast-paced and highly regulated business environment, adopting a well-defined contract management process has never been more critical. Contracts often contain complex terms, strict deadlines, and critical rights and obligations that, if mismanaged, can...

The operational success of today’s investment management firms is increasingly dependent on the relationships they cultivate with their external service providers. From data providers to outsourced CFOs to administrators to compliance consultants, these and other...

Within the high-stakes environment of investment firms, securing key partnerships and services is crucial to driving success. Yet, many firms mistakenly view the signing of contracts with these key providers as the final step. In reality, contract execution is just...

Today, investment firms are more vulnerable than ever to data breaches, making the protection of client data a top priority. With sensitive financial and personal information at stake, maintaining the security of this data is crucial, particularly in contract...

Why You Need Term CommitmentsThe evolving financial landscape, shaped by new regulations and market events, has pushed institutional investors to demand greater security in the form of committed financing. This pressure has prompted investment managers to secure...

As the private equity landscape continues to evolve, regulatory oversight has become a focal point for firms globally. From financial services to healthcare, industries are experiencing a surge in new regulations designed to protect stakeholders, increase...

The Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) enacted by the European Union will come into force on January 17, 2025, introducing new regulations for covered financial entities within the European Union. This act requires these entities to ensure their contracts with...

Launching an investment management firm is an ambitious endeavor that requires meticulous planning, strategic decision-making, and a deep understanding of the financial industry. Whether you're a seasoned professional branching out or an entrepreneur venturing into...

Credit facilities have many ongoing performance obligations and delivery requirements that the borrower must meet on a timely basis.Managing Credit Facilities Frequent Performance Obligations and Delivery RequirementsThese lending arrangements require the borrower’s...

If you have any outstanding OTC derivative transactions relating to Russian assets or the Russian Ruble (RUB), these trade confirmations may reference a settlement rate that is quoted by the Moscow Exchange, which is commonly abbreviated as MOEX. If so, these...

In the fast-paced world of investment firms, effective contract management is paramount. With numerous vendor contracts ranging from data providers to expert networks, the accumulation of contracts without a structured management system can lead to negative...

What is a Side Letter?In private funds, side letters supplement the limited partnership agreement, which outlines the essential terms and conditions governing the investment vehicle, including the roles and responsibilities of the general partner, who manages the...

An investment firm’s vendor agreements and relationships are a core component of its success. Your vendor services agreements should be monitored for possible upgrades as your firm evolves. Below is a guide to understanding when and why you may be entitled to upgraded...

Overview:We have seen a growing trend among market participants in the repo market, with many opting to integrate the Fixed Income Clearing Corporation (“FICC”)’s Sponsored Service into their existing bilateral repo arrangements. Through this Sponsored Service, FICC...

Contracts such as Prime Brokerage Agreements and ISDAs form the backbone of an investment fund’s trading and financing relationships with banks and dealers. As your firm evolves, various factors can justify a review and potential upgrade of these contract terms....

Onboarding a counterparty can often feel like a slow and cumbersome process.  Understanding why it takes time and knowing how to expedite it can make a significant difference. Let’s delve into the reasons behind the delays and explore some strategies to streamline the...