Registration of Private Fund Managers – What to Expect and ...€¦ · • Trading Practices...

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R it ti f P i t F d Registration of Private Fund Managers – What to Expect and How t P to Prepare Michael R. Butowsky Michele L. Gibbons Olga A. Loy November 5, 2009 Mayer Brown is a global legal services organization comprising legal practices that are separate entities ("Mayer Brown Practices"). The Mayer Brown Practices are: Mayer Brown LLP, a limited liability partnership established in the United States; Mayer Brown International LLP, a limited liability partnership incorporated in England and Wales; and JSM, a Hong Kong partnership, and its associated entities in Asia. The Mayer Brown Practices are known as Mayer Brown JSM in Asia. Olga A. Loy

Transcript of Registration of Private Fund Managers – What to Expect and ...€¦ · • Trading Practices...

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R i t ti f P i t F d Registration of Private Fund Managers – What to Expect and How t Pto Prepare

Michael  R. ButowskyMichele  L. Gibbons Olga A. Loy

November 5, 2009

Mayer Brown is a global legal services organization comprising legal practices that are separate entities ("Mayer Brown Practices"). The Mayer Brown Practices are: Mayer Brown LLP, a limited liability partnership established in the United States;  Mayer Brown International LLP, a limited liability partnership incorporated in England and Wales; and JSM, a Hong Kong partnership, and its associated entities in Asia. The Mayer Brown Practices are known as Mayer Brown JSM in Asia.

Olga A. Loy

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Proposed Legislation: Private Fund Investment Advisers Registration Act of 2009 (the “2009 Registration Act”)g 9 ( 9 g )

• Released by the Treasury Department on July 15, 2009

• The 2009 Registration Act eliminates the private adviser exemption

• All advisers to “private funds” with assets > $30m must register

• “private fund”‐‐any investment fund that would be an “investment company” as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940 but for the exemptions under Sections 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7)

• Exempts small advisers (<$150m of assets under management in the US) from registering and reporting requirements (but must preserve records and make them available to the SEC on request)

• Exempts from registration managers of private funds that “solely advise Small Business Investment Companies” and certain other SBIC fund managersp g

• Includes option of registering before the effective date

• No distinction between types of funds (e.g., PE, hedge, VC)

• October 1 2009 House bill allows the SEC to exempt “venture capital funds” from the 2009• October 1, 2009 House bill allows the SEC to exempt  venture capital funds  from the 2009 Registration Act requirements. Although Capital Markets Subcommittee Chairman Paul Kanjorski (D‐PA) carved out venture capital funds, those firms would be required to provide similar information via other means

• Allows for a 1 year transition period to allow time for registrations• Allows for a 1‐year transition period to allow time for registrations

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Proposed Legislation: The 2009 Registration Act (contd.)( )

• “foreign private advisers” are exempt if:

• no place of business in the United States, 

• during the preceding 12  months <15 clients in the US and assets under management attributable to clients in US <$25assets under management attributable to clients in US <$25 million and

• neither holds itself out generally to the public as an investment g y padviser nor acts as an investment adviser to any registered investment company or BDC

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Proposed Legislation: The 2009 Registration Act (contd.)( )

• Registration:  If private fund advisers are subject to registration under the 2009 Registration Act, all provisions of the IAA apply (requirement to implement a compliance program, adopt an insider trading policy, disclose information on Form ADV, be subject to the SEC exams, etc.)

• Disclosure: The 2009 Registration Act authorizes the SEC to promulgateDisclosure: The 2009 Registration Act authorizes the SEC to promulgate rules requiring disclosures by registered investment advisers to investors, prospective investors, counterparties and creditors of any private fund advised by a registered investment adviser. 

• SEC Rulemaking authority: enhanced rulemaking authority to define terms used in the IAA, including to classify persons or matters and prescribe different requirements for different classes as well as to “ascribe differentdifferent requirements for different classes, as well as to  ascribe different meanings to terms (including the term “client”).”

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Proposed Legislation: Current Status

• Oct. 27, 2009: House Financial Services Committee passed the 2009Oct. 27, 2009: House Financial Services Committee passed the 2009 Registration Act by 67‐1 vote 

• November 3, 2009: Bill not expected to be presented to the House floor until December 2009until December 2009

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Topics to be Covered

• Proposed Legislation

• What is an Investment Adviser?

• Code of Ethics

• Custody

• Fiduciary Duty

• Investment Advisers Act

• Proxy Voting

• Privacy

• Compliance Rules

• Registration Process

Di l

• Advertising and Marketing

• Business Continuity

B k d R d• Disclosure

• Advisory Agreements

• Allocation and Trading

• Books and Records

• Solicitation

• Anti Money Laundering• Allocation and Trading

• Best Execution and Soft Dollars

• Anti‐Money Laundering

• SEC Examinations

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Fiduciary DutyFiduciary Duty

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Fiduciary Duty to Clients

• As a fiduciary, an adviser has an affirmative duty of utmost good faith to act in the best interest of the client and to make full and fair di l f ll i l f i l l h h d i ’disclosure of all material facts, particularly where the adviser’s interests may conflict with the client’s.

• It is unlawful for an adviser to employ any device, scheme or artificeIt is unlawful for an adviser to employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud any client or prospective client or to engage in any transaction practice or course of business which operates as a fraud or deceit upon any client or prospective client The Advisers Actor deceit upon any client or prospective client.  The Advisers Act does not require a transaction to have occurred for actionable fraud to have been committed.

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Duties as a Fiduciary and Antifraud Provisions of the Advisers Act (Section 206)( )

• General duty to place the interests of clients first

M t t d th b i f i id i f ti• May not trade on the basis of inside information

• Have a reasonable basis for investment advice

• Allocate in estment opport nities fairl• Allocate investment opportunities fairly

• Use soft dollars only for the benefit of clients and disclose properly

• Seek best execution• Seek best execution 

• Resolve trade errors in the client’s favor

• Operate under an ordinary negligence standard• Operate under an ordinary negligence standard

• Recommend only suitable securities

• Follow terms of advisory contracts• Follow terms of advisory contracts 

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U.S. Investment Advisers ActU.S. Investment Advisers Act

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Differences in Regulation

Advisers Act Provision Topic Unregistered

Advisers?

Rule 204-2 Books and Records NoRule 204 2 Books and Records No

Rule 204-3 Brochure Delivery No (but 206)

Section 204A Insider Trading Procedures Yes (not state)

Section 205 Contracts No (but 206)

Rule 205-3 Performance Fees No (but 206)

Section 206(1) Fraud Yes

Section 206(2) Fraud Yes

Section 206(3) Principal/Agency Transactions Yes

Rule 206(4)-2 Custody No

Rule 206(4)-3 Solicitor Rule No (but 206)

R l 206(4) 4 Di l f Ad i Fi i l d Di i li M tt N (b t 206)Rule 206(4)-4 Disclosure of Adviser Financial and Disciplinary Matters No (but 206)

Rule 206(4)-6 Proxy Voting No (but 206)

Rule 206(4)-7 Compliance Officer and written Compliance Procedures No

Rule 206(4) 8 Anti Fraud (applicable to investors in the fund) YesRule 206(4)-8 Anti-Fraud (applicable to investors in the fund) Yes

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C li P d dC li P d dCompliance Procedures andChief Compliance Officer RuleCompliance Procedures andChief Compliance Officer RuleChief Compliance Officer RuleChief Compliance Officer Rule

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Investment Advisers Act Rule 206(4)-7

•Adopt and Implement Policies and Procedures

D i Chi f C li Offi•Designate a Chief Compliance Officer

• Recordkeeping

•Annual Review

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Compliance ManualsCompliance Manuals

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SEC Suggested Policies and Procedures

• Portfolio Management Process (including allocation of investment opportunities among clients and consistency of portfolios with clients’ investment objectives,

• Safeguarding of Client Assets from conversion or inappropriate use by advisory personnel;

with clients  investment objectives, disclosures by the Adviser and applicable regulatory restrictions);

• Trading Practices (including procedures by 

• Books and Records (The accurate creation of required records and their maintenance in a manner that secures them from unauthorized alteration or use and protects 

which the Adviser satisfies its best execution obligation, uses client brokerage to obtain research and other services (“soft dollar arrangements”) and allocates aggregated 

them from untimely destruction); 

• Marketing advisory services, including the use of solicitors; 

trades among clients);

• Proprietary Trading of the Adviser and Personal Trading Activities of Supervised Persons;

• Valuation (Processes to value client holdings and assess fees based on those valuations); 

• Safeguards for Privacy Protection of client d d i f i dPersons; 

• Accuracy of Disclosures made to investors, clients and regulators, including account statements and advertisements;

records and information; and

• Business Continuity Plans.

;

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Additional Policies that may Apply

• Anti‐Money Laundering

• Private Placement

• Supervision of Service Providers (administrators, accountants, etc.)

• Anti‐bribery and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act• Regulatory Filings (including 13d, 13g and 13f)

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Compliance Manuals

Each policy in the compliance manuals should address the following:

• Identify risks policy addresses.

• Detect, address and prevent violations.

• Designate who will implement the policies.

• Designate who will supervise the policies.

• Designate who will monitor the policies• Designate who will monitor the policies.

• How will the policies be tested? 

• How often will the policies be tested? 

• Who will test the policies? 

• How will the policies be documented? 

• Who will be responsible for amending the policies?p g p

• How will policy compliance be documented? 

• What other policies does this policy affect this policy? 

Wh t di l h ld b li d ith thi li ?• What disclosures should be aligned with this policy? 

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“Culture of Compliance”“Culture of Compliance”

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Building a Culture of Compliance

• “Tone at the Top” – Senior management must play an active leadership role in compliance

• Participation and consistency at every level of management p y y g

• Communication to and from employees – compliance is everyone’s responsibility

• Everyone must be knowledgeable about the compliance program includingEveryone must be knowledgeable about the compliance program including why the policies are in place and what risks they are meant to address

• Empower the Chief Compliance Officer

• Implementation and training• Implementation and training

• Documentation and transparency – “If it isn’t written down, it didn’t happen”

R i d di• Reviews and audits

• Consistent sanctions and rewards

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Th R l f hTh R l f hThe Role of the Chief Compliance Officer

The Role of the Chief Compliance OfficerChief Compliance OfficerChief Compliance Officer

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The Chief Compliance Officer

• Sufficient knowledge about the company and the Investment Advisers Act

S i it d th it t i l t th d• Seniority and authorityto implement the procedures

• Sufficient resources to effectively implement and enforce the policies

• Sufficiently independent:• Who does the CCO report to?

• Does the CCO have a financial interest in the company?

• How is the CCO’s salary determined?

D h CCO h h l i h ?• Does the CCO have other roles in the company?

• Does the CCO have other conflicts of interest?

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Implementation and TestingImplementation and Testing

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Implementation and Testing

• Monitoring and reporting including means testing

• Analysis of information collected which may include analysisAnalysis of information collected, which may include analysis by outside sources. Information should be analyzed over time to identify unusual patterns that may point to compliance 

bl d fi i iproblems or deficiencies;

• Prompt investigation and documentation of any patterns of compliance exceptions customer complaints or othercompliance exceptions, customer complaints or other suspicious activities; and

• Reporting up the chain as required by the compliance program p g p q y p p gor as otherwise appropriate. 

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The Annual ReviewThe Annual Review

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The Annual Review

The Adopting Release states that the annual review shouldinclude an evaluation of (1) the effectiveness of theimplementation of the compliance program; and (2) the needto revise the compliance program as a result of any compliancematters that arose during the previous year, any changes in theg p y , y gbusiness activities of the adviser or its affiliates, and/or anyrelevant regulatory developments.

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Compliance Profile

Business Matters

• Has the adviserentered new lines of business, developed significant new customers or modified its investment practices or strategies?

• Has the adviser hired any new professionals whose activities should be covered by the compliance program?

• Has the adviser implemented new software or automation initiatives?p

• Has the adviser’s ownership changed (as a result of a sale of the business or merger)? Has the adviser acquired any new subsidiaries?

• Have there been any other business or organizational changes?• Have there been any other business or organizational changes?

Industry Developments

• Have there been any changes in industry “best practices” or other standards? Has• Have there been any changes in industry  best practices  or other standards? Has the SEC, FINRA or another relevant regulator proposed or adopted any rules relating to the adviser’s business?

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Compliance Profile (Cont.)

Complaints and Compliance Exceptions

• Is there a pattern of client complaints or compliance exceptions?

W di l i k l ? I h i h di l i• Were remedial actions taken promptly? Is there a pattern in the remedial actions taken?

• Were complaints or exceptions escalated properly? 

Problems with the Compliance Program

• Have there been any issues with interpretation or confusion about the application of specific policies and procedures?

• Have there been any compliance concerns not anticipated by the compliance program or violations of specific policies and procedures for which a remedial 

fprocess was not identified?

• Have there been any problems in enforcing the compliance program (e.g., difficulties with respect to specific individuals or matters)?

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Documenting the Annual Review

The compliance rules require an adviser and fund to maintain any records documenting their compliance program annual review. Relevant documentation may include: 

• An inventory of policies/procedures reviewed;An inventory of policies/procedures reviewed;

• An inventory of files and other records reviewed;

• Employee, service provider or other certifications, acknowledgments or representations reviewed;representations reviewed; 

• Checklists, reconciliation workbooks, exception records and similar material reviewed;

• Records of approvals of variations from established policies/procedures;Records of approvals of variations from established policies/procedures;

• Records of interviews (identifying persons involved and topics covered);

• A list of remedial actions reviewed; and

h d f l / d d h• Changes made to specific policies/procedures during the previous year.

• There are no requirements in Rule 206(4)‐7 as to either the necessity of a  written report as part of the annual review of an adviser’s compliance program or the content of such a report. p

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Investment Adviser RegistrationInvestment Adviser Registration

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How to Register

• Fill out Form ADV

• File Part 1

• IARD online registration• Register with the IARD

• Hold Part II• Wait for SEC order

• Fund account (SEC fees waived; state fees)

L t l t d• Wait for SEC order • Log on to complete and submit all filings

• SEC approval will be grantedSEC approval will be granted or denied within 45 days

• Adviser must be fully f ycompliant upon the date of registration

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Form ADV – Part I

• Basic identifying information

• Basis for registration• Financial industry affiliations

• Conflicts of interest• Number of employees

• Number of clients• Soft dollars

• Custody• Types of clients (e.g., individuals, funds, charities)

• Compensation arrangements

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• Identification of control persons

• Compensation arrangements

• Assets under management

• Types of advisory activities

• Prior bad acts

• Private fundsTypes of advisory activities

• Types of non‐advisory activities (e.g., broker)

• Affiliated advisers

• Websites (if any)

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Form ADV – Part II

• Description of Advisory Services

• Types of Clients

f d d• Types of Investments and Products

• Fees 

• Methods of Analysis

• Biographies 

• Conflicts of Interests

• Code of Ethics• Code of Ethics

• Proxy Voting

• Allocation and Trading Disclosure

• Best Execution and Soft Dollar Disclosure

• Privacy Policy

• Proposed legislation suggests that additional disclosures regarding funds• Proposed legislation suggests that additional disclosures regarding funds and fund advisers may be required

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State Registration

• State registration requirements for SEC registered investment advisers (requirements differ from state to state):

• Notice Filing ‐ in each state where the adviser has an office and a certain number of clients (numbers vary – but must be at least 6) who are residents of the state.

• Register “investment adviser representatives" ‐ for any representatives of the adviser who annually meet or communicate with more than 10 clients (who fall below certain financial standards) in their offices in such states. ( )Exams may be required.

• Register “investment adviser representatives" ‐ in a state where third party solicitors who have an office in the state and solicit state residentssolicitors who have an office in the state and solicit state residents (numbers vary) for the adviser.  Exams may be required.

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Investment Advisory AgreementsInvestment Advisory Agreements

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Advisory Agreements

• No Assignment without Client Consent

• Fee Disclosure• Fee Disclosure• No Hedge Clauses – no waiver of rights against the adviser

• Termination 

• ADV Delivery (48 hrs. prior or termination right within 5 business days)

• Investment Guidelines

• Disclosures: Privacy, Proxy Guidelines, Code of Ethics and Conflicts of Interest(§ 205 and Rule 205‐3)

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All i d P f li MAll i d P f li MAllocation and Portfolio ManagementAllocation and Portfolio Management

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Allocation of Trades

• Deviations from formula for:

• De minimus reallocations.

• Formula Required ‐ Fair and Equitable.

• No specified methodology (SEC f bj i h i l • Priority to clients of the portfolio 

manager who located opportunity.

• Client/investment objective differences.

favors objective, mechanical criteria over subjective methodologies).

• Pro rata – based on account 

• Self‐Dealing

• Offer to client first.

size.

• Rotational – clients are provided fair access to opportunities over a

• Disclosure.

• Disinterested consent.

• Favoring Certain Clients

opportunities over a reasonable period.

• Percentage Allocation – based on a stated percentage interest client is to receive in issuer Favoring Certain Clients

• Several SEC proceedings.

• Disclosure.

client is to receive in issuer (based on market value of client’s account).

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Allocation of Trades

•Bunching of Client Orders:

• Not required.

• Disclosure.

• Aggregation (Bunching) and Affiliates.

•Benefiting one client at the expense of another:

• Contra tradesContra trades.

• Different timing (selling or buying ahead).

• Short sales.

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Portfolio Management

• Principal and Agency Cross Transactions• Process for Identifying and Approving Transactions• Trade Error Procedures • Investment Guidelines and Restrictions

• Portfolio Pumping and Window DressingPortfolio Pumping and Window Dressing

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Best Execution andSoft Dollars

Best Execution andSoft DollarsSoft DollarsSoft Dollars

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Best Execution Defined

• An adviser’s obligation to obtain best execution has been defined by the SEC as “to execute securities transactions for clients in such a manner that the clients’ total costs or proceeds in each transaction is the most favorable under the circumstances ”the circumstances.

• Advisers, as fiduciaries, have an obligation to seek best ti f li t ’ t tiexecution of clients’ transactions.

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Product or Service Valuation/Transparency

• Advisers Act – Best Execution Determination (Release 23170)

• Best execution definition: “The money manager must: execute securities transactions• Best execution definition:  The money manager must: execute securities transactions for clients in such a manner that the client’s total cost or proceeds in each transaction is the most favorable under the circumstances.”

• What gets taken into account:  “A money manager should consider the full range and g y g gquality of a broker’s services in placing brokerage including, among other things the value of research provided as well as execution capability, commission rate, financial responsibility, and responsiveness to the money manager.”

• Best execution is relevant to private equity funds as well as to hedge funds

• Soft dollaring is present in situations where the adviser benefits from the portfolio transactions of the client (e.g., obtaining proprietary or third party products and services) in exchange for the direction of client transactions.

• Conceptual basis for the permissibility of soft dollaring is disclosure and knowing consent

• Section 28(e) vs Non Section 28(e)

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Evaluating Best Execution – Factors

i i h ld i di ll d i ll i b i• Best execution committee should periodically and systematically review best execution determinations and approve brokers and other service providers.

• Best execution can be based upon a variety of factors, including among others: 

• The value of the research provided (soft dollar arrangements)The value of the research provided (soft  dollar arrangements)

• Execution capability

• Commission rates

• Financial responsibility

• Responsiveness

• Reputation and Integrity

• Facilities

• Financial Services Offered• Financial Services Offered

• Willingness and ability to commit capital

• Access to underwriting offerings and secondary markets

• Reliability in executing trades and keeping records

• Fairness in resolving disputes The timing and size of particular orders

• Available liquidity

• Current market conditions

• Trading Experience

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Code of EthicsCode of EthicsCode of Ethics and 

d d

Code of Ethics and 

d dInsider TradingInsider Trading

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Code of Ethics

• Rule 204A‐1 (Compliance Date February 1, 2005)

• Standards of Conduct• Require advisory personnel to comply with applicable U.S. Securities Laws

• Provisions designed to prevent the disclosure of inside• Provisions designed to prevent the disclosure of inside information (recommendations, holdings, transactions)

• “Access Persons” must report personal securities holdings

• Pre‐clearance of IPOs and private placements

• Require Advisory personnel to report violations of the Code• Signed Acknowledgements

• Provide Code of Ethics to clients upon request

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CustodyCustody

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The Custody Rule

• Client assets over which an investment adviser has custody must be held by a “qualified custodian” (e.g., a registered broker‐dealer).

• Clients need to be given certain information about the di (i dd d h i hi hcustodian (i.e., name, address and the manner in which 

the assets are held).

Cli t t i t t t t ith f th• Clients must receive account statements either from the custodian or from the adviser.  If sent by the adviser, there must also be a surprise audit by an independent p y paccountant.

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Custody and Private Investment Funds

• General partner, managing members and others who have access to the assets of the private investment funds they operate are deemed to have custody and thus must complyoperate are deemed to have custody, and thus must comply with the revised Custody Rule.

• If a private investment fund’s assets are maintained with a qualified custodian and the fund is audited at least annually and audited financial statements are provided to investors within 120 days of the end of the fund’s fiscal year, (180 days for fund of funds) there is no need for the custodian or adviser to provide periodic account statements to the investors.

• Proposed amendments to the Custody Rule would requireProposed amendments to the Custody Rule would require surprise audits if adviser fees are withdrawn from the investor’s account.

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Proxy VotingProxy Voting

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Proxy Voting – Rule 206(4)-6

• Fiduciary Duty to vote proxies in the best interests of clients

• Adopt and implement written policies and procedures for voting proxies (Identify and resolve conflicts of interest)

• Describe proxy voting policies and procedures to clients and provide a copy to clients upon request

• Disclose to clients how they may obtain information about howDisclose to clients how they may obtain information about how the adviser voted

• Exceptions (foreign securities)p ( g )

• ERISA

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PrivacyPrivacy

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Privacy Rules and Regulations for Investment Advisers

• Under the Gramm‐Leach‐Bliley Act, the SEC adopted regulations which require:which require:

• Establish a Privacy Policy ‐ All regulated institutions must clearly, conspicuously, and annually disclose their policies for collecting and sharing customers’ nonpublic personal information Such policiessharing customers  nonpublic, personal information. Such policies should describe:

• information that is collected;

• information that is disclosed to affiliates and non‐affiliated third parties; and,

• persons within the financial institution who receive such information;

• how the information of former customers is shared;

• procedures to protect the security and confidentiality of information; and,

• disclosures required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

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Privacy Rules and Regulations for Investment Advisers

• Delivery of Privacy Policy ‐ This notification—written or electronic—must be provided to:

• “Consumers” (those who do not have an ongoing relationship with the firm, as customers do), with certain exceptions, before this information is shared with non‐affiliated third parties; and

• “Customers” when they establish a relationship with a financial institution and annually thereafter.

• Provide an Opportunity to “opt out” ‐ Both consumers and t t b i ti f d d blcustomers must be given notice of procedures and a reasonable 

means to prevent their financial institutions from transferring their nonpublic, personal information to a nonaffiliated third party.

• Establish prohibitions on account information disclosures All• Establish prohibitions on account information disclosures ‐ All financial institutions may not disclose account numbers for credit card, deposit, or transaction accounts to any non‐affiliated third parties for use in phone, mail, and email marketing.

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The Safeguard Rule

• The SEC’s Standard for Safeguarding Privacy• Registered investment advisers must adopt policies and 

d h dd d i i i h i l dprocedures that address administrative, technical and physical safeguards for the protection of customer records and information. These policies and procedures must be reasonably designed to:

• Ensure the security and confidentiality of customer records and information;information;

• Protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of customer records and information; and

• Protect against unauthorized access to or use of customer records or information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to any customer.  

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Advertising and MarketingAdvertising and Marketing

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Definition of an “Advertisement”

•An “Advertisement” includes 

• any written communication addressed to more than one yperson;

• any notice or announcement in any publication, or by radio or television which offers any analysis, report, or publication regarding securities; or

h h t f l th d i f ki• any graph, chart, formula or other device for making securities decisions, or any other investment advisory services regarding securities.

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Advertising Rules

• Testimonials

• Past Specific Recommendations

• Graphs, Charts, Formulas, and other Devices

• Presentation of Performance Information*

• Actual and Model Results

• Calculating Composites

• Manner of Selection of Accounts 

• No Untrue Statements of Material Facts or Statements that are otherwise False or Misleadingotherwise False or Misleading

• Disclosure of all Material Information

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Books and RecordsBooks and Records

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Books and Records – Rule 204-2

• In general, under the Advisers Act all required books and records must be maintained and preserved in the padviser’s office for two years after the last entry date and three additional years in an easily accessible place 

• Records for performance must include background and calculations and must be retained for 5 years after the d t f l t ( df th i f i t t ?)date of last use (grandfathering for new registrants?)

• The fund’s records are considered to be part of the adviser’s recordsadviser s records

• No specific format required, but electronic records must be preserved to prevent alteration or destructionsbe preserved to prevent alteration or destructions

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Books and Records

• Business Accounting Records• Journals and ledgers.

• Adviser Related Records• Communications to and from 

li t• Order and trade tickets.

• Bank statements and checks.

• Bills and statements

clients.

• Advisory agreements (and all other advisory‐related agreements)• Bills and statements.

• Balance sheets and financial statements.

C t di l d if

agreements).

• Adviser’s publications and recommendations.

• Adviser advertisements (with• Custodial records, if applicable.

• Adviser advertisements (with basis for advertising performance).

• Personal and proprietary p p ysecurity transaction records

• Retain records.

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Third Party SolicitorsThird Party Solicitors

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Solicitors Rule – Advisers Act Rule 206(4)-3

• Cash solicitations may not be made to a disqualified person (found to have violated U.S. securities laws within the last 10 years).

• Agreement must be in writing.

• Unaffiliated solicitors must obtain client acknowledgement:• Describe the nature of the relationship with adviser;

• Disclose that the solicitor will be paid by the adviser

• Describe payment terms;• Describe payment terms; 

• Describe additional fees, if any, client will pay as a result of the solicitation and

D li F ADV P t II• Deliver Form ADV Part II

• Non‐cash disclosures.• Does it apply to solicitations for hedge funds?Does it apply to solicitations for hedge funds?

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Anti‐Money LaunderingAnti‐Money Laundering

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Anti-Money Laundering – Legal Provisions Applicable to Investment Advisers

• Statutes

• International Money Laundering

• Financial Crimes Enforcement Network; Special Information Sharing Procedures • International Money Laundering 

Abatement and Anti‐terrorist Financing Act of 2001 (Title III of U.S.A. Patriot Act, Public Law 107‐56).

To Deter Money Laundering and Terrorist Activity, 31 CFR Part 103 (Final Rule).

• Bank Secrecy Act (31 U.S.C. §5311‐5355 (Chapter 53)) (as amended by Title III of USA Patriot Act).

• Federal Criminal Money Laundering 

• OFAC Regulations (31 C.F.R. 500‐598).

• Principal Regulators

• SECede a a o ey au de gStatutes (18 U.S.C. 1956‐1957).

• Regulations:

• USA Patriot Act Regulations Final

SEC

• Treasury

• FinCEN• USA Patriot Act Regulations ‐ Final, 

Interim and Proposed:

• Financial Crimes Enforcement Network; Anti‐Money Laundering Programs for Unregistered Investment Companies 31

• IRS

• OCC

• SROs:  FINRA, CFTCUnregistered Investment Companies,  31 CFR Part 103 (Proposed Rule).

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Proposed Rule for Registered Advisers and Private Investment Funds

• On September 18, 2002, the U.S. Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) released a set of proposed rules under the USA PATRIOT Act which would expand the application of the USA PATRIOT Act to registered investment advisers and a wide range of unregistered investment companies.  FINAL RULES HAVE NOT YET BEEN ADOPTED.

• The rules will require each adviser and fund which is subject to the Act to:Act to:

• Develop internal policies, procedures and controls; 

• Designate an Anti‐Money Laundering Compliance Officer;Designate an Anti Money Laundering Compliance Officer; 

• Provide for independent and periodic testing of the anti‐money laundering program; and

• Establish an ongoing training program.

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Why Adopt Procedures Before the Rule is Adopted?p

• Final Rule is imminent

C bli i d h B k S A• Current obligations under the Bank Secrecy Act• Representations to Banks and Brokers• Representations to Third Parties (SEC No‐Action Letter)• Fund of Funds• Offshore Funds• Protect Investor IdentitiesProtect Investor Identities

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Business ContinuityBusiness Continuity

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Business Continuity Plans

• No specific requirement under the Advisers Act (yet)

• Fiduciary duty requires that client assets and   y y qtransactions are reasonably safeguarded from foreseeable delay or harm

• Disclosure (not insurance)• Key man and successor provisions

• Essential for compliance with other fiduciary duties: privacy, custody, insider trading, code of ethics and books and records

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SEC ExaminationsSEC Examinations

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SEC Inspections

• First inspection is typically within the first year of registration (every 1 to 4 years thereafter, depending on risk ratings)

• The purpose of the inspection is to determine whether an d i i d i i i iadviser is conducting activities:

• In accordance with the Advisers Act

• Consistent with disclosures made to clients

• With adequate systems and compliance policies and procedures 

• Deficiency or No Finding Letter or referral to the SEC Division of Enforcement

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Please join us for the continuation of this series

• Thursday, November 12 – Advisers Act Compliance 

• Thursday, November 19 – Advertisement Rules and Private Placement Compliance

• Thursday, December 4 – SEC Examinations

• Please register and submit questions

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Thank youThank you

IRS CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE. Any advice expressed within as to tax matters was neither written nor intended by the sender or Mayer Brown LLP to be used and cannot be used by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed under US tax law. If any person uses or refers to any such tax advice in promoting, marketing or recommending a partnership or other entity, investment plan or arrangement to any taxpayer, then (i) the advice was written to support the promotion or marketing (by a person other than Mayer Brown LLP) of that transaction or matter, and (ii) such taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayer’s particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.

72

Disclaimer: This Mayer Brown LLP presentation provides comments and information on legal issues and developments of interest to our clients and friends. The foregoing is not a comprehensive treatment of the subject matter covered and is not intended to provide legal advice. Participants should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to the matters discussed herein.

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Michael R B to sk Partner Mitch L Gibbons PartnerMichael  R. Butowsky, PartnerNew York+1‐212‐506‐[email protected]

Mitch L. Gibbons, PartnerHouston, New York+1‐713‐238‐2623+1‐212‐506‐2180y@ y

Olga A. Loy, PartnerChicago+1‐312‐701‐8093

[email protected]

Mayer Brown is a global legal services organization comprising legal practices that are separate entities ("Mayer Brown Practices"). The Mayer Brown Practices are: Mayer Brown LLP, a limited liability partnership established in the United States;  Mayer Brown International LLP, a limited liability partnership incorporated in England and Wales; and JSM, a Hong Kong partnership, and its associated entities in Asia. The Mayer Brown Practices are known as Mayer Brown JSM in Asia.

1 312 701 [email protected]