Money Funds Reallocate Assets in Anticipation of New SEC Regulations (Bloomberg)
The Swensen Effect: A Decade of Change in University Endowments
In the domain of U.S. university endowments, there has been a significant transformation in investment strategies, signifying a notable evolution over the past several decades. Influenced heavily by the late David Swensen of Yale, known for pioneering the "Swensenian" approach, these endowments have increasingly focused on alternative, often illiquid investments such as private equity, venture capital, and hedge funds. This year's 50th edition of the NACUBO study reveals that despite this aggressive shift towards alternatives, the performance of these endowments has been mixed. While some have managed to achieve commendable returns, others have struggled to match the benchmarks, with larger endowments, in particular, facing challenges. The industry's heavy tilt towards non-traditional assets raises questions about liquidity and the sustainability of returns, especially in turbulent market conditions.
"The really great painters are the ones that change how other people paint, like Picasso. David Swensen changed how everyone who is serious about investing thinks about investing. The results were wonderful, but were organised to be no surprise. If you watch a great chef prepare in the kitchen, you know the meal is going to be good."
Charlie Ellis, Former Yale Endowment Chair
Private Funding Pulse Check
Securing $50M in Venture funding, Legion Technologies, a platform leveraging intelligent automation to enable labor efficiency, has received backing from Los Gatos, CA-based Webb Investment Network
The Arkin family office, Arkin Holdings, recently took part in a Series A funding round, investing $103M in Reunion Neuroscience, a biotechnology research company developing therapeutic solutions to mental health conditions through psychedelic compounds
MAI Capital Management, a registered investment adviser, has acquired Harbor Wealth Management, which brings approximately $321M in client assets under management to MAI’s portfolio and extends its presence in Colorado
Harbor Wealth Management, established in 1988 by Elyse Foster, has been renowned for its client-first approach and innovative financial solutions, catering especially to young professionals and women
Elyse Foster, founder of Harbor, will continue her role under MAI as Senior Wealth Advisor, Managing Director, ensuring continuity in personalized client services
Following the acquisition, Harbor will adopt MAI’s brand and benefit from its robust internal infrastructure (BusinessWire)
Navigating the New Financial Landscape: The Rising Importance of Active Management
As the financial landscape evolves from the steady growth of the Great Moderation to a period characterized by heightened macroeconomic uncertainty and increased market volatility post-pandemic, the importance of active management in investment portfolios is becoming increasingly crucial. With the end of Quantitative Easing, the realities of negative or low interest rates, and a landscape disrupted by technological and geopolitical changes, financial markets are experiencing heightened volatility across asset classes. This new regime not only elevates the challenges for investors but also multiplies the opportunities for those able to adeptly navigate these turbulent waters. Active managers now face a crucial test of their ability to discern and exploit market inefficiencies, a skill that, if mastered, promises greater alpha generation. However, the scarcity of alpha and the substantial resources required to consistently identify top-performing managers underscore the complexity and importance of strategic investment in this new, unpredictable environment.
"The decade leading up to the pandemic was a golden era for risk assets, where broad market returns across asset classes marched steadily higher. But the Great Moderation – an even longer stretch of stable growth and performance – is over. Macro uncertainty has surged since the onset of the pandemic, marked by the end of Quantitative Easing, negative or low interest rates, and subdued inflation."
Shams Orr-Hruska, BlackRock
The Expanding Role of Secondary Markets in Private Equity
The secondary market for private equity has witnessed remarkable growth, with transaction volumes exceeding $100B annually for the past three years, a fourfold increase over the last decade. This expansion is driven by robust primary market growth and the increasing sophistication of financial instruments in the secondary space. The market now serves not just as a liquidity channel but as a strategic tool for portfolio management, adapting to regulatory pressures and market uncertainties. With $7.9 trillion in global private equity net asset value, the secondary market is set to maintain high transaction volumes, reflecting the evolving needs and strategies of institutional investors.
"There are several reasons why we [BlackRock] believe the secondary market may continue to deliver attractive returns to investors. First, we expect the opportunity set to grow, and the supply-demand balance to continue to favor the buyer for the reasons mentioned above. In addition, the secondary market remains highly inefficient relative to most other investment strategies; the heterogeneous nature of private market data means the secondary market is still characterized by price and information inefficiencies.
BlackRock
California's Continuing Charm: Why Family Offices Are Choosing the Golden State
The ongoing competition among global jurisdictions to attract family offices is especially pronounced in California, a state renowned not only for its vibrant cities and rich heritage but also as a focal point for new wealth creation. As we approach the Milken Global Conference in Los Angeles, the allure of California for both new and established family offices is evident despite its high tax obligations. California offers the highest state income tax rates in the U.S., yet it also provides compelling incentives like income tax credits for job creation and a Research & Development Tax Credit. Furthermore, California's wealth of talent, driven by top-tier research institutions and a reputation as an innovation hub, makes it a prime location for family offices focused on finance, technology, and entrepreneurship. The state's blend of business opportunities, high-quality education, cutting-edge healthcare, and premier lifestyle options continues to draw family office interest, making it a significant player in the competitive landscape of family office locations.
"Perhaps one of the most sizeable advantages (and yet the most difficult to meaningfully quantity) for family offices seeking to operate in California is access to a premier lifestyle that’s well suited to both family and business activity. That’s not only due to being the centre of numerous financial hubs, but further the state’s transport links to both domestic and international travel."
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