November User Group Blog (UK and US)

In the last user group of 2023 I gave you a quick update on our progress in delivering new features (such as role modifiers) and data. 

We also discussed fund managers, their core role and how there are different types of funds (Unit trusts, mutual funds, investment trusts, OEICS etc) yet the fund managers for these different funds essentially all have the same role.

Pay is made up of base salary plus an annual bonus (based on fund performance), paid out normally the month after year end (of the fund not the calendar year end).

It is important to note that ETFs and ETCs (i.e. tracker funds) fund managers have a different role and remuneration structure and that REITS are focused on property as opposed to other funds that invest in equities, bonds and derivatives.

One of the interesting elements that came out from discussions is how to identify a fund manager from a hedge fund manager. The key advice was; if you can find information on the fund manager or fund (i.e. aum, what they invest in etc etc) then it is not a hedge fund! Hedge funds are very secretive and as such information is scarce. Also utilising websites such as trust net, morningstars or yahoo also enables you to confirm they are an investment fund, not a hedge fund.

I also highlighted the importance of these websites as a source of information to confirm fund performance (i.e. better performance = better bonuses) and assets under management (the bigger the Aum the higher the pay).

Further good sources of information include the FCA register, IAD and broker check website s(anyone involved in financial services must register with the appropriate authority) and also forms ADV, 13D,  F and G (US only).  

As a reminder there is no user group in December, but we will be back in January!

For those who celebrate it, have a lovely Christmas and new year (feels weird saying that at the beginning of December!!)

Jon