Jersey Finance prepares for London event

New technologies and politics will be high on the agenda at key funds industry events in the coming weeks.

Jersey Finance’s upcoming annual London event will cover shifts in regulation, distribution, and the alternative investments sector. The current geo-political climate will be a major feature, including ways in which fund professionals are future-proofing their funds.

Ahead of the event, Funds Europe catches up with some of the participants.

Elliot Refson, director of funds, Jersey Finance

How is the global political landscape affecting the funds industry?
From Brexit to wider market volatility and instability in developing regions, we are experiencing a period of considerable political flux across the globe which, undoubtedly, is translating to a degree of caution in the sector. However, this makes Jersey’s long time standing as a stable, well-regulated jurisdiction able to provide valuable services in terms of asset protection and secure and certain investment structuring, increasingly attractive.

What role will Jersey play after Brexit?
As far as Brexit is concerned, being outside of the UK and the EU but with strong ties to both, Jersey is able to bridge the gap between the UK and EU, regardless of the outcome of Brexit, and that is proving an attractive proposition among asset managers. In addition, for fund managers further afield, we anticipate Jersey will be able to act as a crucial hub for seamless access to both UK and EU investors.

Tim Morgan, chairman, Jersey Funds Association

What are some of the trends you’re seeing at the moment?
First, we are seeing continued growth in private equity. As well as classic PE fundraising, this increasingly includes variants such as technology and life-science focused investments, specialist credit strategies relating to PE, private equity real estate (PERE) funds, and also a number of restructurings/successor funds, which benefit from Jersey’s excellent transaction and M&A capabilities.

Secondly, real estate structuring has been encouraged by the validation of Jersey’s model and experience in this area following the UK consultation process and new election regimes.

Finally, in relation to manager governance and structuring, there has been continuing growth in the establishment of Jersey management and governance vehicles.

Mike Byrne, partner and asset management leader, Channel Islands, and Europe, Middle East, and Africa alternative funds leader, PwC

What are the major issues that will impact the industry in the coming two years?
I believe four global themes will dominate the Alternative Investment Fund industry over coming years:

  • We will continue to see strong allocation by investors to Alts, no sign of investor appetite slowing down;
  • Inevitably this wall of capital will create challenges in finding quality investments to deliver sustainable returns;
  • This competition for top tier assets will lead to pressure on valuations and prices, especially those marked to public market comparables;
  • We should expect to see continued regulatory and investor pressure on Alts to build trust & transparency in all aspects of their operation.

*Jersey Finance Annual Conference takes place on September 10 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London

OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS:

Digital Client Engagement Summit
September 10-11 – Waldorf Hotel, London, UK

As the name suggests, the Digital Client Engagement Summit focuses on all things digital. Over two days, industry leaders will analyse themes such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and more.

Sibos
September 23-26, 2019 – ExCel Centre, London, UK

For the first time ever, Sibos will be held in London. This year’s main theme is “thriving in a hyper-connected world”. It will take a look at the challenges and opportunities presented by mass digitisation, as well as exploring the impact of new technologies on infrastructures, value propositions and business models.

Alfi Global Distribution Conference
September 24-25, 2019 – European Convention Centre, Luxembourg

With the onset of newer technologies, the face of distribution in the industry is changing. This year’s Alfi Global Distribution Conference explores data and automation in asset management, as well as how generational changes may impact distribution. Other themes include whether institutional managers hold the key to the future – or whether there will ever be a one-stop-shop app that helps users filter funds by social impact and price. The long and short of it, as the world continues to evolve, how will funds distribution evolve as well?

Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN) Investor Forum
October 2-3, 2019 – Beurs van Berlage, Amsterdam, Netherlands

This year’s five core themes are: integrating impact; product development; market development; climate and the environment; and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

MIPIM UK Summit
October 14-15, 2019 – Old Billingsgate, London, UK

Bringing together some of the head honchos in the UK real estate industry, including both private and public sector professionals, MIPIM UK is the country’s only real estate summit covering all asset classes, according to the organisation. As well as taking a look at some of the biggest issues affecting the industry today, it offers the chance to gain industry insights, covering themes such as infrastructure, environment, economics, society, and more. A networker’s paradise, the conference offers attendees access to development projects and sources of capital for UK projects, MIPIM UK said.

©2019 funds europe

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