Logic might suggest that all ETFs replicating the same market index are themselves the same. And yet, you do not have to be an experienced ETF investor to know that this is clearly a misconception. In practice, performance can vary. It is necessary to know which objective criteria to use when selecting an ETF.

The European derivatives industry has rallied remarkably of late, rising above the confusion and delay surrounding ESMA’s looming trade repository reporting regulations. At the same time, it is a significant challenge to put in place the right solutions to comply with the new data reporting regulations.

Some industry participants are meeting this confidently with in-house resources while others look to outsourced solutions. But how?

Designed to establish a harmonised regime across the EU for various forms of alternative investment fund (AIF) management, including hedge funds, fund of funds and private equity, the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD) is scheduled to come into effect on 22 July 2013. AIFMD will certainly impact responsibilities, liabilities and risk for EU AIF managers and their prime brokers, depositaries, administrators, and custodians, but with the right approach, implementing its provisions need not be as disruptive as some fear.