29 July 2010
Fraser Donaldson - Insight Analyst - Funds
Over the past few years an expansion of the investment powers of fund managers through UCITs and NURS regulations has meant a rapid expansion in the choice of funds available to the retail investor.
Our free guide to alternative investments has been designed to introduce you to some of the asset classes and investment techniques that retail fund managers are now embedding in their investment processes as a matter of course.
The Retail Distribution Review policy document released in March this year has underlined the need for information in this area. It states that if you wish to retain the tag of 'independent' as an adviser, you will need to have an understanding of a much wider range of packaged investment vehicles, which will include alternative investments, whether or not you see them as suitable for your clients.
The degree to which alternative investments is growing in popularity is signposted by the launch of more than 30 property funds and 50 absolute return funds over the past three years or so. These investments are fast becoming 'mainstream', and you may be missing a trick if you do not consider seriously the complete range of funds now available.
This guide provides an introduction to the following asset classes and investment vehicles:
- Property
- Private Equity
- VCTs
- Commodities
- Structured Products
- Investment Trusts
- Hedge Fund Techniques
