Investors Prefer GPs Using Outsourced Calculation Services

Shifting Landscape in Private Capital Markets

In the evolving world of private markets, a significant trend is emerging: the outsourcing of distribution waterfall modeling and calculations. This trend highlights a growing recognition among institutional investors and general partners (GPs) regarding the importance of accuracy and transparency in financial processes.

Recent Insights from Industry Experts

A recent report titled Distribution Waterfalls 2024: Transparency, Technology, Trust sheds light on this emerging trend. The report is a collaborative effort by CSC, an organization specializing in tailored administration and strategic outsourcing solutions for alternative asset managers. The survey involved responses from 200 GPs and 200 limited partners (LPs) in regions including North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, focusing on their perspectives regarding waterfall calculations.

Growing Demand for Outsourcing

The results of this survey are striking. An overwhelming 92% of LPs expressed their expectation for GPs to increasingly opt for outsourcing waterfall modeling and calculations to specialized third-party providers in the coming two years. Furthermore, 87% of these investors indicated they would be more inclined to invest with GPs who adopt this practice.

The Role of Third-Party Providers

According to Silvia Tong, director of Fund Services at CSC in North Asia, LPs are advocating for the involvement of independent third parties with the expertise necessary to minimize error risks and guarantee precise waterfall calculations. This preference is not solely based on accuracy; outsourcing is seen as a way to mitigate potential conflicts of interest, thereby enhancing the appeal of GPs who follow this route.

Competitive Advantages for GPs

For GPs, the implications of this trend are profound. To stay competitive, a significant portion—around 75%—of surveyed GPs indicated their intent to increase outsourcing of waterfall calculation services in the next two years. In stark contrast, only 17% plan to retain these processes in-house, underscoring a pivotal shift in operational strategies.

Handling Complexity with Expertise

As GPs contend with growing demands for customization, outsourcing is anticipated to become more critical in managing the complexities inherent in waterfall arrangements. Alejandro Jr. Tan, senior manager of Fund Services at CSC in Jersey, explains that waterfall provisions involve intricate calculations and legal aspects, tailored for each LP based on specific investment strategies and preferences. Thus, the role of expert third-party providers becomes indispensable in navigating this intricate landscape.

Building Trust and Confidence

Outsourcing is not merely a matter of convenience; it plays a crucial role in fostering trust and confidence among investors. LPs seek assurances that they receive accurate, transparent, and objective information regarding their investments. This need for increased standards directly correlates with improved performance and the establishment of stronger rapport between GPs and their investors.

Who is CSC?

CSC stands as a highly respected figure in the landscape of business administration services. The firm has earned the trust of over 90% of Fortune 500 companies, 100 of the best global brands, and more than 70% of the PEI 300. CSC specializes in administration services tailored to alternative asset managers across various fund strategies and capital markets, ensuring compliance and operational excellence. With over 125 years of experience, CSC maintains a robust presence in over 140 jurisdictions worldwide, embodying the ethos that they are indeed, 'the business behind business'.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of outsourcing waterfall calculations?

Outsourcing waterfall calculations enhances accuracy and reduces potential errors, while also alleviating conflicts of interest.

Who conducted the survey mentioned in the article?

The survey was conducted by CSC, focusing on the views of GPs and LPs regarding waterfall calculations.

What percentage of LPs prefer GPs who outsource waterfall calculations?

87% of LPs prefer GPs that are proactive in outsourcing these calculations to third-party experts.

How many GPs plan to outsource more services in the next two years?

Approximately 75% of GPs plan to increase their outsourcing of waterfall calculation services in the upcoming two years.

What role does CSC play in this context?

CSC provides administration and strategic outsourcing solutions, ensuring accurate and compliant waterfall calculations for alternative asset managers.

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