Investor protection, valuation methods and the German alternative funds industry

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 174-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernd Hoffmann ◽  
Karsten Paetzmann

Purpose This paper aims to present the rules for determining the net asset value according to the AIFM Directive which have fundamentally changed regulation of the European alternative funds industry. The paper discusses how these rules must be applied to ensure a reliable and objective valuation and to protect the interests of investors. Design/methodology/approach The paper draws upon experience gained in the market following the implementation of rules on fund valuation in the European Union in 2011 and further in Germany in 2013. The valuation rules for relevant asset classes are presented and discussed in the light of the overarching goal of investor protection. Findings The paper’s findings show that the market participants saw the increased requirements as an opportunity and that they have adapted to the new system. This also applies to fund valuation, even though some people criticise terminology, lack of clarity and the complexity of the new valuation scheme from a practical perspective. Also, due to the increased valuation requirements, a consolidation among market participants can be expected. Originality/value The issues addressed in the paper are currently the subject of debate by regulators and market participants. There are direct implications for future prudential regulation in the asset management industry.

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Blachnio-Parzych ◽  
Alexander de Castro

Purpose The purpose of this study is a comparison of anti-insider trading regulations in the European Union (EU) and in Brazil. Design/methodology/approach The subject of the comparison are three key elements that define the shape of the protection against insider trading, namely, the definition of inside information, the definition of insiders and the kinds of behaviours that are forbidden. Findings There are both differences and similarities between EU and Brazilian legislations on insider trading. The main discrepancies found in the three foci of the analysis seem to relate strongly to the different rationales for the prohibition of insider trading adopted in the two legal systems. In the EU, market egalitarianism and thus the parity of information, are the central concepts, whereas fiduciary duties originally constituted the point of reference in Brazil, although it has been losing importance over time owing to subsequent changes in the legislation. In sum, while anti-insider trading regulations in the EU have a well-defined identity, in Brazil their policy basis seems to be in the process of redefinition. Originality/value As of the time of submission of this study no published academic works dedicated substantially to a comparison of the anti-insider trading legislation of the EU and Brazil could be found.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shweta Banerjee

PurposeThere are ethical, legal, social and economic arguments surrounding the subject of autonomous vehicles. This paper aims to discuss some of the arguments to communicate one of the current issues in the rising field of artificial intelligence.Design/methodology/approachMaking use of widely available literature that the author has read and summarised showcasing her viewpoints, the author shows that technology is progressing every day. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are at the forefront of technological advancement today. The manufacture and innovation of new machines have revolutionised our lives and resulted in a world where we are becoming increasingly dependent on artificial intelligence.FindingsTechnology might appear to be getting out of hand, but it can be effectively used to transform lives and convenience.Research limitations/implicationsFrom robotics to autonomous vehicles, countless technologies have and will continue to make the lives of individuals much easier. But, with these advancements also comes something called “future shock”.Practical implicationsFuture shock is the state of being unable to keep up with rapid social or technological change. As a result, the topic of artificial intelligence, and thus autonomous cars, is highly debated.Social implicationsThe study will be of interest to researchers, academics and the public in general. It will encourage further thinking.Originality/valueThis is an original piece of writing informed by reading several current pieces. The study has not been submitted elsewhere.


2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 793-806 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eduard Bonet

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine how the boundaries of rhetoric have excluded important theoretical and practical subjects and how these subjects are recuperated and extended since the twentieth century. Its purpose is to foster the awareness on emerging new trends of rhetoric. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology is based on an interpretation of the history of rhetoric and on the construction of a conceptual framework of the rhetoric of judgment, which is introduced in this paper. Findings – On the subject of the extension of rhetoric from public speeches to any kinds of persuasive situations, the paper emphasizes some stimulating relationships between the theory of communication and rhetoric. On the exclusion and recuperation of the subject of rhetorical arguments, it presents the changing relationships between rhetoric and dialectics and emphasizes the role of rhetoric in scientific research. On the introduction of rhetoric of judgment and meanings it creates a conceptual framework based on a re-examination of the concept of judgment and the phenomenological foundations of the interpretative methods of social sciences by Alfred Schutz, relating them to symbolic interactionism and theories of the self. Originality/value – The study on the changing boundaries of rhetoric and the introduction of the rhetoric of judgment offers a new view on the present theoretical and practical development of rhetoric, which opens new subjects of research and new fields of applications.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jerry Koh ◽  
Jonathan Lee

Purpose To show different ways the Singapore Variable Capital Company (“VCC”) can be employed and utilized. Design/methodology/approach Describes how the Singapore VCC can be used in master-feeder structures, umbrella structures, a “plug-and-play” model, sub-fund structures with different assets and different investors, open-ended structures, and structures that allow for tokenization of securities and the offering of VCC shares as digital securities. Findings The flexibility of the VCC allows it to be used across different fund strategies, investor classes and asset classes. Originality/value Practical analysis, guidance and market commentary from experienced investment funds lawyers.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael P. Albuquerque ◽  
João J. Ferreira

Purpose This paper aims to verify co-creation behavior and understand a relationship between perception of service quality, loyalty and co-creation, from Starbucks customers' perspective. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative methodology was carried out, operationalized by applying a questionnaire to a sample of 385 respondents. Findings The results showed that service quality has a positive impact on loyalty and co-creation behavior in all its aspects; loyalty can be considered an important attribute in the intention of co-creation by customers. Originality/value This research extends the current knowledge on the subject and examines the associations between other attributes discussed. The implications of the study suggest strategic directions for using the clients' co-creation as a competitive alternative and generating value.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Buell Hirsch

Purpose This paper aims to examine the challenges to sustaining corporate culture in a world of hybrid working. Design/methodology/approach This paper is a review of current literature on the impact of remote and hybrid working on white-collar employees. Findings There is little consensus on whether remote/hybrid working will harm or strengthen corporate culture. Research limitations/implications The viewpoint is a subjective assessment of a limited number of articles on the subject Practical implications It is not entirely clear how those responsible for corporate culture can act on the findings. Social implications In a world in which corporations are experiencing a shortage of talent, how they handle corporate culture will be increasingly important. Originality/value While much has been written on the impact of remote working, this viewpoint takes the original view that strong corporate cultures rely more on the attitudes and actions of individual employees that company programs or initiatives.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeniffer Fonseca Zanitt ◽  
Izabela Simon Rampasso ◽  
Osvaldo Luiz Gonçalves Quelhas ◽  
Milena Pavan Serafim ◽  
Walter Leal Filho ◽  
...  

Purpose This study aims to analyse how the materials selection courses of engineering undergraduate programmes can be better aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Design/methodology/approach Initially, a content analysis was performed in 39 materials selection course descriptions from 40 engineering undergraduate programmes of Brazilian higher education institutions, and subsequently, Delphi method procedures were conducted with professors that teach or have taught the course and are knowledgeable in the subject of sustainability. Findings Considering the analysed course descriptions, it was shown that most of the materials selection courses do not consider or present little emphasis on sustainability aspects. Regarding the Delphi method, eight items were evidenced to consider sustainability aspects in the analysed courses. Originality/value This study contributes to the debates about sustainability insertion in engineering undergraduate programmes. More specifically, the findings presented consolidated information that professors and coordinators can use to align materials selection courses with the SDGs better.


2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 264-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valarie A. Zeithaml

Purpose By examining my personal development and career trajectory, I hope to share some insights into life as an academic. My particular path has contained, as most paths do, twists and turns. As I look back, they all seem somehow related to each other, but they were not all planned. Design/methodology/approach I will discuss my life and career in chronological order, then reflect on my career and research philosophy. I will also discuss several of my most cited articles and how they emerged. Findings I emphasize research that is both academically rigorous and relevant to business. I also show that passion for a subject, even one that is risky and not encouraged by others, has resulted in lifelong interest and inspiration for me. While not appropriate for all because of the risk, I found it worth taking a chance, largely because I was highly inspired by the subject. Practical implications Research that is programmatic has benefits because it allows a scholar to own an area. Also, working with the right co-author teams – sometimes ones where different talents are distributed across the team is effective. Originality/value The story and opinions are mine alone.


2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-66
Author(s):  
Fiona MacVane Phipps

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify a common theme linking the articles in this issue of IJHG. The review editor elucidates on this topic while presenting key findings from the articles which comprise the current issue. Design/methodology/approach The design is a general review describing the articles under review while expanding on the subject matter through reference to other authors. Social implications The Review provides readers with a brief overview of the current articles enabling them to select the ones which reflect their needs or interests. Originality/value IJHG is the only Emerald journal providing a Review section of this type.


2014 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert M. Brown

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to summarize the Commodity Futures Trading Commission's (CFTC) recent overhaul of its customer protection rules, which regulate how futures commission merchants (FCMs) and derivatives clearing organizations (DCOs) handle customer funds. Design/methodology/approach – The paper summarizes the most significant aspects of the CFTC's October 30, 2013 customer protection rulemaking, explains FCM and DCO obligations under the new regulatory regime, and sets forth a compliance timeline. Findings – The CFTC's recent overhaul of its customer protection rules impose significant new requirements on FCMs and DCOs in their handling of customer funds. Practical implications – All FCMs and DCOs that handle customer funds should review these new rules and begin putting into place policies and procedures to ensure their compliance as each new requirement comes into effect. Originality/value – The CFTC's overhaul of its customer protection regime is new and significant. FCMs and DCOs need to understand their new obligations under the rules. As these new rules are the CFTC's regulatory response to the events that led to the insolvencies of MF Global and Peregrine Financial Group, these developments also should be of interest to futures and swaps market participants generally.


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