The Principles for Responsible Investment is a United Nations-backed effort that demonstrates an organization’s commitment to responsible investment practices. … READ MORE >
Financial services
SEC brings clarity to accredited investors and family offices
In an effort to bring clarity to what constitutes a family office and how it can operate, the SEC in December approved a measure that would streamline the definition of who can invest in these investments, known as the accredited investor. … READ MORE >
Private equity is booming. So why are fewer middle market launches planned for 2020?
A closer look at the private equity industry shows a growing divide among firms. The largest private equity firms – those with individual funds of $1 billion or greater – are driving a disproportionate amount of capital flows. … READ MORE >
As the coronavirus spreads, bond markets take notice
Fears over the outbreak of the coronavirus in China have combined with moderated corporate earnings and continued delays over the Boeing 737 Max to suppress yields on 10-year Treasuries. … READ MORE >
Middle market hedge funds, facing a squeeze, look to AI and alternative data
The traditional approach of using corporate earnings reports, poring over regulatory filings and mining census data is not enough anymore. Instead, hedge fund managers are looking to alternative sources of information like web-scraped data, satellite imagery, credit card tracking and social media sentiment, … READ MORE >
Declining demand for commercial loans points to continued uncertainty
Demand for commercial loans softened dramatically in the third quarter, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported, signaling that businesses continue to be cautious amid simmering trade tensions and slowing economic growth. … READ MORE >
Private equity looks for recession-proof deals
These are flush times for American private equity funds. Through November, they have raised more capital than any other fiscal year. But a good portion of that cash has not been put to use – yet. One reason is that many takeover targets have simply become too expensive, a dynamic … … READ MORE >
As large ETF sponsors capture more of a surging industry, can the middle market keep up?
Competition to offer low-cost products will continue to make it challenging for middle market players. New products that do not quickly scale to the critical mass needed to defray operating costs and establish market recognition often fail to survive. Nonetheless, middle market participants can still compete in this market. … READ MORE >
Buzz on pot legislation fades as focus turns to vaping
In addition to shielding banks and credit unions, the Secure and Fair Enforcement Banking Act is also designed to make it easier for cannabis-related enterprises, like dispensaries and growers, as well as business that serve them, like law firms and real estate companies, to access the banking system with funds derived from cannabis products. … READ MORE >
In the free-for-all among retail brokers, will the middle market be left behind?
Charles Schwab Corp. announced recently that it would eliminate trading commissions for retail investors, making Schwab the latest Wall Street broker to embrace the push to zero commissions.
But with $3.75 trillion in assets, Schwab is in a position to make such an aggressive move. Like other larger retail e-brokers, Schwab is capitalizing on its scale advantage, one that allows it to attract new client assets to its platform and strengthen its market share. … READ MORE >