1. Tell us about your background and what made you gravitate towards the private markets?
I have worked within the finance industry for over 20 years now as it has always been a comfortable fit for me. In 2012 I started working for Liahona MIC working on both the mortgage and investment side of the business. A few years later we became registered as an EMD which was a new and exciting world for me with adding multiple products to our shelf. I wouldn’t necessarily say I gravitated to private markets, but more so I transitioned into it through the growth of Liahona. I have to say I’m glad I did because I love what I do and feel incredibly lucky to work for this company!
2. What are some of the biggest changes you have seen since you started?
There has been some increase in regulations such as recent Client Focused Reforms. There has also been more focus on protecting elderly/vulnerable investors. These types of changes are necessary in our industry and will continue to create suitability and awareness.
3. What is the one thing you want someone unfamiliar with this space to know?
For an Investor, private investments are a great way to diversify your portfolio and invest in products you hear of but wouldn’t necessarily have access to on the public market. There are some very unique and lucrative investments available. That said, private investments are not suitable for everyone and being fully aware of the investment term, potential J curve for newer investments and the word ‘targeted’ for earnings are just some things investors need to be aware of to ensure they fully understand the product they may invest in.
4. What are your ‘go to’ features that you look for when completing KYP on a given product for suitability consideration?
a) Management (knowing the people behind the Fund and their background is key. You want to ensure the Management team has experience to execute the investment objective)
b) Business Plan (a proforma from the Issuer showing their time horizon to get through the J curve if not already there is very important.
c) Knowing the significant Risks that are applicable to the specific investment are important and should be relayed to your potential investor to ensure they understand.
d) Understand the terms of the investment i.e., the investment term (redemption availability), targeted returns along with all fees applicable to the investment.