A hedge fund aims to generate a positive return, also called an absolute return, regardless of how the market moves. The word hedge simply means protecting your savings by minimizing the risk of loss of value in the event of stock market fluctuations. In this way, you have the opportunity to get a return regardless of whether the market goes up or down.
Many people have shown interest in starting a hedge fund and there are many reasons for this. Although it sounds mysterious and secretive, a lot of people have accumulated substantial wealth over time from this type of investment.
With a little bit of capital, it’s not too difficult to start a hedge fund. However, the challenge is in implementing risk controls, hiring the right staff, growing assets, and running the organization as a profitable business while producing excellent performance.
A hedge fund is a business and you must approach it that way. If you need help setting it up, below we offer 4 startup tips for hedge fund managers to ensure long-term success.
Write a Business Plan
When looking to start a hedge fund, you need a thorough business plan that will detail your organization’s goals and the methods you will apply to achieve them. The business plan should also include market research to better understand your prospects and competitors and a hedge fund marketing plan that will detail your advertising strategies.
For example, you can opt to promote yourself on social media platforms, but don’t forget to create a professional website that will help people learn everything about your new hedge fund business. Include your contact info, phone number, and email address, and briefly explain your mission and vision.
Writing a solid business plan is important for several reasons. You should draft one mainly to help you raise funding if your organization needs it. When you carefully map out the future, you will increase your chances of success. So, keep in mind that you should update your business plan annually as your business grows and moves forward.
Consider Structure and Legal Requirements
In general, hedge funds are established as a limited partnership with the hedge fund manager serving as a general partner and all investors as limited partners. You can also set up an LLC or use another type of structure. Looking for expert advice to see what organizational structure is right for your hedge fund is crucial.
In terms of legal necessities, you will need to file for an employer identification number (EIN) which you will use for tax purposes. You will also be required to register your company with the Securities and Exchange Commission and register as an investment advisor. Depending on your location, different laws and requirements may apply.
Another important aspect of starting a hedge fund is applying for the necessary licenses and permits in the state where you plan to do business before launching your operations.
Think of Risk Management
Risk management is an essential part of creating a successful hedge fund. Your organization should have a concrete and competitive method for managing the business and portfolio risk or you’ll fail to be viewed as serious about your operation and long-term growth goals.
Oftentimes, hedge funds use leverage derivatives or apply complex trading strategies in novel asset classes. This implies that the risk exposure of a hedge fund will be different than that of traditional funds and might be unique to a specific hedge fund.
Experienced risk managers are vital to ensuring that risk is properly managed and accounted for and that unpleasant scenarios are kept to a minimum. Additionally, you should pay attention to model risk, counterparty risk, operational risk-management issues, etc.
Hire a Good Team
Apart from the investors and the hedge fund manager, the hedge fund also needs three other important representatives to function properly.
You will need a broker offering prime brokerage service. The main features of a hedge fund are making trades and borrowing cash. To lend securities from other institutional buyers and to arrange margin loans from commercial banks, hedge funds need prime brokerage services that can be realized if you have the right person for the job. An auditor also plays an important role as they assure that the financial statements of the hedge fund are free from material misstatement.
Last but not least, an administrator is needed to go through all legal activities and paperwork of the hedge fund.
Final Words
Starting a hedge fund is not easy as it can pose a high risk to your investment. However, by following the abovementioned tips, you will be able to start and market your hedge fund and operate without any obstacles.