Contributing Member of the Financial & Business Services Councils

All News Analyses by this Author

Will the last Hedge Fund manager to leave London please turn out the lights

November 16, 2009

Analysis of:BlueCrest to relocate 50 staff to Geneva | www.ft.com

There is growing evidence that London is losing its allure as the location of choice for alternatives investment managers. There is no one factor driving this, but a combination of an increased focus on the taxation of expatriates; higher taxation generally; perceived over-regulation of alternative investments; and intrusion into the remuneration structures of investment managers.

It's not just UK banks the EC is after

November 16, 2009

Analysis of:The Euopean Commission flexes its muscles over British Banks | business.timesonline.co.uk

The European Commission's requirements for continued state aid to RBS and Lloyds may look like unwarranted interference in the UK's domestic banking market. They are, however, consistent with the approach taken towards other dominant banking groups in other EU states. They are very likely to be of long-term benefit to UK consumers.

Can we be in recovery if we are still in intensive care?

November 16, 2009

Analysis of:Is the Recovery Real? | www.margolisadvisory.com

There is undoubtedly a technical recovery in progress. Economic indicators globally say so. However, is this really a recovery, or just the impact of the heady cocktail of fiscal and monetary "drugs" that governments and central banks continue to hand out? This analysis looks at the recovery from a UK perspective.

Hedge Funds' response to proposed EU regulation

June 26, 2009

Analysis of:Hedge funds to take on Europe | business.timesonline.co.uk

The proposed EU Alternative Investments ("AI") Directive is wide ranging.  Market participants need to consider what the EU is seeking to achieve.  There is also a need to reflect on the part played by certain types of AI in the financial crisis.  AI providers also need to think on the possible commercial benefits of EU regulation.  Previous versions of this in mainstream mutual funds, ie the UCITS Directives, have been of massive benefit to fund promoters in distributing products globally, not just within the EU.

Are "bookies" a gamble in The Great Recession?

May 18, 2009

Analysis of:Ladbrokes profits hit by Cheltenham | uk.reuters.com

Ladbrokes' trading statement today really blames recent profit falls on "bad luck".  We, the punters, are meant to reel off the hard luck stories when we lose to them.  However, bookies also can get hit in a pretty uncontrollable way when hot favourites deliver, as they did in this year's Cheltenham Festival.  The real question, though, is whether The Great Recession will see more, or less, money staked generally.  Is betting seen as a luxury to be curtailed as disposable income comes under pressure, or a potential source of additional income?

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