Articles

An Update on NAV Per Share – ASU 2015-07

On Friday, May 1, 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2015-07, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent).

The amendments apply to reporting entities that elect to measure the…more

The Trouble With Using Hypothetical, Back-Tested Returns

We often discuss calculating and presenting investment performance with clients, prospects, and colleagues.

These conversations normally lead to a discussion about the Global Investment Performance Standards and what is allowed or is not allowed.

We are also occasionally asked about calculating and presenting hypothetical, back-tested performance.

Using hypothetical, back…more

Key Drivers of Value in Asset Managers

Top performers in an industry command top dollar.

It sounds simple, but what defines a top performer?

Mark Tibergien and Owen Dahl note in How to Value, Buy or Sell a Financial Advisory Practice that “value – like beauty – is in the eye of the beholder, but the principles of valuation…more

Update on PCAOB Inspection of Broker-Dealers

In August 2011, the interim inspection program of auditors was implemented due to new authority given to the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) over auditors of SEC-registered broker-dealers by the Dodd Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.

The PCAOB issued its first two progress reports…more

Proposed Accounting Standards Update on NAV Per Share

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) has issued a proposed Accounting Standards Update (820), “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent).” As a reminder, comments on the proposed ASU are due January 15, 2015.

What Led…more

GIPS for Asset Owners

The CFA Institute recently released its Guidance Statement on the Application of the GIPS Standards to Asset Owners. The Guidance Statement becomes effective on January 1, 2015. Overall, this Guidance Statement clarifies how the Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS) can be applied by asset owners looking to claim compliance with…more

New Notification Requirement for all GIPS Compliant Firms

The GIPS Executive Committee recently implemented a requirement for firms that claim compliance with the GIPS Standards. All firms claiming GIPS compliance must now notify the CFA Institute of their claim of the compliance on an annual basis.

The notification will be done utilizing an online form. Firm name, contact…more

A Reminder of the Changes to Broker-Dealer Reporting

Several years ago, the Securities and Exchange Commission undertook a project to revise the reporting requirements of broker-dealers. As many of our clients are getting ready for their annual audit, we thought now was a good time to revisit the revised reporting requirements for broker-dealers.

In June 2011…more

Are Preliminary GIPS Disclosures a Good Idea?

The Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS) provide a voluntary framework for investment managers to use in presenting their investment performance. GIPS compliance has become increasingly important, particularly when dealing with institutional investors who often insist upon it.

GIPS verifications test whether a firm has complied with the GIPS composite construction…more

Three Options If You Miss an FBAR Filing Requirement

Over the last several years, the IRS has placed a high priority on stopping offshore tax cheating and bringing individuals back into the tax system. Ongoing efforts by the IRS, as well as the Department of Justice, have raised awareness of tax and information reporting requirements for non-U.S…more

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