How Fund Administration Supports Fundraising

F or private equity and venture capital fund managers, fundraising can be a complex endeavor. A fund administration firm can significantly streamline this process by providing essential support. Their expertise encompasses technology, industry knowledge and well-established relationships, all of which are important factors in client funds attracting and retaining investors. A fund administration firm can play a pivotal role in fundraising in three principal ways.

In today’s digital age, technology is key to a successful fundraising campaign. Fund administration firms harness advanced tools and platforms to simplify the investment experience for retail investors. They offer:

• Straight-Through Processing: This technology provides an all-digital, seamless investment process for retail investors, eliminating cumbersome paperwork and reducing the likelihood of errors. Fund administration should have a transfer agent system integration with all the providers of this technology.
• Alternative Investment Products (AIP) Platform Integration: Through AIP, financial advisors can access investment processing efficiency for participating funds through a single platform. A fund administration firm’s integration with AIP speeds investment processing for clients and encourages advisors t guide their clients toward funds with this processing efficiency.
• Digital Connectivity: A fund administration firm should provide comprehensive digital connectivity with wire houses, broker-dealers, custodians, and family offices that enables quick settlements and swift resolution of issues, fostering a smoother fundraising process.
• API Connections: Investment forms on websites and mobile apps that facilitate an intuitive and user-friendly investment process need API connections to the fund’s investor database provided by the fund administration firm.
• System Controls and Efficiencies: With system controls and efficient back-office architecture in place for client funds, a fund administration firm can manage operational complexities seamlessly, boosting investor confidence.
• Sales Reporting and Investor Registry: Detailed sales reports and investor registries keep fund managers informed about their sales performance, empowering them to refine fundraising strategies.
• Data Room and Web Portal: A secure and intuitive data room and web portal enable a smooth investor experience with seamless document management and information sharing.

A fund administration firm that brings a long history of expertise and industry knowledge makes an important difference in fundraising for fund managers.

• Professional Investment Process: A smooth, professional investment process is essential for successful fundraising. Investors feel reassured by a proficient fund administration partner, helping boost investor confidence and facilitate more robust fundraising efforts.
• Compliance: Investor-side compliance including AML, KYC, OFAC and Blue Sky checks and archiving of all compliance processes is a significant fundraising advantage.
• Financial Advisor Confidence: By streamlining the data flow for advisor reporting, fund administration firms enable financial advisors to confidently recommend client funds.
• Mitigating Operational Risk: Institutional investors view a reputable fund administration firm as a back-office partner that effectively mitigates operational risk. ILPA reporting capabilities and a recognized name enhance credibility and investor trust.
• Guidance on Fundraising and Operations: With extensive experience in fund structures, strategies and asset classes, a solid fund administration partner provides valuable guidance on successful fundraising approaches and efficient operations.

Leveraging their strong relationships in the industry, fund administration firms offer access to vital resources:

• Managing Broker-Dealers and Marketers: Fund administration firms work with managing broker-dealers and private equity marketers, helping managers enhance their fundraising efforts through a cohesive back-office process.
• Custodians: Preferred fund administration firms often negotiate volume discounts for custodian services for retail investor funds. This preferential pricing translates to significant savings at scale for retail offerings.
• Third-Party Service Providers: Fund administration firms maintain relationships with auditors, valuation experts and legal professionals, ensuring streamlined referral arrangements and efficient operations across the back office.

Fund administration firms offer vital support to private equity fund managers during their fundraising efforts. Through innovative technology, industry knowledge and strong relationships, they give fund management the benefit of their experience, ensure a smooth, efficient investment process and maximizes investor confidence, enhancing fundraising outcomes.