Everyone knows the key to winning a Draftkings fantasy baseball tournament or a FanDuel fantasy baseball tournament, you need to stack a few hitters against an exploitable pitching matchup. What this daily fantasy baseball strategy entails is focusing in on a pitcher who is in an unfavorable matchup against a hot hitting team in a hitter’s ballpark. All of this fantasy baseball analysis is centered around the starting pitcher (his pitches, his splits, his hot/cold streak, etc.) and rightfully so. This makes a great deal of sense considering the entire game is run through the two starting pitchers in the game but there may be a little more to it then you think. The reason is the following.
When you stack a team against a starting pitcher you are hoping that pitcher is fully exploitable hoping that is start is short lived. You expect your stack to be able to light up the starting pitcher and get on him early in the game. But the fact of the matter is, if this happens then the pitcher that you did all of your fantasy baseball research on is going to be subbed out within the first half of the game (five innings or less preferably) and then what? Every reason you picked those hitters for were based on the matchup with the starting pitcher, not whatever middle reliever that comes out of the bullpen. So are you realistically expected to do research on the bullpen pitchers as well just in case your plan goes just as you planned. Realistically, no.
There are a couple reasons why, but we are going to focus on two. Most of the time, bullpen pitchers have a limited pitching arsenal usually consisting of a fastball and an offspeed pitch or two. So, it’s not like these pitchers are going to be tricking your hitters by keeping them off balance because of their deep pitching arsenal. Secondly, if your hitters were the reason that the starting pitcher got subbed out in the first place then there's not much more research you need to do. When a player gets a couple of hits in the first half of the game, it doesn’t matter who's pitching to them because regardless the ball is going to look like a beach ball coming out of the pitcher’s hand.
So at the end of the day, spend your research time on the starting pitcher because that is where the money is really at.
Monday, July 31, 2017
Tuesday, July 04, 2017
Hawaii Homes for Sale: Redesign and Renovation Work to Consider
If your Hawai home's for sale in today’s thriving real estate market, some effort needs to be put towards making it more appealing to prospective buyers. Here are some redesign and renovation tasks to consider, all of which can go a long way in adding value to the house, and ensuring a sale.
Adopt an open-concept layout. Tear down some walls inside the house, and see how nice it is to enjoy so much space, which in Hawaii is greatly valued. An open-concept layout makes for a bright and airy vibe, even when you are accommodating many guests. The key to succeeding with this layout is clearly defining each area, but this time, not with entire slabs of wood or concrete. Moreover, organize all your furniture, and go for multi-purpose or modular items to save on space. For instance, choose cabinets whose tops can double as side tables. Or large ceramic pots that serve both as ornaments and also as space divider.
Acquire new artwork. An artwork is not only a thing of beauty. It can also tie the look of a room together, and break up a plain wall. When a homeowner invests in a good painting, or a sculpture, they are also assuring themselves of interesting conversations around it, for when they are hosting friends. What is important is for it to be of the right subject, color palette, and size, too. This way, they will not be overwhelming to the viewer, and draw all the attention in the room.
Update the doors and windows. Prospective investors will surely appreciate an update on the doors and windows, which would be among the first things they will be seeing. A fresh coat of paint or a refinishing would be nice, as well as a replacement of the hinges. Window frames may also be changed if the existing ones are already rusty and worn down. French doors will be a great update, too, as they afford more view of the beautiful environs.
Go beyond the surface. Creaking floors, plumbing issues, electrical problems, gas leaks. These are concerns that will easily turn a home buyer off, but which can be addressed with a thorough approach to renovation. Devote some resources towards checking all these out, before an inspector beats you to it.
Talk to top-performing Big Island real estate expert Harold Clarke today, to learn more tips in selling Hawaii homes for sale.
Adopt an open-concept layout. Tear down some walls inside the house, and see how nice it is to enjoy so much space, which in Hawaii is greatly valued. An open-concept layout makes for a bright and airy vibe, even when you are accommodating many guests. The key to succeeding with this layout is clearly defining each area, but this time, not with entire slabs of wood or concrete. Moreover, organize all your furniture, and go for multi-purpose or modular items to save on space. For instance, choose cabinets whose tops can double as side tables. Or large ceramic pots that serve both as ornaments and also as space divider.
Acquire new artwork. An artwork is not only a thing of beauty. It can also tie the look of a room together, and break up a plain wall. When a homeowner invests in a good painting, or a sculpture, they are also assuring themselves of interesting conversations around it, for when they are hosting friends. What is important is for it to be of the right subject, color palette, and size, too. This way, they will not be overwhelming to the viewer, and draw all the attention in the room.
Update the doors and windows. Prospective investors will surely appreciate an update on the doors and windows, which would be among the first things they will be seeing. A fresh coat of paint or a refinishing would be nice, as well as a replacement of the hinges. Window frames may also be changed if the existing ones are already rusty and worn down. French doors will be a great update, too, as they afford more view of the beautiful environs.
Go beyond the surface. Creaking floors, plumbing issues, electrical problems, gas leaks. These are concerns that will easily turn a home buyer off, but which can be addressed with a thorough approach to renovation. Devote some resources towards checking all these out, before an inspector beats you to it.
Talk to top-performing Big Island real estate expert Harold Clarke today, to learn more tips in selling Hawaii homes for sale.
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
How to Pick a Keeper?
One of the most difficult positions to effectively target in all of Daily Fantasy Sports is the Goalkeeper. We’ll have to make some clarification here and specify that we are talking in terms of fantasy soccer. For most lineup construction for fantasy soccer, it is quite easy to pick the attackmen you want to target. Usually, the midfield/attack is loaded with star studded players like Gareth Bale, Sergio Aguero, and Gonzalo Higuain to name a few. Then you turn to the midfield where that requires a bit more soccer analysis. Of course there will be the affronted players such as Mesut Ozil and James Rodriguez but is that who you want.
After doing more soccer research, it is clear that these studs aren’t necessarily who you want. Granted the have increased salary price due to their increase probability to score but that is not everything you are looking for. There’s crosses, corners, free kicks, and the whole defensive side of football that midfielders need to be able to execute if they have a decent fantasy floor (in terms the least amount of fantasy points a player is projected to have). As for picking defenders, that is a crap shoot all in it's own. Sure you can stack and put the cheapest defenders who could get a clean sheet or you could go after a guy like Sergio Ramos who is the cog in the defense but is known to bang home a header every now and then which greatly increases his fantasy value.
Now for keepers. Do you punt or pay up for Manuel Neuer, when Bayern takes on FC Mainz? To be honest, there is no right answer and more so depends on the rest of our lineup. Most of the time, it is best to target a keeper with a sub-prime defense playing against an attacking offense. This greatly decreases your goalies’ opportunity to finish with a Clean Sheet but that’s not what you should be banking on as it is extreme difficult for those to come to fruition. But what it does do is it gives your keeper the opportunity to make saves. On DraftKings, saves are worth two points and penalty saves are worth five. On the other hand, Fanduel gives out three points per save and another six for penalty saves. By accumulating three or four saves, your keeper will already be in a great place to crush value. This fantasy soccer strategy is by no means foolproof but a great way to get the highest possible ceiling for your lineup.
After doing more soccer research, it is clear that these studs aren’t necessarily who you want. Granted the have increased salary price due to their increase probability to score but that is not everything you are looking for. There’s crosses, corners, free kicks, and the whole defensive side of football that midfielders need to be able to execute if they have a decent fantasy floor (in terms the least amount of fantasy points a player is projected to have). As for picking defenders, that is a crap shoot all in it's own. Sure you can stack and put the cheapest defenders who could get a clean sheet or you could go after a guy like Sergio Ramos who is the cog in the defense but is known to bang home a header every now and then which greatly increases his fantasy value.
Now for keepers. Do you punt or pay up for Manuel Neuer, when Bayern takes on FC Mainz? To be honest, there is no right answer and more so depends on the rest of our lineup. Most of the time, it is best to target a keeper with a sub-prime defense playing against an attacking offense. This greatly decreases your goalies’ opportunity to finish with a Clean Sheet but that’s not what you should be banking on as it is extreme difficult for those to come to fruition. But what it does do is it gives your keeper the opportunity to make saves. On DraftKings, saves are worth two points and penalty saves are worth five. On the other hand, Fanduel gives out three points per save and another six for penalty saves. By accumulating three or four saves, your keeper will already be in a great place to crush value. This fantasy soccer strategy is by no means foolproof but a great way to get the highest possible ceiling for your lineup.
Tuesday, May 09, 2017
Stunning spaces in Hawaii oceanfront homes
Hawaii is home to some of the finest luxury oceanfront homes. Constructing houses by the seaside is a craft that Hawaiian builders know like the back of their hand, and their handiwork is both designed to withstand the elements as well as impress the guests.
Here are some of the stunning spaces in the best beach homes in the Aloha State:
An expansive living room.Lots of seating spaces – sofas and comfortable benches and high-backed winged chairs – and an airy feel created by a flood of natural light, high, vaulted ceilings, large windows, and an open layout: These are important things for a Hawaiian living room to have, if it is to be the gathering place of friends and family. Plus points if there are conversation pieces, like a well-made bookshelf from the turn of the century, an area rug from the owners’ trip to Morocco, an oversized, low-slung chandelier, or a vintage barbershop chair.
A plush dining area with a relaxed feel.Dining rooms of Hawaii luxury homes are best when they combine a luxe yet casual vibe – with traditional as well as contemporary elements that make dining fun, even as everything looks fancy. Exposed wooden beams, rustic chairs, and patterned fabric such as striped curtains, animal print rugs, and Southeast Asian table runners, would look nice alongside traditional hardwood dining tables, with gilded plates and utensils, and posh centerpieces like polished metal vases, crystal candelabras, or porcelainware from France.
A well-appointed kitchen.Kitchens in Hawaii need to be ready for huge parties that residents here like to host. The good ones are appointed with top-of-the-line appliances, from refrigerators, to the stove range and hood, and dishwasher, as well as meticulously crafted cabinetry that uses dense wood like Ohia. These splendid homes would have an outdoor kitchen, too, for those Sunday barbecue parties by the pool or the garden.
A luxe bathroom.Finally, Hawaii beach houses need a big bathroom, with a full bath tub – ideally freestanding just like those in celebrity homes. Like the kitchen, it must be appointed with only the finest items, from the lighting fixtures, to stylish vanities and full-length mirrors.
To find Hawaii oceanfront homes for sale with these stunning spaces and a whole lot more, contact Harold Clarke of Luxury Big Island. A top Big Island real estate broker, Harold holds the key to luxury real estate from the swankiest neighborhoods in the Aloha State.
Here are some of the stunning spaces in the best beach homes in the Aloha State:
An expansive living room.Lots of seating spaces – sofas and comfortable benches and high-backed winged chairs – and an airy feel created by a flood of natural light, high, vaulted ceilings, large windows, and an open layout: These are important things for a Hawaiian living room to have, if it is to be the gathering place of friends and family. Plus points if there are conversation pieces, like a well-made bookshelf from the turn of the century, an area rug from the owners’ trip to Morocco, an oversized, low-slung chandelier, or a vintage barbershop chair.
A plush dining area with a relaxed feel.Dining rooms of Hawaii luxury homes are best when they combine a luxe yet casual vibe – with traditional as well as contemporary elements that make dining fun, even as everything looks fancy. Exposed wooden beams, rustic chairs, and patterned fabric such as striped curtains, animal print rugs, and Southeast Asian table runners, would look nice alongside traditional hardwood dining tables, with gilded plates and utensils, and posh centerpieces like polished metal vases, crystal candelabras, or porcelainware from France.
A well-appointed kitchen.Kitchens in Hawaii need to be ready for huge parties that residents here like to host. The good ones are appointed with top-of-the-line appliances, from refrigerators, to the stove range and hood, and dishwasher, as well as meticulously crafted cabinetry that uses dense wood like Ohia. These splendid homes would have an outdoor kitchen, too, for those Sunday barbecue parties by the pool or the garden.
A luxe bathroom.Finally, Hawaii beach houses need a big bathroom, with a full bath tub – ideally freestanding just like those in celebrity homes. Like the kitchen, it must be appointed with only the finest items, from the lighting fixtures, to stylish vanities and full-length mirrors.
To find Hawaii oceanfront homes for sale with these stunning spaces and a whole lot more, contact Harold Clarke of Luxury Big Island. A top Big Island real estate broker, Harold holds the key to luxury real estate from the swankiest neighborhoods in the Aloha State.
Monday, April 10, 2017
Two misguided expectations when tapping asset services
Amid growing scrutiny from government and industry authorities as well as heightened competition in investment markets across the globe, asset services have now been providing the necessary support to asset management companies’ day-to-day operations.
The results of the outsourcing practice do not always satisfy the clients, however, and often, this “failure” of partnership can be attributed to the wrong expectations on the side of the fund managers. This article discusses two of these misguided notions when enlisting asset servicing firms:
Asset servicing is going to be a bargain. Many asset management firms are at a not-so-ideal business position when they do decide to tap outsourcing – and that is alright. However, some of them will tend to look at asset servicing specifically as a cure-all, and a means to make massive spending cuts on business procedures. And then they become surprised when they end up making a significant expense for the contract. In truth, asset servicing is in itself another form of investment. It is not a bargain in the sense of a buy-one-take-one promotion, but a bargain in the sense that a firm is able to save valuable time and resources for recruitment and training, purchase and maintenance of state-of-the-art solutions, and enlistment of actual experts in the field. In a way, this means gaining new talent and technology, but not with the usual amount of costs involved.
Only the asset servicing firm needs to adjust. A successful partnership will very much depend on the willingness of both parties to adjust. Inasmuch as a good outsourcing partner would like to avoid business interruption, asset servicing will result in some degree of change. Roles have to be handed over, after all, which might also result in some friction between the in-house staff and the third party firm. The latter will also inevitably introduce new methods for accomplishing the same goals, which might contradict commonly held views within the client’s organization. For instance, where living, breathing humans used to handle some tasks, many asset servicing firms would be keen on automation, believing that the delivery of many of these functions could be designed in a way that promotes accuracy, precision, and speed.
To avoid disappointment when tapping asset services, fund managers need to put forward their particular expectations at the negotiating table, before any agreements are signed. Contracts can always be reformulated to address each concern, to ensure the satisfaction of all parties in the end.
The results of the outsourcing practice do not always satisfy the clients, however, and often, this “failure” of partnership can be attributed to the wrong expectations on the side of the fund managers. This article discusses two of these misguided notions when enlisting asset servicing firms:
Asset servicing is going to be a bargain. Many asset management firms are at a not-so-ideal business position when they do decide to tap outsourcing – and that is alright. However, some of them will tend to look at asset servicing specifically as a cure-all, and a means to make massive spending cuts on business procedures. And then they become surprised when they end up making a significant expense for the contract. In truth, asset servicing is in itself another form of investment. It is not a bargain in the sense of a buy-one-take-one promotion, but a bargain in the sense that a firm is able to save valuable time and resources for recruitment and training, purchase and maintenance of state-of-the-art solutions, and enlistment of actual experts in the field. In a way, this means gaining new talent and technology, but not with the usual amount of costs involved.
Only the asset servicing firm needs to adjust. A successful partnership will very much depend on the willingness of both parties to adjust. Inasmuch as a good outsourcing partner would like to avoid business interruption, asset servicing will result in some degree of change. Roles have to be handed over, after all, which might also result in some friction between the in-house staff and the third party firm. The latter will also inevitably introduce new methods for accomplishing the same goals, which might contradict commonly held views within the client’s organization. For instance, where living, breathing humans used to handle some tasks, many asset servicing firms would be keen on automation, believing that the delivery of many of these functions could be designed in a way that promotes accuracy, precision, and speed.
To avoid disappointment when tapping asset services, fund managers need to put forward their particular expectations at the negotiating table, before any agreements are signed. Contracts can always be reformulated to address each concern, to ensure the satisfaction of all parties in the end.
Tuesday, April 04, 2017
How Power Plays truly change the game
Daily Fantasy Hockey experts have focused on the importance of the power play in the game of hockey and in fantasy sports. The power play creates an advantage for the team on the power play to score and thus creates points for the game and the daily fantasy player or players. The more power plays that a team has, or that a fantasy player scores during, the higher value that team or player ranks. This is largely due to the fact that power plays open up a plethora of scoring opportunities for the team on the attack. Powerplays are a result of a player occurring penalty time, thus leaving their team with one less player than the other. All of the dynamics change in hockey, rules included, when either team is on a powerplay because scoring is a premium in this advantageous situation.
In the National Hockey League, also known as the NHL, the focus on the power play is on both parts of the game, the offense and the defense. The NHL teams look to build a team with players that can perform well on the power play and also to defend well against the power play. The salary cap in sports limit the roster as some top players are taking up a big portion of the teams spending, and thus teams focus on adding depth through defensive specialists for the power play Kill, as most of their high cost players are on the power play for scoring opportunities.
In Daily Fantasy Hockey the focus is on scoring, but the power play also allows for a bonus point for scoring on “special teams.” If the team defending the power play score a goal short handed they are also granted a bonus point for a special team goal and even an assist on that goal. Thus, the NHL and Fantasy Hockey spend a great deal of time analyzing the power play squads of every team, and again, that is both offense and defense. But in building your daily fantasy hockey roster, you will want to consider picking players that play on the power play as it has statistical advantage of scoring and the daily fantasy bonus point for a special teams point.
In the National Hockey League, also known as the NHL, the focus on the power play is on both parts of the game, the offense and the defense. The NHL teams look to build a team with players that can perform well on the power play and also to defend well against the power play. The salary cap in sports limit the roster as some top players are taking up a big portion of the teams spending, and thus teams focus on adding depth through defensive specialists for the power play Kill, as most of their high cost players are on the power play for scoring opportunities.
In Daily Fantasy Hockey the focus is on scoring, but the power play also allows for a bonus point for scoring on “special teams.” If the team defending the power play score a goal short handed they are also granted a bonus point for a special team goal and even an assist on that goal. Thus, the NHL and Fantasy Hockey spend a great deal of time analyzing the power play squads of every team, and again, that is both offense and defense. But in building your daily fantasy hockey roster, you will want to consider picking players that play on the power play as it has statistical advantage of scoring and the daily fantasy bonus point for a special teams point.
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Choosing among Hawaii homes for sale: Custom or move-in ready?
Are you set on moving to Big Island, Hawaii? Congratulations, and aloha! This lovely community will most assuredly welcome you and your family with the same warmth that the island has always been known for. And choosing among Hawaii homes for sale will be an exciting and enjoyable time for you and your loved ones.
If you are exactly at this stage, one of the key decisions to make is whether you will opt for a move-in ready home, one that’s ready for immediate occupancy, or an unfurnished one,which would give you a free hand in designing and decorating the interiors. This article will discuss the points that should guide you in deliberating.
Infusing personal touch. Everyone would wish for their home to be the reflection of who they are, and a custom home is a blank slate that’s ready to be slapped with colors and textures that describe its new owners’ personality. Move-in ready homes, on the other hand, may pose a lot of limitations when it comes to modifications in style, in the layout, in color schemes. All changes to the existing designs would surely require an investment of time and money. But at the same time, among the luxury options in the plush neighborhoods, furnishings are almost always top-of-the-line and might no longer call for upgrades or replacements.
Stress of choosing and purchasing. Depending on the person’s stress management skills, choosing and purchasing items for a home can be very agonizing or enjoyable, orperhaps for most, a little of both. With a move-in ready home, there would be no need to go through the hassles of procuring materials and furnishings: Figuring out the color, texture, and style combinations that work, comparing the many different brands, checking on item delivery, and hiring people to oversee their installment in the new home.
Time considerations. You or your family may have time-related concerns that might restrict your options. Maybe you want to move to Hawaii as soon as possible, and cannot afford the long wait that renovations and furnishing generally require. With a move-in ready home, you can start living the sweet, laidback island life at once.
To learn more about the options for beautiful Hawaii beach homes for sale waiting for you in Big Island, talk to Harold Clarke today. Harold is a leading real estate broker who knows the Big Island luxury real estate market like no other.
If you are exactly at this stage, one of the key decisions to make is whether you will opt for a move-in ready home, one that’s ready for immediate occupancy, or an unfurnished one,which would give you a free hand in designing and decorating the interiors. This article will discuss the points that should guide you in deliberating.
Infusing personal touch. Everyone would wish for their home to be the reflection of who they are, and a custom home is a blank slate that’s ready to be slapped with colors and textures that describe its new owners’ personality. Move-in ready homes, on the other hand, may pose a lot of limitations when it comes to modifications in style, in the layout, in color schemes. All changes to the existing designs would surely require an investment of time and money. But at the same time, among the luxury options in the plush neighborhoods, furnishings are almost always top-of-the-line and might no longer call for upgrades or replacements.
Stress of choosing and purchasing. Depending on the person’s stress management skills, choosing and purchasing items for a home can be very agonizing or enjoyable, orperhaps for most, a little of both. With a move-in ready home, there would be no need to go through the hassles of procuring materials and furnishings: Figuring out the color, texture, and style combinations that work, comparing the many different brands, checking on item delivery, and hiring people to oversee their installment in the new home.
Time considerations. You or your family may have time-related concerns that might restrict your options. Maybe you want to move to Hawaii as soon as possible, and cannot afford the long wait that renovations and furnishing generally require. With a move-in ready home, you can start living the sweet, laidback island life at once.
To learn more about the options for beautiful Hawaii beach homes for sale waiting for you in Big Island, talk to Harold Clarke today. Harold is a leading real estate broker who knows the Big Island luxury real estate market like no other.
Monday, February 20, 2017
How will the alternative investments domain fare under Trump?
Reduced taxes, a relaxation of regulations, and new trade policies. These were some of Trump’s commitments during the election season. Not surprisingly, Wall Street is excited, and those in the alternative investments sector, apparently even more so.
The list of alternative assets includes private equity, venture capital, hedge funds, and real assets such as oil and gas, gold, precious metals, antiques, and art. And a Trump presidency is set to affect all of these sectors.
Trump’s immigration policy is likely to result in a decreased number of labor workers, which in turn will impact on the operations of manufacturing, automative, food and beverage, and real estate. In truth, even as his campaign puts so much of the blame on immigrants for “stealing the jobs of locals,” immigrants take on a sizeable amount of the undesirable and unstable work for much lower pay.
With this development, costs for labor might go up, leading to higher prices of commodities and properties. It is yet to be seen whether this will be net positive or negative for the investment and securities business: On the one hand, it will be the opposite of the housing bubble that led to mortgage crisis of 2007 to 2019, where the decline in property prices resulted in the devaluation of real estate-based investments. On the other hand, higher prices might also simply turn the market away in favor of countries with better-priced properties.
Moreover, Trump has spoken about plans to reduce corporate taxes and bring back home the $2.5 trillion worth of cash from abroad. In addition, because he is from the world of business, he has been appointing businessmen to government posts, most notably former Goldman Sachs top exec and hedge fund manager Steven Mnuchin. With people from the industry around him, Trump is more likely to respond to the growing concern of fund management professionals towards easing up on current regulations covering asset management. More relaxed regulations will most likely draw more investors and expand the ways they can do business. At the same time, the situation might bring us back to the same problems that we faced before the financial crisis, which legislations such as the Dodd-Frank Act hoped to address.
In summary, nothing is certain for the alternative investments industry under Trump. But alternative asset managers will definitely benefit from consulting with today’s breed of asset servicing firms to boost their operational efficiency and strengthen their organization amid these unpredictable times.
The list of alternative assets includes private equity, venture capital, hedge funds, and real assets such as oil and gas, gold, precious metals, antiques, and art. And a Trump presidency is set to affect all of these sectors.
Trump’s immigration policy is likely to result in a decreased number of labor workers, which in turn will impact on the operations of manufacturing, automative, food and beverage, and real estate. In truth, even as his campaign puts so much of the blame on immigrants for “stealing the jobs of locals,” immigrants take on a sizeable amount of the undesirable and unstable work for much lower pay.
With this development, costs for labor might go up, leading to higher prices of commodities and properties. It is yet to be seen whether this will be net positive or negative for the investment and securities business: On the one hand, it will be the opposite of the housing bubble that led to mortgage crisis of 2007 to 2019, where the decline in property prices resulted in the devaluation of real estate-based investments. On the other hand, higher prices might also simply turn the market away in favor of countries with better-priced properties.
Moreover, Trump has spoken about plans to reduce corporate taxes and bring back home the $2.5 trillion worth of cash from abroad. In addition, because he is from the world of business, he has been appointing businessmen to government posts, most notably former Goldman Sachs top exec and hedge fund manager Steven Mnuchin. With people from the industry around him, Trump is more likely to respond to the growing concern of fund management professionals towards easing up on current regulations covering asset management. More relaxed regulations will most likely draw more investors and expand the ways they can do business. At the same time, the situation might bring us back to the same problems that we faced before the financial crisis, which legislations such as the Dodd-Frank Act hoped to address.
In summary, nothing is certain for the alternative investments industry under Trump. But alternative asset managers will definitely benefit from consulting with today’s breed of asset servicing firms to boost their operational efficiency and strengthen their organization amid these unpredictable times.
Wednesday, January 04, 2017
Hedge Funds and Asset Services 101: 3 important terms in an outsourcing agreement
Among hedge funds, the enlistment of asset services has become a widely accepted means of dealing with the demands of an increasingly competitive industry as well as tightened regulations. Picking the right outsourcing partner is important, but moreso the service agreement: It should be clear and precise, to ensure a smooth working relationship between the service provider and the client.
Below, we list down the basic items that should be in the terms of agreement with your asset servicing firm.
Communication. It should be clear to both parties who will represent the asset servicing firm and the service provider when the partnership actually begins. Terms should also cover the frequency of correspondence (Is there going to be daily, weekly, or monthly checks?); the venue for such correspondence (Does the client prefer e-mail, phone call, or face-to-face meetings?); and the range of time needed for the outsourcing partner to offer a response to queries.
Expected work outputs. Metrics should be set regarding the volume of work that the client expects. Will the service be measured in terms of man-hours rendered? Or are there particular, tangible items to be delivered? The clearer and more specific these terms are, the better; there will be no confusion when the service provider performs a task outside of what is stipulated in the contract.
Quality control. How will the asset servicing firm ensure the quality of outputs? Who are the persons in charge of quality assessment? How will these quality assessment processes be conducted? Will a third party be involved? What standards will be observed when it comes to the audit of the service provider’s outputs? What measures will be implemented should the hedge fund management firm be dissatisfied? Are technologies available to improve the way these tasks are accomplished?
Payment terms. Asset services are a hit in the industry because it supposedly allows fund management firms to save on operational costs. Making such savings can be facilitated by payment terms that are flexible and attuned to the goals of the fund managers. The volume of work, the tools to be procured or implemented, and the manpower to be deployed should all be based on the firm’s budget, but on top of this, terms for quarterly or semi-annual installment payments can be a huge relief, financially speaking.
With the right outsourcing partner, all these terms can be easily negotiated, to lean towards the needs of the fund management firm.
Below, we list down the basic items that should be in the terms of agreement with your asset servicing firm.
Communication. It should be clear to both parties who will represent the asset servicing firm and the service provider when the partnership actually begins. Terms should also cover the frequency of correspondence (Is there going to be daily, weekly, or monthly checks?); the venue for such correspondence (Does the client prefer e-mail, phone call, or face-to-face meetings?); and the range of time needed for the outsourcing partner to offer a response to queries.
Expected work outputs. Metrics should be set regarding the volume of work that the client expects. Will the service be measured in terms of man-hours rendered? Or are there particular, tangible items to be delivered? The clearer and more specific these terms are, the better; there will be no confusion when the service provider performs a task outside of what is stipulated in the contract.
Quality control. How will the asset servicing firm ensure the quality of outputs? Who are the persons in charge of quality assessment? How will these quality assessment processes be conducted? Will a third party be involved? What standards will be observed when it comes to the audit of the service provider’s outputs? What measures will be implemented should the hedge fund management firm be dissatisfied? Are technologies available to improve the way these tasks are accomplished?
Payment terms. Asset services are a hit in the industry because it supposedly allows fund management firms to save on operational costs. Making such savings can be facilitated by payment terms that are flexible and attuned to the goals of the fund managers. The volume of work, the tools to be procured or implemented, and the manpower to be deployed should all be based on the firm’s budget, but on top of this, terms for quarterly or semi-annual installment payments can be a huge relief, financially speaking.
With the right outsourcing partner, all these terms can be easily negotiated, to lean towards the needs of the fund management firm.
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Finding Paradise in Hawaii Luxury Real Estate
Amid the highs and lows of the world economy, the Hawaii luxury real estate market continues to thrive. Big Island, in particular, is drawing wealthy buyers from across the globe who are charmed by its bespoke beauty and a vibrant community built around wellness, adventure, and the finer things in life.
Luxury real estate properties in this side of the Pacific typically afford their well-heeled owners unparalleled ocean views, as well as the incredible backdrop of lush mountains and rolling hills. The island’s famed hotels – Ritz Carlton, Marriott, Hilton Waikoloa Village, and Four Seasons Resort, to name a few – are always just a five minute-drive if not steps away, perfect for such activities as poolside or beachside lounging, golfing, pampering at the spa, or dining.
Exclusivity, panoramic vistas, and first-rate furnishings are the hallmarks of Big Island luxury real estate properties. In these neighborhoods, beachfront homes, condos, and villas may only be accessed through private roads, and security is round-the-clock. Residents and their guests wake up to breathtaking views of the sunrise through floor to ceiling glass windows, and sip cocktails from their balconies while watching the sun set.
Interiors are designed to impress visitors – from the premium flooring and vaulted ceilings, to the elegant furniture and well-curated collections of paintings and other decor. These homes are also appointed with custom cabinetry and premium appliances for gourmet cooking, and feature outdoor grills, wet bars, private lanais, and large pools, among other amenities for entertaining guests.
From these properties, residents can experience Hawaii’s distinct island vibe, one that places great value in communing with nature, and nurturing a warm, gracious hospitality. Life here is slow and relaxed but also fun-filled and exciting, with people embracing both the indoors and outdoors, always up for some romance and thrilling escapades.
At the same time, the flux of buyers from all continents as well as the steady stream of tourists has made Big Island cosmopolitan in many respects. Extraordinary arts and cultural experiences await in the many museums and galleries around, while the best of modern international cuisines are served in the fine dining restaurants. Big Island hotels are able to offer the ultimate in luxury, and are then a favorite destination for those celebrating special occasions such as birthdays, reunions, weddings, or anniversaries.
With the help of an experienced broker based in Big Island, you too can find paradise in a Hawaii luxury real estate property.
Luxury real estate properties in this side of the Pacific typically afford their well-heeled owners unparalleled ocean views, as well as the incredible backdrop of lush mountains and rolling hills. The island’s famed hotels – Ritz Carlton, Marriott, Hilton Waikoloa Village, and Four Seasons Resort, to name a few – are always just a five minute-drive if not steps away, perfect for such activities as poolside or beachside lounging, golfing, pampering at the spa, or dining.
Exclusivity, panoramic vistas, and first-rate furnishings are the hallmarks of Big Island luxury real estate properties. In these neighborhoods, beachfront homes, condos, and villas may only be accessed through private roads, and security is round-the-clock. Residents and their guests wake up to breathtaking views of the sunrise through floor to ceiling glass windows, and sip cocktails from their balconies while watching the sun set.
Interiors are designed to impress visitors – from the premium flooring and vaulted ceilings, to the elegant furniture and well-curated collections of paintings and other decor. These homes are also appointed with custom cabinetry and premium appliances for gourmet cooking, and feature outdoor grills, wet bars, private lanais, and large pools, among other amenities for entertaining guests.
From these properties, residents can experience Hawaii’s distinct island vibe, one that places great value in communing with nature, and nurturing a warm, gracious hospitality. Life here is slow and relaxed but also fun-filled and exciting, with people embracing both the indoors and outdoors, always up for some romance and thrilling escapades.
At the same time, the flux of buyers from all continents as well as the steady stream of tourists has made Big Island cosmopolitan in many respects. Extraordinary arts and cultural experiences await in the many museums and galleries around, while the best of modern international cuisines are served in the fine dining restaurants. Big Island hotels are able to offer the ultimate in luxury, and are then a favorite destination for those celebrating special occasions such as birthdays, reunions, weddings, or anniversaries.
With the help of an experienced broker based in Big Island, you too can find paradise in a Hawaii luxury real estate property.
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