Absolute Returns

HIGH FIVE

Absolute return providers have been forced to respond to capacity questions by changing fund remits or even soft-closing vehicles as flows into the sector leap this year.

The Investment Management Association (IMA) has begun publicly revealing Targeted Absolute Return funds' rolling 12-month performance as part of a tightening of requirements, following widespread criticism of the sector.

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has criticised an independent consultant appointed to review the Arch Cru funds for banned adviser Stephen Danner.

Fund groups have renewed their calls for sub-divisions within the Absolute Return peer group, after the Investment Management Association (IMA) revealed its long-awaited review of the sector last week.

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) is to review the issues raised by the Financial Services Authority's (FSA) Arch Cru redress scheme for the purpose of deciding claims.

SPL Guernsey, the manager of what were the Arch Cru funds, is suing the former auditor of the fund range for £3.7m for breaches of duty in relation to the fund's accounts.

CRUMBLING ARCH

Arch Financial Products (AFP) chief executive Robin Farrell made £492,359 from the sale of shares in the Arch group to the Arch Cru fund range, the Financial Services Authority (FSA) has revealed.

The IMA expects to announce the results of its Absolute Return sector review by the end of February.