Tokyo Adviser Trying to Help Japanese Hedge Fund Market

TOKYO (HedgeWorld.com)–Teneo Partners Ltd. wants to expand the range of services it offers hedge fund managers looking to break into the Japanese market by obtaining a new license that will allow it to solicit Japanese investors on behalf of its hedge fund clients.

The new Security Sales Agency license system became effective April 1 as part of an amendment to Japan’s Securities and Exchange Law, Teneo officials said in a statement. Its goal is to increase the number of intermediaries in Japan’s financial markets. With the license firms can conduct direct solicitation, including distributing prospectuses and subscription forms to potential investors.

“Japan is a challenging market; however, the rewards are tremendous,” said Mark Voumard, a partner at the firm, in the statement. “The Series Sales Agency license will complement our existing investment advisory activities and extend our reach to all investors in Japan.”

Currently, Teneo Partners provides various services to offshore hedge fund, private equity and other alternatives managers looking to attract Japanese investors. The firm provides research on listed Japanese companies; creates tax and regulatory structures for investors who want to manage assets in Japan; and through its emerging managers program, it identifies promising Japanese asset managers and provides them with offshore fund structures, marketing advice and business support, according to Teneo officials.

The firm also has launched a web site that offers information in English about hedge funds and the alternatives industry in Japan.