What Hedge Fund Managers Can Expect From SEC Remote Examinations (Part One of Two)

In an effort to reach more hedge fund managers and other registered investment advisers, the SEC is conducting more inspections and examinations, reassigning staff to handle increased workload and deploying additional resources, such as its National Exam Analytics Tool and the new Office of Risk and Strategy. See “Effects of Expanding SEC Investment Adviser Examinations” (Mar. 24, 2016). Another tool in the SEC’s arsenal is its ability to review hedge fund managers and investment advisers remotely in lieu of conducting an onsite examination. This process broadens the SEC’s overall reach, while also focusing on particular issues. However, hedge fund managers must remain wary of the unique risks inherent to remote exams. This article, the first in a two-part series, outlines the reasons the SEC conducts remote examinations and delineates the differences between remote and in-person exams. The second article will discuss the risks of a remote exam and best practices for a hedge fund manager in preparing for and enduring a remote exam. For more on preparing for SEC examinations, see “Current and Former Regulators Advise Hedge Fund Managers on How to Prepare for SEC Exams” (Feb. 18, 2016); and “Hedge Fund Managers Advised to Prepare for Imminent SEC Examination” (Jan. 28, 2016).

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