AI Insight News and Events
Gain an Edge with AltsEdge
AltsEdge from iCapital and CAIA Association is a comprehensive certificate program that gives financial professionals a competitive edge with practical knowledge on the role and use of alternative investments (plus up to 10 CE credits). Get started today
From iCapital Network: Expecting Inflation? Consider Alternatives
Shifting capital from public bonds and stocks into select alternative strategies can protect capital and improve returns in an inflationary environment. Read more
From iCapital Network: Private Markets Have Become Accessible to Individual Investors
Through technology and product innovation, a variety of registered funds make high-quality private equity and credit available to individual investors. Read more
iCapital Network, a financial technology platform focused on alternative investing for the asset and wealth management industries, has agreed to purchase the assets of AI Insight Inc., an alternative investment education and compliance platform for financial advisors. We look forward to bringing together our technologies to continue supporting advisors and their clients with alternative investing.
ADISA Names 2021 Board of Directors
AI Insight’s Sherri Cooke has been selected to serve on ADISA’s 2021 Board of Directors. Alternative & Direct Investment Securities Association (ADISA) is a trade association that represents the alternative investment and securities industry.
Updated Edition of ADISA’s Guide to Alternative Investments now available
AI Insight’s Sherri Cooke and Laura Sexton recently helped review an updated and revised version of The Guide to Alternative Investments, developed by ADISA in collaboration with Lightbulb Press. The Guide now includes interval funds, Regulation A/Regulation A+, liquid alternatives, and more. Download a digital copy
Video: AI Insight’s Lou Johnson on alternative mutual funds in 2020
AI Insight’s Lou Johnson discusses key points on alternative mutual funds as of mid-year 2020 and going forward. Watch now
AI Insight’s Mike Kell to chair IPA’s new Industry Data and Research Committee
The IPA’s Industry Data and Research Committee will drive the future growth of the PDI industry by advancing independent industry data and serving as a key resource for real-time access. The Committee will guide the development of deep and broad analysis of investor’s behavior vis-à-vis investments, risk tolerance, liquidity needs, demographic, market condition and historical data analysis. The research will identify direct statistical impacts on product performance in different market cycle as well as other critical performance data. The Committee will hold regular Committee and Interest Group calls and in-person meetings at IPA conferences. Annual workplans and schedules will be determined by the Committee.
AI Insight earns National Women’s Business Certification
AI Insight recently earned their annual certification from the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council. WBENC is the largest certifier of women-owned businesses in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners and entrepreneurs.
WBENC Certification validates that the business is 51 percent owned, controlled, operated, and managed by a woman or women. To achieve WBENC Certification, AI Insight completed a formal documentation and site visit process which is administered by one of WBENC’s 14 Regional Partner Organizations.
Webinar on Demand: What Do We Do Now – An Industry Perspective
AI Insight’s Sherri Cooke joins a panel discussion, “What Do We Do Now – An Industry Perspective“, as part of Blue Vault’s Alts Week along with Brian Rivera-CIM Group, Dale Brown-FSI; Thayer Gallison-Advisor Group and Ryan Strauser-Black Creek Group.
Webinar Replay: Risk Management 201: Investing Considerations during COVID-19
AI Insight’s Sherri Cooke and Mike Kell participated in ADISA’s recent webinar, Risk Management 201: Investing Considerations during COVID-19, along with Lilian Morvay, Independent Broker Dealer Consortium, LLC (“IBDC”), Michael Schwartzberg, Winget Spadafora & Schwartzberg; Gary Saretsky, Saretsky Hart Michaels + Gould; Sheri Pontolillo, InterWeb Insurance; and Bob Valker, Capital Forensics. Watch as they examine via video panel more in-depth risk management issues as they pertain to the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Register: Alternative Investment Industry Update: Year-End 2019 & Q1 2020
Register for our April 30 webinar: Taylor Garrett of Mountain Dell Consulting, Kevin Gannon of Robert A. Stanger & Co., and Mike Kell of AI Insight review the latest trends and data from the alternative investment industry including public programs and private placements.
Register: Industry Panel Webinar – COVID-19 Impact and Outlook – Alternative Investment Markets
Register for our April 21 webinar: Real estate and debt managers from FS Investments, Griffin Capital and Nuveen discuss the impact of COVID-19 on their sectors and the outlook for investors. AI Insight analysts will also provide a due diligence checklist and key takeaways to help navigate in this time of uncertainty.
AI Insight Announcement: New Partnership with AIX
Alternative Investment Exchange (AIX), a financial technology solutions provider that streamlines the process of transacting in non-traded alternatives, announced a partnership with AI Insight, the leader in alternative investment research, training and compliance support. Read the press release
SEC Proposes Rule Changes
The SEC is proposing amendments to simplify, harmonize, and improve certain aspects of the exempt offering framework to promote capital formation while preserving or enhancing important investor protections. View the announcement and the details.
New CE Course Available: Understanding Regulation Best Interest
Log in to AI Insight to earn 1 CFP CE Credit while you gain an understanding of the SEC’s Regulation Best Interest rules. After completion of the course, an individual should have an understanding of: (i) Reg BI background, (ii) new obligations, (iii) regulator expectations, (iv) impact on product sales, (v) conflicts, compensation, disclosure and (vi) Reg BI resources.
Not a subscriber? Learn more about our extensive e-learning options.
Top Ranks: Interval Funds
As of the latest reporting period, there were 64 active interval funds with $30.4 billion in net assets. Interval fund industry net asset growth has slowed from the 50 percent-plus range to the high single digits, with about 10 percent growth in net assets between fiscal year 2018 and the first six months of 2019. Read more from Laura Sexton’s contribution to the December issue of Real Assets Adviser.
Watch Now: Why Alternatives?
Watch the replay from our recent webinar, “Why Alternatives?“. With changing markets, the traditional 60/40 portfolio mix has become challenged. Learn how alternative investments can help you remain competitive and appeal to clients, plus how you can access comprehensive alternative investment information to help you apply them in your practice.
Watch Now: AI Insight’s Comparative Reporting Tool
Cristina Oliver demonstrates how you can create side-by-side alternative investment comparisons on AI Insight to help you source and research 300+ programs based on 120+ features. Watch Now
ADISA 2019 Annual Conference
Sherri Cooke, Mike Kell and Michelle Browning represented AI Insight at the ADISA Annual Conference last week in Las Vegas, NV. Mike presented the latest private placement data and trends at the General Session during the event.
IPAVision 2019 Conference
Mike Kell and Michelle Browning represented AI Insight at the IPAVision 2019 event last week. Mike gave an update on alternative investment performance and trends at the general session and Michelle spoke on the Point of Sale Considerations for PDIs panel.
Watch Now: Exclusive Webinar Excerpt-Q2 2019 Alternative Investment Industry Insights
As part of the benefits for the AI Insight Financial Performance Reporting subscription, we offer exclusive webinars to periodically review data for all non-traded sectors, alternative investment market trends and due diligence findings. Watch this excerpt of our subscriber-only webinar covering alternative investments for the second quarter of 2019. Contact us to learn more about AI Insight’s Financial Performance Reporting features and to get access to future webinars.
Watch Now: AI Insight for Administrators Webinar
Watch the playback for our webinar, “AI Insight for Administrators“. You’ll find out how to consistently train your advisors on complex product features, risks and suitability using modules based on the prospectus or PPM. Learn to create customized training based on your firm-specific requirements, such as written supervisory procedures.
Join AI Insight every month for a 30-to-60-minute webinar as we talk with you about relevant topics and trends in the alternative investment industry. View the schedule
Watch Now: Exclusive Webinar Excerpt – Alternative Mutual Funds
As part of the benefits for the AI Insight Alternative Mutual Fund Research subscription, we offer exclusive webinars to periodically review key developments for the alternative mutual fund industry including an analysis of performance, performance statistics, and AUM trends, among other areas of interest. Watch this excerpt of our subscriber-only webinar covering alternative mutual funds for the first half of 2019.
______________________________________
Alts Insights Podcast – August 2019
Listen to the Alts Insights Podcast hosted by AI Insight. This month, Laura Sexton, Senior Director of Program Management at AI Insight, discusses key Private Placement findings including:
– Market trends
– Comparison of 2019 to 2018 metrics
– Impact of recent Walgreens announcement
Watch Now: AI Insight for Alternative Investment Research Webinar
Watch the playbackfor our webinar, “AI Insight for Alternative Investment Research“. You’ll find out how to create efficiencies in your business by simplifying your alternative investments research, training and due diligence using sophisticated alternative investment reports and tools.
Join AI Insight every month for a 30-to-60-minute webinar as we talk with you about relevant topics and trends in the alternative investment industry. View the schedule
Alts Insights Podcast – July 2019
Listen to the Alts Insights Podcast hosted by AI Insight CEO Sherri Cooke. This month, Laura Sexton, Senior Director of Program Management joins to review the trends we’re seeing in the non-traded alts industry, as well as some market insights relevant to each category.
SEC Press Release – July 15, 2019
The SEC and NASAA released a joint statement explaining the application of the federal and state securities laws to investments in opportunity zones. Read now
Join us for a webinar on Wednesday, July 24 at 4:00 p.m. ET: AI Insight for Alternative Investment Research
Find out how to create efficiencies in your business by simplifying your alternative investments research, training and due diligence using sophisticated alternative investment reports and tools. Register now
Join AI Insight every month for a 30-to-60-minute webinar as we talk with you about relevant topics and trends in the alternative investment industry. View the schedule
Watch Now: AI Insight Webinar for RIAs
Watch the playbackfor our webinar, “AI Insight for RIAs”. Vali Nasr, CEO of Claraphi Advisory Network, LLC, and Darren Whissen, Founder and President of Atomi Financial Group, Inc., discuss how to expand your complex product knowledge, and learn how to enhance your research and due diligence efforts to more confidently apply alternative investment solutions.
Join AI Insight every month for a 30-to-60-minute webinar as we talk with you about relevant topics and trends in the alternative investment industry. View the schedule
PR Newswire: AI Insight Launches New Alternative Investment Industry Reports
WORTHINGTON, Ohio, June 11, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — AI Insight Inc., a leader in alternative investment research, training and compliance documentation, announced today that it now offers Alternative Investment Industry Reports. Read the full press release
SEC Adopts Rules and Interpretations to Enhance Protections and Preserve Choice for Retail Investors in Their Relationships with Financial Professionals
On June 5, 2019, the SEC released a statement about their vote to adopt a package of rulemakings and interpretations designed to enhance the quality and transparency of retail investors’ relationships with investment advisers and broker-dealers. Read the press release
Watch Now: AI Insight Webinar for Alternative Investment Managers
Do you have a new offering coming soon? Watch the playbackfor our webinar, “AI Insight for Alternative Investment Managers”, to find out how to provide an unbiased presentation of your program facts, features and risks, offering IBDs, RIAs and FAs easy access to your current offering documents including updates to quarterly performance.
Join AI Insight every month for a 30-to-60-minute webinar as we talk with you about relevant topics and trends in the alternative investment industry. View the schedule
Lou Johnson represented AI Insight at the Investment Company Institute – General Membership Meeting in Washington D.C. last week. The Investment Company Institute (ICI) is the leading association representing regulated funds globally, including mutual funds, ETFs, closed-end funds, and unit investment trusts in the United States, and similar funds offered to investors in jurisdictions worldwide. ICI seeks to encourage adherence to high ethical standards, promote public understanding, and otherwise advance the interests of funds, their shareholders, directors, and advisers.
Watch Now: AI Insight Webinar – Financial Performance Reporting featuring Industry Reports
Find out how you can access hard-to-find key financial statistics for Private Placements, Non-Traded REITs, BDCs and Closed-End Funds, and Alternative Mutual Funds, such as distributions and coverage ratios, sector allocations, capital raise, leverage ratios and more. See how to customize packaged reports that combine the Industry Report with snapshots for the programs most important to you. Watch the playback
Join AI Insight every month for a 30-to-60-minute webinar as we talk with you about relevant topics and trends in the alternative investment industry. View the schedule
Watch Now: AI Insight Webinar – Continuing Education Features & Enhancements
Learn how you can efficiently customize, facilitate and document Needs Analysis Surveys, Firm Element Training, Annual Compliance Meeting, Annual Disclosure Questionnaire and Anti-Money Laundering Training. Watch the playback
Join AI Insight every month for a 30-to-60-minute webinar as we talk with you about relevant topics and trends in the alternative investment industry. View the schedule
Now Available on AI Insight: Guggenheim Credit Income Fund 2019
Guggenheim Credit Income Fund 2019 seeks to provide investors with current income, capital preservation, and, to a lesser extent, long-term capital appreciation. Through investing in a Master Fund, Guggenheim Credit Income Fund 2019 seeks to meet it objectives by investing in large, privately-negotiated loans to U.S. middle market companies (defined as companies with EBITDA of $25 million to $100 million and annual revenue of $50 million to $1 billion). Public filings may be viewed here.
AI Insight Subscribers log in here to view the Program Summary and accompanying Education Module. For more information about AI Insight, click here.
Watch Now: Industry Panel Webinar – Alternative Mutual Funds
Did you miss our recent webinar? Industry leaders from Cetera Investment Management, Snyder Kearney and Vivaldi Capital Management recently discussed the current regulatory environment for Alternative Mutual Funds including recent performance and challenges the space has seen. Watch the playback
Join AI Insight every month for a 30-to-60-minute webinar as we talk with you about relevant topics and trends in the alternative investment industry. View the schedule
IPAForum 2019 Event: Qualified Opportunity Zone Funds
The IPA, in cooperation with AI Insight, recently brought top legal and accounting experts and regulatory officials, together with leading QOZ fund sponsors, broker dealers and RIAs to address the most pressing issues about this exciting new opportunity. The IPA Qualified Opportunity Zone Funds Forum was a sold out event that took place in Dallas in mid-February. AI Insight’s Mike Kell led the session, “Effective Due Diligence for Qualified Opportunity Zone Funds”.
Watch Now: Webinar-Introduction to Opportunity Zones
Did you miss our first webinar of the year? Kyla M. Ehrisman, Esq. and Alan Lincoln, MBA, CCIM of Mick Law P.C. LLO discuss the newest alternative investment, Opportunity Zone Funds. Plus, you’ll hear about the rules, risks and potential benefits, and find out about the training resources available to you. Watch the playback
Join AI Insight every month for a 30-to-60-minute webinar as we talk with you about relevant topics and trends in the alternative investment industry. View the schedule
Register Now: 2019 AI Insight Monthly Alternative Investment Webinar Series
Jan. 31 Webinar: Introduction to Opportunity Zones
Join AI Insight every month for a 30-minute webinar as we talk with you about relevant topics and trends in the alternative investment industry. Plus, learn how to better navigate our training and education platform to help you research and efficiently implement alternative investments in your practice. Review the webinar schedule, then click the corresponding registration link to save your seat.
The first webinar will be on Jan. 31 at 2:00 p.m ET. Kyla M. Ehrisman, Esq. of Mick Law P.C. LLO joins us to discuss the newest alternative investment, Opportunity Zone Funds. Plus, you’ll hear about the rules, risks and potential benefits, and find out about the training resources available to you. Register now
Register Now: IPA Forum-Qualified Opportunity Zone Funds
Dallas – Feb. 12 and 13
Qualified Opportunity Zones have been heralded as one of the most significant economic development strategies in decades. But with over one hundred QOZ Funds already registered with the SEC representing more than $18 billion in potential investment, significant questions about the regulatory framework and broker dealer due diligence requirements remain.
The IPA, in cooperation with AI Insight, is bringing top legal and accounting experts and regulatory officials, together with leading QOZ fund sponsors, broker dealers and RIAs to address the most pressing issues about this exciting new opportunity. The IPA Qualified Opportunity Zone Funds Forum was developed in close consultation with leading broker dealers and RIAs and is designed to strengthen their assessment of this once in a generation investment opportunity. Register Now
______________________________________
Sherri Cooke elected to 2019 ADISA Board of Directors
AI Insight President and CEO Sherri Cooke has been elected to ADISA’s 2019 Board of Directors. The Alternative & Direct Investment Securities Association bills itself as the nation’s largest trade association representing the non‐traded alternative investment space. Read more
______________________________________
The AI Insight team recently met in Cleveland for their annual meeting to discuss how they can continue to help broker dealers, alternative investment managers and financial professionals grow their businesses through AI Insight platform enhancements such as the upcoming launch of Alternative Mutual Fund Research functionality.
Now Available on AI Insight: Starwood Real Estate Income Trust, Inc.
Starwood Real Estate Income Trust, Inc., a public non-traded REIT sponsored by the newly-developed Starwood Capital Group Holdings, L.P., was recently declared effective by the SEC. The Company is offering on a continuous basis up to $5 billion in shares of common stock, consisting of up to $4 billion in shares in the primary offering and up to $1 billion in shares pursuant to the distribution reinvestment plan. Starwood Real Estate Trust, Inc. focuses on stabilized, income-oriented commercial real estate and debt secured by commercial real estate. Public filings may be viewed here.
AI Insight Subscribers log in here to view the Program Summary and accompanying Education Module. For more information about AI Insight, click here.
Now Available on AI Insight: OFI Carlyle Private Credit Fund
OFI Carlyle Private Credit Fund, is a newly-organized Delaware statutory trust registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company that is operated as an interval fund. The investment adviser to the Fund is OC Private Capital, a joint venture between an affiliate of OppenheimerFunds, Inc. and Carlyle Investment Management L.L.C. The investment sub-adviser to the Fund is Carlyle Global Credit Investment Management L.L.C. The Fund’s investment objective is to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns, while producing current income, by opportunistically allocating its assets across a wide range of credit strategies. Public filings may be viewed here.
AI Insight Subscribers log in here to view the Program Summary and accompanying Education Module. For more information about AI Insight, click here.
Webinar Replay: New AI Insight Alternative Mutual Fund Research
Did you miss our July 19th webinar about the launch of our new Alternative Mutual Fund Research functionality? Watch the replay or view the deck.
Now Available on AI Insight: Rodin Income Trust, Inc.
Rodin Income Trust, Inc., a public non-traded REIT sponsored by Cantor Fitzgerald Investors LLC, was recently declared effective by the SEC. The Company seeks to raise $1.25 billion through the issuance of 250 million shares. Rodin Income Trust, Inc. focuses on originating mortgage loans secured by commercial real estate located primarily in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other European Countries. The Company also intends to invest in commercial real estate securities and properties. Public filings may be viewed here.
AI Insight Subscribers log in here to view the Program Summary and accompanying Education Module. For more information about AI Insight, click here.
July 19 Webinar: Alternative Mutual Fund Research
Join us for a webinar on July 19 to hear about AI Insight’s new Alternative Mutual Fund Research covering comprehensive insight into investment strategies and processes to help advisors frame their use of AMFs. Click this link to register
Lou Johnson attended the Morningstar Investment Conference in Chicago, IL this week to discuss the latest developments and key trends in the financial industry.
Mike Kell represented AI Insight at the FINRA Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. to discuss regulatory topics relevant to our industry.
Now Available on AI Insight: CNL Strategic Capital, LLC
CNL Strategic Capital, LLC, a newly formed public limited liability company, was recently declared effective by the SEC. The company is externally managed by CNL Strategic Capital Management, LLC and sub-managed by Levine Leichtman Strategic Capital, LLC. The Company seeks to raise $1.1 billion and provide current income and long-term appreciation while protecting invested capital through the ownership of durable and growing, middle-market businesses. The Company will target businesses that are highly cash flow generative with annual revenues between $25 million and $500 million, through differentiated and time-tested acquisition strategies. Public filings may be viewed here.
AI Insight Subscribers log in here to view the Program Summary and accompanying Education Module. For more information about AI Insight, click here.
Now Available on AI Insight: GWG L Bonds (Follow-On)
GWG L Bonds had its follow-on offering recently declared effective by the SEC. The Company seeks to raise another $1 billion through the issuance of one million units. The Company ceased offering shares pursuant to its initial public offering on January 5, 2018, after having raised gross proceeds of over $600 million. The Company seeks to build a profitable and large portfolio of life insurance assets that is well diversified in terms of insurance companies and insureds. The Company intends to use a majority of the net proceeds from the sale of the L Bonds to purchase additional life insurance policy assets in the secondary market. The fund’s primary objective is to earn returns from the Company’s investments in life insurance assets that are greater than the costs necessary to purchase, finance, and service those assets. Public filings may be viewed here.
Press Release: AI Insight Announces New Liquid Alternatives Research Initiative and Release of White Paper
WORTHINGTON, Ohio, Dec. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — AI Insight Inc., a leader in alternative investment research, education and compliance documentation, announced today that it will begin offering liquid alternative research reports in 2018, enabling advisors to compare the details and financial performance of alternative investment mutual funds. Read more.
Now Available on AI Insight: Pathway Capital Opportunity Fund, Inc. (Follow-On)
Pathway Capital Opportunity Fund, Inc., a closed-end interval fund, had its follow-on offering recently declared effective by the SEC. The company seeks to raise another $1.35 billion through the issuance of up to 100 million shares. The Company ceased offering shares pursuant to its initial public offering on October 31, 2017, after having raised gross proceeds, including distribution reinvestments, of over $9.0 million. The fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 50% of its total assets in securities of infrastructure companies and infrastructure-related companies. The fund’s objectives include generating current income and long-term capital appreciation. Public filings may be viewed here.
AI Insight Subscribers log in here to view the Program Summary and accompanying Education Module. For more information about AI Insight, click here.
AI Insight in the News
AI Insight’s Mike Kell, Vice President of Program Management and Business Development, was recently quoted in a Real Assets Adviser article on non-traded REITs.
Now Available on AI Insight: NorthStar Real Estate Capital Income Fund-ADV
NorthStar Real Estate Capital Income Fund-ADV, a closed-end fund, was recently declared effective by the SEC. The Company seeks to raise $181.8 million through the issuance of 20 million shares (Ticker: XNVFX). The Company will invest substantially all of its assets in NorthStar Real Estate Capital Income Master Fund, a separate, non-diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Master Fund intends to invest in a variety of asset types, property types and geographic locations. Its lending-focused investment strategy emphasizes its primary investment objectives to generate attractive and consistent income through cash distributions and preserve and protect shareholders’ capital. Public filings may be viewed here.
AI Insight Subscribers log in here to view the Program Summary and accompanying Education Module. For more information about AI Insight, click here.
AI Insight Education Module Enhancement Implemented on Nov. 27
We recently implemented enhancements to our Education Modules on the AI Insight platform. Highlights include:
• Improved question narratives and summaries
• Ability to add custom questions to the AI Insight education modules, eliminating the need for a supplemental test
• Improved test taking process, including Program Summary snapshots when an incorrect answer is entered
10/17 Webinar Opportunity: Using Conservation Land Easements as a Tax Strategy
Join AI Insight and Webb Creek for a webinar on Tuesday, October 17 at 4:00 p.m. ET to learn about the characteristics, benefits, tax savings and potential risks of Conservation Land Easements (CLEs) as well as details of the recent IRS Notices impacting CLEs. To register, click here.
PODCAST: Hear AI Insight’s CEO Sherri Cooke on Strategic Investor Radio
Charley Wright of Strategic Investor Radio recently interviewed AI Insight CEO Sherri Cooke. Hear Sherri discuss her perspective on:
Success Stores: Discounted E&O Rates
AI Insight recently partnered with Integro to offer reduced E&O rates
AI Insight and Integro Insurance Brokers have designed an exclusive E&O program to help lower your rates and broaden coverage. Read more for some recent success stories and find out how you can participate.
A Closer Look at the Proliferation of Preferred Stock Offerings
Mike Kell, Vice President of Program Management, AI Insight, moderated this recent IPA webinar which covered how the proliferation of different structures has provided retail clients with unprecedented choice for accessing Portfolio Diversifying Investments (PDIs), which provide features that may have been otherwise beyond reach. Listen now.
Article by Laura Sexton, Senior Director, Program Management
With phase one of the Department of Labor’s Fiduciary Rule now in effect, where does responsibility lie when it comes to approving and offering alternative investments? Read more
