Capture private equity type returns while taking bond-like riskThe Business
The Company is a start-up specialty finance company that will provide ?Book Value Wraps? (BVW) to Stable Value Funds, which solely invest in low-duration/high-quality fixed income securities (e.g. US Treasury/Agency notes, AA-rated corporate bonds). Retirement funds such as the US Defined Contribution Plans (e.g. 401(k) plans) are typical investors in Stable Value Funds.
A Book Value Wrap is a contract that takes contingent risk on the market value of assets, which is primarily related to early withdrawals from a fund by investors. Retirement plan managers use a BVW to offset surrender (withdrawal) risk, which is relatively low due to the onerous restrictions on early withdrawal by retirement plan participants. The BVW contract provides a payout when the retirement plan participants must withdraw their monies from a fund.
Market
Historically, there have been almost no payments under BVW contracts since the market was formed in late 1970s/early 1980s. Even in the past two years, when fund market values declined, people actually transferred into the funds at par because they were concerned about stock markets.
Large financial institutions have been downsizing or exiting this market due to a low return on assets – the product has been resilient to losses, but they are senior contracts with large notionals. However, the return on equity can provide an IRR of 20-30% p.a., even though risks are considered bond-like.
Sector: Financial ServicesSegment: Specialty FinanceRegion: North AmericaFinancing Size: More than $100mContact: Thierry Larose
Company: InBelFluTelephone: +55 21 4063 7353Email: [email protected]