Understanding the unique risks associated with funds management is essential for both Funds Managers and potential investors. While all trading involves inherent risks, managing funds for others introduces additional considerations that can impact your trading approach and profitability.
Trading Risks Overview
Funds Management provides traders with flexibility in implementing their preferred trading style and strategy. However, proper risk management is strongly recommended, as your performance metrics will be visible to current and potential investors. Being aware of the specific challenges can help you make informed decisions about whether funds management aligns with your trading goals.
Key Risk Considerations for Funds Managers
1. Billing Period Constraints
The Challenge:
Fund performance is calculated based on specific time periods (billing cycles). This structure may create pressure to generate returns within these fixed timeframes rather than following your natural trading rhythm.
Impact on Trading:
May encourage shorter-term trading decisions
Could conflict with longer-term trading strategies
May create psychological pressure to perform within specific deadlines
Can affect your ability to hold positions through temporary drawdowns
Consideration:
Funds Managers should carefully evaluate whether their trading strategy aligns with the billing period structure and adjust their approach accordingly.
2. Delayed Performance Fee Collection
The Challenge:
Performance Fees are only paid at the end of each billing period, requiring managers to adapt to this payment schedule rather than receiving immediate compensation for successful trades.
Impact on Cash Flow:
Earnings are received periodically rather than continuously
Successful trades don't immediately translate to available funds
Requires financial planning to manage income timing
May affect your ability to reinvest profits immediately
Consideration:
Plan your personal finances with the understanding that Performance Fee payments follow a fixed schedule, regardless of when profitable trades occur.
3. Transparent Performance Metrics
The Challenge:
Your fund's return metrics are always visible to potential investors - there's no option to hide performance data. Both successes and failures are publicly displayed.
Impact on Reputation:
All performance history remains visible
Drawdown periods are transparent to investors
Cannot selectively display only positive results
Performance comparisons with other funds are easily accessible
Consideration:
Be prepared for full transparency and focus on building a consistent long-term track record rather than hiding temporary setbacks.
4. Impact of Drawdowns
The Challenge:
Accumulated losses directly reduce your Performance Fee earnings through the High Water Mark mechanism. This means drawdowns can have a more significant impact on your overall profitability compared to regular trading.
How It Works:
Performance Fees are only earned on new profit highs
You must recover all losses before earning fees again
Extended drawdown periods mean extended periods without Performance Fee income
The financial impact of losses is amplified
Consideration:
Implement robust risk management strategies to minimize drawdowns, as recovery periods directly affect your earning potential.
5. Investor Timing Issues
The Challenge:
Investors who subscribe to your fund after significant gains may not experience the same percentage returns as earlier investors, potentially leading to misaligned expectations.
Potential Scenarios:
New investors join after a strong performance period
Subsequent returns may appear modest in comparison
Different investors may have different return experiences
Can lead to investor dissatisfaction despite positive absolute returns
Consideration:
Manage investor expectations through clear communication about performance variability and the importance of long-term perspective.
Risk Mitigation Strategies
Understanding these factors can help you adapt your trading strategies to better manage the unique challenges of funds management:
For Funds Managers:
✓ Develop Appropriate Strategies
Align your trading approach with the billing period structure and transparency requirements
✓ Implement Strong Risk Management
Use position sizing, stop losses, and diversification to minimize drawdowns
✓ Plan Your Finances
Account for the delayed and periodic nature of Performance Fee payments
✓ Communicate Clearly
Set realistic expectations with investors about performance variability
✓ Focus on Consistency
Prioritize sustainable, long-term performance over short-term gains
✓ Monitor Performance Metrics
Regularly review your fund's statistics and adjust strategies as needed
For Potential Investors:
✓ Research Thoroughly
Review all available performance metrics and fund history before subscribing
✓ Understand the Risks
Recognize that past performance doesn't guarantee future results
✓ Consider Timing
Be aware that your returns may differ from historical fund performance
✓ Diversify Investments
Don't allocate all capital to a single fund
✓ Review Regularly
Monitor your investment performance and the Funds Manager's ongoing results
✓ Maintain Realistic Expectations
Understand that all trading involves risk and drawdowns are normal
Important Reminders
For All Participants:
Trading in financial markets carries inherent risks
Funds Management introduces additional complexity
No trading strategy can guarantee profits
Both gains and losses are possible
Professional risk management is essential
Need More Information?
If you have questions about the risks associated with funds management or need guidance on risk mitigation strategies, please contact our support team through Live Chat or submit a request through the Service Hub. We're here to help you make informed decisions about funds management.