2 min readExecutive Summary We believe that mandatory disclosure of daily market value NAVs will be a significant step toward better risk transparency in money market funds. It is functionally equivalent to the FSOC/SEC’s floating NAV proposal without the unnecessary operational, accounting and tax complexities. When applied along with objective liquidity gates and/or reasonable NAV buffers, the…
2 min readAbstract We have identified the acceleration of money market fund reform, the scarcity of eligible investments and the threat of negative yield as three challenges facing corporate treasury professionals in 2013. Our recommendation remains the same as found in previous research – consider a separately managed account as a defensive measure against regulatory uncertainty, supply…
2 min readExecutive Summary The use of separate accounts to complement money market funds (MMFs) may help optimize risk and reward trade-offs in corporate cash management. The investments of time and research in establishing a separate account relationship may bring just rewards in times of uncertainty. Separate Account Simulator™ Results: A 50/50 portfolio of 60-day WAM may…
2 min readIntroduction Since late 2008, when the $3.5 trillion money fund industry was left reeling in the wake of the Reserve Primary money market fund’s failure, a number of regulators have warned against systemic risks that institutional money market funds still pose to the financial system. In September 2008, as the tidal wave of news spread…
2 min readAbstract The challenging environment for treasury cash investments has prompted many practitioners to look for alternative options in managing their excess cash. We address this topic in a generalized manner, summarizing three major categories of available cash investment vehicles: deposits, pooled assets and direct purchases. The pros and cons of each vehicle type are discussed….
2 min readIntroduction Following the collapse of Lehman Brothers in 2008, the rapidly deteriorating economic environment in the U.S. and abroad caused most treasurers to reevaluate their cash investment strategies, with a specific focus on restricting investments in certain asset types. Some companies implemented these restrictions by changing their investment guidelines, while others simply gave instructions to…
1 min readSurvey goal To shed light on treasury departments’ efforts to mitigate liquidity risk in short-term cash investment, debt and forecasting practices. Summary of 2012 Survey Treasurer’s Mindset: “Cautious, but Ready to Act” Context: FDIC insurance changes Pending Money Market Fund Regulations (5%, Floating, NAV, Capitalization) Select Highlights: Debt: Additional diversification Increased collateral Continued tighter covenants Forecasting:…
2 min readAbstract We set out to answer 10 of the most common questions related to writing investment policy statements (“IPS”) for cash portfolios. In doing so, we will provide a number of peer group data comparisons to add insight into the process. The treasury investment management landscape has undergone significant changes. We found that investors tended…
1 min readIn May, several Treasury conferences from Oregon to Massachusetts had well-attended sessions on investment policy design and construction. This interest may have been sparked by upcoming regulatory changes affecting bank deposits and money market funds, as the risk/reward nature of these investments is under review and likely to change. A robust investment policy enables controlled…
2 min readResults from the Capital Advisors Group/Strategic Treasurer 2012 Liquidity Risk Survey, to be released later this month, portend the shifting regulatory environment will significantly impact investment vehicle preferences for corporate cash managers. The survey results remind us that changing regulations can be a major catalyst in modifying investor behavior. After the Lehman bankruptcy, regulators deployed…