AI Issue 5 2018

50 Acquisition International - Issue 5 2018 LIB Management is an investment management company who works with HNW investors and institutional clients who are seeking a liquid risk managed blended return. We invited Mary Murphy to provide us with an overview of the work that the company does, and what attributes the firm possesses which have seen it achieve sustained success. eadquartered in the Isle of Man, LIB Management has been selected as AI’s Best Specialist Investment Fund Manager within the Isle of Man, and its Libero Development Fund has been named as Best Absolute Return Fund in 2018. Mary starts off the discussion by telling us how the business is able to differentiate itself from its competitors. “Significantly, we are taking what is traditionally an illiquid buy and hold investment strategy and creating an open Fund which actively manages these investments for both income, and by design creating liquidity for investors. To date, we have not really come across a similar Fund strategy within this sector.” Offering a variety of services, LIB Management has developed a core investment strategy which Mary goes into more detail about, before outlining the firm’s innovative and consolidated approach to managing risks, as well as ensuring the best possible returns for investors. “Essentially, our core investment strategy is to invest in Structured Notes with Investment Grade issuing institutions, which we will either structure in- house or source from the secondary EMTN market. By combining a blended portfolio of structured notes with varying underlying exposures, we are targeting a risk managed return of c.10% net per annum. We use an institutional approach to risk managing both the Vega and Delta on a portfolio wide basis, taking account of credit exposures, coupon profiles and underlying exposure risks.” Boasting a wealth of professionalism and expertise throughout the company, Mary shares with us her thoughts on what attributes a company in the Company: Libero Funds Contact: Mary Murphy Address: 33-37 Athol Street, Douglas, IM1 1LB, Isle of Man Tel: +353 86 220 9252 Website: www.liberofunds.com RealisingOpportunities. CreatingSolutions. DeliveringResults. H IF180019 Fund Management industry should have in order to succeed. “There is a need for risk management while looking to deliver strong returns remains a key objective. Structured Notes have always had a place within a balanced portfolio however they have tended to be bought on a buy and hold basis and have remained relatively illiquid unless sold for sometimes a deep discount. Additionally, we would like to think that we have a very actively managed Structured Note Fund, that allows prospective investors to access solid returns without necessarily facing too much volatility.” Operating within such a fast-paced industry like the Investment Funds sector, it is important for firms to be strict and considered in their approach, but also to come up with innovative strategies which ensure that the team is always best placed to meet and surpass client expectations. Mary tells us what strategies the team comes up with to provide an excellent service to clients. “For us, the real key to remaining current is to always be aware of what is being created in the market, and spend time looking at how key financial engineering can aid our Funds without compromising our core risk management. With the fixed income markets seeing return of value for investors, the coming period could well see movement from the equity markets back towards fixed income. These moves may also provide opportunities for mis-pricing within some sectors which we will look to capitalise on for our investors.” Overall, there looks to be exciting times ahead for the team at LIB Management. Mary is clearly thrilled to have received a new Fund license, and she gives us an insight into what the company can expect in terms of future success, and what clients can expect from the firm in terms of upcoming developments. “Through a collaborative partnership with an institutional client, they requested that we create a “There is a need for risk management while looking to deliver strong returns remains a key objective.”