Issue 6 2019

Acquisition International - Issue 6 2019 29 Supporting You Every Step of the Way KB Associates (“KBA”) is an independent provider of consulting and management company services. Recently, the firm found success in AI’s Global Excellence Awards 2019 where they were recognised as the Most Outstanding Management Company 2019 – Ireland . On the back of this win, we caught up with Paul Carrigg who provided us with a detailed insight into the innerworkings of the award-winning firm. stablished in 2003, KB Associates has offices in Cayman, Dublin and London. The principal operating companies are Clifton Fund Consulting Limited (“KBA Consulting”) and KBA Consulting Management Limited (“KBA ManCo”). Both entities are based in Ireland. KBAalso operates in the UK and the Cayman Islands and has appointed a senior advisor for North America in New York. KBA is dedicated exclusively to meeting the needs of asset managers establishing investment funds. KBA supports both traditional UCITS and alternative products. KBA supports in excess of 220 asset managers across all office locations. In terms of the core KBA ManCo and KBA Consulting business lines, KBA supports over 150 asset managers with approximately 70% operating UCITS funds and 30% operating AIFs. Going into further detail, Paul informs us of the geographic spread of clients the firm serves, as well as highlighting what he believes are the key factors behind KBA’s remarkable success over the years. “Here at KBA, we support a range of both large and boutique asset managers from over twenty different countries – 40% of KBA’s clients are UK based and over 20% are based in the USA. “There are a number of factors which have contributed to KBA’s success and growth including: • The prudent capacity planning which ensures that consultants have sufficient time to properly understand each client’s business and to make a proactive meaningful contribution to each client’s offshore funds. • KBA’s true independence, best evidenced by its unique strategy of offering services exclusively to the asset management community and never to administrators/custodians.” Supporting the firm in delivering these award-winning services, is the passionate, experienced and innovative team which forms the backbone of KBA. When discussing the internal culture, Paul is keen to highlight the significant role the team plays in the overall success of the firm. “The recruitment and retention of high quality staff is a key factor in KBA’s success. KBA adopts a rigorous approach to recruitment which dictates that only individuals with significant relevant industry experience, who hold appropriate professional qualifications are considered for appointment. All consultants are required to hold a professional qualification and have at least ten years’ relevant experience, whereas Associates are required to hold a professional qualification and have in excess of five years’ experience.” E Looking ahead to what the future holds, the team will continue to build upon their exceptional success and deliver their award- winning services to their clients, ensuring that they not only meet the requirements which have been set but also surpass their expectations. Bringing the interview to a close, Paul signs off by revealing the exciting plans which lie in the pipeline for the firm, touching on the progress the company have had so far. “Moving forward, KBA continues to grow its business in a measured, prudent manner adapting its services as the requirements of its clients and industry regulation evolve. In 2018, KBA introduced a fund registration, GDPR compliance and Cayman AML service. In 2019, KBA will establish its own distribution-only MiFID firm that will be able to provide a regulatory framework in the EU that UK asset managers/ distributors can rely on to distribute funds into the EU post Brexit.” Contact: Paul Carrigg Address: Ground Floor, 5 Georges Dock, IFSC, Dublin 1, D01 W213, Ireland Telephone: 00353 1 667 1982 Web Address: www.kbassociates.ie Apr19216