10.7 Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS) - 10.7 Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS) Explained
Key Concepts
- Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS)
- Compliance
- Transparency
- Consistency
- Fair Representation
- Verification
Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS)
The Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS) are a set of ethical principles that provide a framework for calculating and presenting investment performance results. They aim to ensure that performance information is presented in a way that is complete, accurate, and fairly represents the investment management process.
Example: A global asset management firm uses GIPS to standardize the way it reports performance across all its offices worldwide, ensuring consistency and comparability of results.
Compliance
Compliance with GIPS means adhering to all the rules and guidelines set forth by the standards. This includes following specific methodologies for calculating returns, presenting performance, and disclosing relevant information.
Example: A hedge fund manager ensures that all performance calculations are done using time-weighted returns and that all fees and expenses are properly disclosed, as required by GIPS.
Transparency
Transparency in GIPS refers to the openness and clarity with which performance results are presented. This includes providing sufficient detail to allow investors to understand how the performance was achieved and any assumptions or methodologies used.
Example: An investment firm discloses the use of leverage and derivatives in its performance reports, along with explanations of how these instruments contributed to the overall returns.
Consistency
Consistency in GIPS means applying the same performance presentation standards across all portfolios and time periods. This ensures that performance results are comparable and that no biases are introduced.
Example: A mutual fund company uses the same calculation methodology for all its funds, whether they are equity, bond, or balanced funds, ensuring that investors can compare performance across different types of investments.
Fair Representation
Fair Representation in GIPS involves presenting performance results in a way that accurately reflects the investment process and does not mislead investors. This includes avoiding cherry-picking of best-performing portfolios or time periods.
Example: An investment advisor presents the performance of all its managed accounts, including those with poor performance, rather than only showcasing the best-performing ones.
Verification
Verification in GIPS is the process of having an independent third party review and confirm that the firm's performance presentation complies with GIPS standards. This adds credibility and trust to the performance reports.
Example: A private equity firm hires an external auditor to verify that its performance calculations and disclosures comply with GIPS, providing assurance to investors that the reported results are accurate and compliant.