Products July 12, 2012

Zephyr Upgrades Analytics Center

Mutual fund data was made available on Zephyr Associate Inc.’s website for investment professionals globally, StyleAdvisor.com.
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The primary enhancement to the Analytics Center is complimentary mutual fund analysis along with the separately managed accounts (SMAs) analysis, which was previously available in the center. The analytics were also expanded using a series of tabs that allow investment professionals to access returns, peer comparison, risk return and modern portfolio theory.

“We decided to start with a high-level overview and allow the adviser to drill down deeper and deeper to get all the information they need about any particular fund,” explained Will Clemens, Zephyr’s chief executive. “This is one of the most advanced analytics modules available on the market. Since it’s based on HTML5, it works seamlessly on iPads, other tablets and smartphones.”

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The enhanced analytics are also available within the Analytics Center in Zephyr OnDEMAND, a Web-based reporting tool that allows asset managers and investment advisers to generate compliance-approved reports from any location. The tool contains features not available on StyleADVISOR.com, such as one-click analysis and multiple benchmarks.

Parameter sets such as appropriate benchmark or specific time period previously defined by the client’s site administrator now show within the Analytics Center. The end user can select items and add them to the analysis. 

OnDEMAND users can compare a product with the performance of multiple benchmarks in the Analytics Center. Previously, the choice was between the market or the style benchmark—not both. This change makes it possible to choose one or more funds and compare their performance to multiple benchmarks. The expanded suite of tools in OnDEMAND will increase users’ operational efficiency, Clemens said.

Zephyr, a provider of portfolio analysis software and reporting, has headquarters in Zephyr Cove, Nevada. More information is available here.

 

 

Deals & People July 12, 2012

SEC Names Officer in Compliance Inspections and Examinations

 

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) hired Paula Drake as an associate director in its Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations (OCIE).

 

 

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Drake is to serve as chief counsel, and chief compliance and ethics officer of the OCIE, where she will oversee eight lawyers and coordinate the efforts of attorney advisers in the SEC’s 11 regional offices. Her new position begins August 6.

Drake most recently was general counsel and chief operating officer at Oechsle International Advisors LLC, where she was involved in all aspects of the investment management business, including registering investment advisers, and establishing risk and compliance programs. She has extensive experience managing litigation, regulatory relationships, examinations, audits and internal investigations, and recently completed eight years as a member of the Board of Governors of the Investment Advisers Association.

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Before joining Oechsle, Drake was an attorney with the law firm of Ropes & Gray, as well as at Fidelity Investments. She is a graduate of Harvard Law School and received a bachelor of arts degree and Ph.D. in English from the University of Massachusetts.

“Paula adds extensive legal, business and industry experience and expertise,” said Carlo di Florio, OCIE’s director. “She will help us with the continued advancement of the national examination program, including leading the critical legal function, developing our national examination policy manual, and overseeing our internal compliance team.”

OCIE conducts the SEC’s national examination program for investment advisers and investment companies, broker/dealers, self regulatory organizations, clearing agencies and transfer agents to fulfill its mission of promoting compliance, preventing fraud, monitoring risk and informing SEC policy.

 

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