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May 8, 2023

Actively Managed Certificates (AMCs) the complete guide

Actively Managed Certificates (AMCs)

In today's ever-evolving financial landscape, investors are constantly seeking innovative investment opportunities that offer the potential for enhanced returns and risk management. The ongoing debate between active and passive investment management has paved the way for a diverse range of investment options that cater to varying client needs.

Among these options, Actively Managed Certificates (AMCs) have emerged as a cost-efficient and flexible solution for implementing active investment strategies. This article aims to shed light on the concept of AMCs, their advantages, and how they offer a tailored approach to portfolio management.

What are Actively Managed Certificates (AMCs)

Actively Managed Certificates (AMCs) are investment vehicles that combine the features of actively managed funds and structured products. They are designed to provide investors with exposure to a professionally managed portfolio, while offering the liquidity and transparency associated with traditional exchange-traded securities. Actively Managed Certificates enable investors to access a diversified range of assets, including equities, bonds, commodities, and alternative investments.

Actively Managed Certificates (AMCs) offer a swift, adaptable, and cost-effective method of accessing dynamic investment strategies. Investors can quickly convert their investment strategy into a transferable security, with the option of linking it to traditional securities, as well as non-bankable assets like real estate, loan portfolios,
collectibles, and digital assets.

These certificates are issued as a debt security by banks, securities dealers, or Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs). These certificates can be issued on or off the balance sheet, either privately placed or exchange-traded, providing investors with different avenues to access these investment strategies.

In most jurisdictions, they are classified as a structured product, meaning their payout depends on the performance of the underlying assets. The underlying assets are selected and adjusted dynamically by an investment manager or according to a pre-defined index rule.

Actively Managed Certificates (AMCs) platform
In the world of actively managed investment products, vestr is at the forefront of innovation, revolutionizing the way portfolio managers engage with Actively Managed Certificates (AMCs). With a user-friendly and seamlessly integrated platform, vestr digitizes the entire life-cycle management of your actively managed investment products.

Benefits of Actively Managed Certificates (AMCs) for Banks and Issuers

Low Set-up Costs:
Actively Managed Certificates (AMCs) offer banks and issuers the advantage of low set-up costs. Compared to launching traditional investment products, the process of establishing AMCs involves relatively lower initial expenses. This cost efficiency allows banks and issuers to allocate their resources strategically, maximizing their operational efficiency and optimizing their overall profitability.

Low Maintenance Costs:
AMCs also provide banks and issuers with the benefit of low maintenance costs. Once the AMCs are set up and launched, the ongoing operational expenses associated with managing and maintaining these investment products are relatively minimal. This cost-effectiveness helps banks and issuers to optimize their operational budgets and allocate resources to other critical areas of their business.

Fast Time to Market:
The time to market for AMCs is notably fast, which is a significant advantage for banks and issuers seeking to introduce new investment products swiftly. The streamlined processes involved in setting up AMCs, combined with the flexibility of customizable templates and pre-defined structures, expedite the product development and launch timeline. This agility enables banks and issuers to capitalize on market opportunities efficiently and stay ahead in the competitive landscape.

Easy Customization for Each Customer Segment:
One of the key benefits of AMCs for banks and issuers is the ease of customization for different customer segments. AMCs provide the flexibility to tailor investment strategies, risk profiles, and features to cater to the unique preferences and requirements of diverse customer groups. This customization capability enables banks and issuers to effectively target specific market segments, enhance client satisfaction, and foster long-term customer relationships.

Inclusion of Any Asset Class:
AMCs offer banks and issuers the flexibility to include a wide range of asset classes within their investment products. From equities and bonds to alternative assets such as cryptocurrencies or real estate, AMCs can be structured to encompass various asset classes based on the investment objectives and market opportunities. This versatility allows banks and issuers to meet the evolving demands of investors and offer diversified investment options that align with different risk appetites and market trends.

Diverse Names and Strategies

Actively Managed Certificates go by various names in the industry, such as Exchange Traded Notes (ETNs), Exchange Traded Instruments, Dynamic Equity Notes, Strategy Notes, Strategy Index Certificates, and Actively Managed Trackers. These structured products derive their returns from the performance of the underlying assets, often with reference to specific benchmark values.

Beyond Mirroring Funds and Indices

In recent years, AMCs have gained popularity as investment managers seek to customize strategies according to their clients' unique needs. Actively Managed Certificates are not limited to replicating actively managed funds or indices; they have expanded to encompass non-bankable assets, including cryptocurrencies, art, illiquid assets, and various asset class combinations. This flexibility allows portfolio managers to dynamically set up and adjust investment strategies, providing tailored solutions for their clients.

Actively Managed Certificates (AMCs) provide investors with a range of offering options to suit their preferences and investment profiles. These securities can be offered to the public with a typical subscription amount as low as $100, making them accessible to a wide range of retail investors. Additionally, AMCs can also be offered to professional investors without any minimum requirements, allowing for greater flexibility and customization in investment offerings.
Actively Managed Certificates (AMCs) bring together the sought-after stability and predictability of fixed rate returns and maturity dates, akin to CDs (Certificates of Deposit).

The Role of Active Management

At the core of Actively Managed Certificates lies the concept of Active Management. Skilled portfolio managers leverage their expertise, market insights, and research to make informed investment decisions. They continuously monitor and analyze market trends, identifying potential opportunities and risks. By actively adjusting the portfolio holdings, these managers aim to optimize returns, manage risk, and potentially outperform passive investment strategies.

Conclusion

Actively Managed Certificates offer a compelling solution for investors and portfolio managers alike, combining the benefits of active investment management with the flexibility and customization of structured products. By leveraging these certificates, investors can access tailored strategies across diverse asset classes, while portfolio managers have the tools to dynamically adapt to market conditions and client needs. As the investment landscape continues to evolve, AMCs provide a pathway to harness the power of active investing in a cost-efficient and transparent manner.

Vestr is revolutionizing the management of Actively Managed Certificates by offering a user-friendly platform that digitizes the life-cycle management of your investment products. With our adaptive software engine automating portfolio rebalancing, investor reporting, and audit trails, you can streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and focus on your core competencies. Experience the power of Vestr's advanced technology and unlock new opportunities for growth in the world of actively managed investment products.

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