| Richard Ho |
BARCLAYS CAPITAL Barclays takes the fund-linked title for the second year running. Fund-of-funds and private bank officials globally said the firm stands out for its superior sales effort and after-sales support. Geographically the U.K. firm's fund-linked business, headed by Richard Ho, has also inched ahead of European rivals, expanding in the U.S. and Asia. Several U.S. funds-of-funds who declined to be named have chosen Barclays as a leverage provider this year, attributing their choice not just to competitive pricing but also to the competence of the sales team.
The last year has been quiet in terms of innovation, with all the major firms able to offer similar payoff profiles for fund-linked investment products. Barclays has differentiated itself by genning up on local regulatory issues that drive hedge fund structures and staying ahead when it comes to local market information, said investors.
In spite of Basel II capital requirements putting the brakes on some financing methods (DW, 8/25), Barclays' leverage structures also help it stand out for fund-of-fund managers. "We go back to them again and again," summed up one fund of funds manager.
Other Nominees:
* BNP Paribas * Credit Suisse
* Deutsche Bank * SG Corporate & Investment Banking
