Barclays Capital
| Antti Suhonen |
The U.K. firm is seen as one of the most aggressive players and also one of the most innovative. Antti Suhonen's fund-linked structuring team has more than kept up with the pace of innovation in structured fund-linked payoffs this year. It has been building up a presence in the U.S. and its financing structures in particular were praised by funds of funds stateside.
BNP Paribas
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| Stephane Liot |
Stephane Liot's global fund derivatives group is well-regarded both for financing capabilities and fund-linked investment offerings. The firm is also sought out for structuring of exotic payoffs on hedge fund exposure, such as best-of baskets, this year's must-have. The scale and experience of the French house is one of its other key attractions, explained clients.
Credit Suisse
| Tony Pesco |
The Swiss firm's valuations service and pricing support after an initial sale won praise from investors. Its Middle East sales team is held in particularly high regard, with both distributors of investment products and fund of funds managers in the region noting their efforts in working through transactions with them. This year it has also been making a push into the U.S. The global group, run in the last year by Tony Pesco, is admired by peers for its access to the private banking world.
Deutsche Bank
Deutsche Bank is particularly popular among European investors, which cite its tax structuring expertise. Gareth James' team has been particularly successful at selling hedge fund-linked investments to retail and high-net-worth investors. This year's permanent capital venture with Dexion Capital also seems set to expand the firm's reach.
SG Corporate & Investment Banking
Lyxor Asset Management, the French firm's managed accounts platform run by Chairman Alain Dubois, is the largest on the Street. Not only that but as one peer commented, "It's the only managed accounts platform that actually works." This year it launched an ambitious expansion into Asia and is also building its U.S. presence. As with French rival BNP Paribas its experience in the fund-linked business helps it gain business from both funds and investment-product distributors.
