GREENBERG TRAURIG, LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW ©2010. All rights reserved. LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR ADVISER OUTSOURCING ARRANGEMENTS Contact: Arthur Don, Shareholder Phone: (312)
- 2 - KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN “BACK OFFICE” AND “MIDDLE OFFICE” ARRANGEMENTS Scope of services and scope of arrangement and scope of negotiations Implementation plan is critical Otherwise, same general contractual standards apply Scope of contracts: with exhibits, can run hundreds of pages
- 3 - NEGOTIATION OF CONTRACT Definition of Services critical RFI/RFP process can help define services as well as certain contractual terms First draft usually provided by service provider Adviser should negotiate with team of counsel (in house and outside) and internal experts Due diligence and overall risk management considerations
- 4 - SERVICE RELATED PROVISIONS Menu of Services Service Level Standards Service changes: □ Required by law □ Custom enhancements Implementation plan (including transition planning) and timing
- 5 - STANDARD PROVISIONS Typical reps and warranties “Dependencies” requirements for adviser Limitations on subcontracting out services □ Affiliates generally permitted □ Non affiliates either preapproved or not unreasonably withheld Key personnel clauses, and ability to change managers International issues with foreign arrangements
- 6 - SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR INDUSTRY Disaster recovery plans Technology issues (must have IT and business input) Error policies (esp. trade error resolutions) Required records retention (2009 SEC positions) Privacy rules and compliance Insider trading and securities law compliance RICs – Disclosure? Board review/approval?
- 7 - REPORTING AND AUDITING Regular reports Special reports CCO and internal audit abilities by adviser (or reports) SAS 70 or equivalent comfort
- 8 - DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND LIABILITIES “Up the ladder” internal resolution After C-level attempts to resolve fail: Mediation, arbitration and/or court Standard of care (e.g., negligence, gross negligence) Limitations of liability Indemnifications (mutual) (I.P. licenses) Insurance
- 9 - TERM AND TERMINATION Term – multiyear Termination by adviser □ For cause □ For other reason □ For non-core service functions Termination by service provider