Gemini experienced record-breaking growth in 2017, with an 80 per cent increase in the number of registered fund launches executed during the year.
When surveyed, clients cited the key drivers in selecting Gemini for their new funds, including:
• Gemini’s turnkey solutions, which help them scale their operations and focus on their strategy
• the firm’s established risk management, cybersecurity, and compliance processes
• its agility in handling complex/evolving investment strategies
• a joint-venture approach to client relationship management offering a true business partner
• the firm’s extensive network of other service provider relationships (eg, legal, auditing, etc)
“New markets, regulation, fund fee structures, and complex alpha-driving instruments/strategies continue to make the mutual fund and ETF marketplace more complex, which drives continuous adaptation,” says Kevin Hesselbirg, CEO of Gemini. “We are pleased that our clients strategically partner with us to innovate and invigorate their fund businesses. As a result, we have recently scaled several parts of our operations to accommodate our growth and have added veteran talent to our deep pool of industry experts.”
Gemini’s strategic decision to support growth included the rehiring of James Ash as Senior Vice President of National Sales. Previously, Ash served as Senior Vice President and Director of Legal Administration, earning significant industry expertise during his 12-year tenure with the company. During his previous time at Gemini, he managed a team of experienced 1940 Act attorneys and legal administrators, who worked with Gemini’s fund administration, compliance services, distribution, and transfer agent departments. Ash was also President of Northern Lights Fund Trust III and Secretary or Assistant Secretary to several fund families in the Gemini trusts.
Kevin Wolf, President of Gemini’s division offering solutions for registered products, says: “This new role was created to deliver engaged, expert service for funds/fund families below USD10 billion that are not getting the type of end-to-end comprehensive service from their existing providers that Gemini can provide. I am pleased to welcome James back and leverage his significant knowledge of the lifecycle of launching and growing registered funds, which will ultimately benefit our clients.”
In addition, Gemini announced the promotion of Kyle Thorberg to Senior Vice President of Business Development.
Bill Wostoupal, Gemini’s Executive Vice President of Sales, says: “Gemini is pleased to have a seasoned fund launch specialist in Kyle. He will be able to help Advisors navigate this process in multiple ways including opening a new line of revenue with a registered product, capturing first-mover advantages by getting to market quickly, securing valuable distribution ‘shelf space’ for funds, and being able to take advantage of Gemini’s tax and compliance experts.”
