The new reporting platform, branded Stratum, allows for reporting at various levels of detail and frequency, defined by the manager on a fund-by-fund basis.

The first layer of Stratum provides transparency into the process underlying the NAV calculations, including confirmation of assets and liabilities and sources of price inputs used in computing valuations, qualifying any deeper layers of portfolio transparency revealing the drivers of risk and performance. The framework allows a range of disclosure options as agreed to by managers and their investors.

'With increased demand for greater hedge fund transparency, we developed Stratum to assist our clients by offering a flexible disclosure platform based on the books and records we maintain as fund administrator,' says Seth Weinstein, chief executive of Morgan Stanley Fund Services. 'Stratum delivers uniform and timely reporting appropriate to each fund's strategy and investors. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to fund transparency and the Stratum framework attempts to meet the varying needs of our clients and respond to industry 'best practices' recommendations.'