Overview
- Headquarters
- Boston, MA
- Average Client Assets
- $11.9 million
- Minimum Account Size
- $100,000,000
- SEC CRD Number
- 120663
Fee Structure
Primary Fee Schedule (PARTNERS CAPITAL INVESTMENT GROUP FORM ADV PART 2A MARCH 2026)
| Min | Max | Marginal Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | and above | 1.00% |
Illustrative Fee Rates
| Total Assets | Annual Fees | Average Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $1 million | Below minimum client size | |
| $5 million | Below minimum client size | |
| $10 million | Below minimum client size | |
| $50 million | Below minimum client size | |
| $100 million | $1,000,000 | 1.00% |
Clients
- HNW Share of Firm Assets
- 12.30%
- Total Client Accounts
- 886
- Discretionary Accounts
- 349
- Non-Discretionary Accounts
- 537
Services Offered
Services: Portfolio Management for Companies
Regulatory Filings
Additional Brochure: PARTNERS CAPITAL INVESTMENT GROUP FORM ADV PART 2A MARCH 2026 (2026-04-28)
View Document Text
Firm Brochure
PARTNERS CAPITAL INVESTMENT GROUP, LLP
600 Atlantic Avenue, 30th Floor
Boston, MA 02210
+1 617-292-2570 (Phone)
+1 617-292-2571 (Fax)
www.partners-cap.com
SEC File Number: 801-61234
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Partners Capital
Investment Group, LLP. If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact
us at +1 617-292-2570. The information in this brochure has not been approved or verified by the
United States Securities and Exchange Commission, or by any state securities authority.
Additional information about Partners Capital Investment Group, LLP is available on the SEC’s website
at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
April 28, 2026
Item 2. Material Changes
Material Changes Since the Last Update
This brochure, dated April 28, 2026, updates our brochure dated March 31, 2026. This brochure
contains the following update:
• Appendix 1: Capacity Allocation policy has been updated to disclose the approach and
methodology by which secondaries investment opportunities will be allocated among
Clients.
Full Brochure Available
The Firm Brochure for Partners Capital is available by contacting +1 617-292-2570
Item 3. Table of Contents
Contents
Item 2. Material Changes ...................................................................................................................................... 2
Material Changes Since the Last Update ................................................................................................... 2
Full Brochure Available .............................................................................................................................. 2
Item 3. Table of Contents ...................................................................................................................................... 3
Item 4. Advisory Business ...................................................................................................................................... 6
Firm Description ......................................................................................................................................... 6
Types of Advisory Services ......................................................................................................................... 6
Tailored Relationships ................................................................................................................................ 6
Investment Vehicles ................................................................................................................................... 7
Principal Services Provided ........................................................................................................................ 7
Assets Under Management ....................................................................................................................... 7
Item 5. Fees and Compensation ............................................................................................................................ 7
Description ................................................................................................................................................. 7
Fee Billing ................................................................................................................................................... 8
Other Fees and Expenses ........................................................................................................................... 8
Item 6. Performance-Based Fees ........................................................................................................................... 9
Sharing of Capital Gains ............................................................................................................................. 9
Item 7. Types of Clients ......................................................................................................................................... 9
Description ................................................................................................................................................. 9
Account Minimums .................................................................................................................................. 10
Item 8. Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ................................................................. 10
Methods of Analysis ................................................................................................................................. 10
Investment Strategies .............................................................................................................................. 10
Risk of Loss ............................................................................................................................................... 10
General Investment Risks (not specific to any one asset class) .................................................................... 11
Market and Economic Risk ....................................................................................................................... 11
Pandemic Disease .................................................................................................................................... 11
Economic and Political Risk ..................................................................................................................... 11
Non-U.S. Trade Policy .............................................................................................................................. 11
U.S. -China Relations ............................................................................................................................... 12
Currency Risk ........................................................................................................................................... 12
Inflation Risk ............................................................................................................................................ 13
Interest Rate Risk ..................................................................................................................................... 13
Availability of Investment Opportunities ................................................................................................. 13
Counterparty Risk .................................................................................................................................... 14
Regulatory Risk ........................................................................................................................................ 14
Cybersecurity Risk ................................................................................................................................... 15
Artificial Intelligence Technologies .......................................................................................................... 15
Risks related to Investments in Private Funds, Fund-of-Fund or Multi-Manager Strategy .......................... 16
Limited Operating History ........................................................................................................................ 17
No or Limited Rights or Control ............................................................................................................... 17
Limited Diversification ............................................................................................................................. 17
Limited Liquidity Risk ............................................................................................................................... 17
Limited Regulatory Oversight .................................................................................................................. 17
Management fraud .................................................................................................................................. 17
Operational or Organizational risk ........................................................................................................... 18
Multiple Level of Fees Risk ....................................................................................................................... 18
Valuation Risk .......................................................................................................................................... 18
Side Letters .............................................................................................................................................. 18
Asset Class-Specific Risks .............................................................................................................................. 19
Private Equity ........................................................................................................................................... 19
Real Estate ............................................................................................................................................... 19
Commodities and Commodities-Related Derivatives .............................................................................. 20
Distressed Debt and Related Securities .................................................................................................... 20
Special Situations ..................................................................................................................................... 20
Digital Asset Risks ..................................................................................................................................... 21
Short Selling ............................................................................................................................................. 21
Protection of Intellectual Property Rights ................................................................................................ 21
Investment Longer than Term .................................................................................................................. 22
Private Seed and Early Stage Investments ............................................................................................... 22
Volatility ................................................................................................................................................... 22
Risks related to Equity Instruments .............................................................................................................. 22
Hedging Transactions ............................................................................................................................... 22
Derivatives ............................................................................................................................................... 23
Smaller Capitalization Stocks ................................................................................................................... 24
Risks related to Fixed Income Instruments ................................................................................................... 24
High Yield Securities ................................................................................................................................. 24
Item 9. Disciplinary Information .......................................................................................................................... 24
Legal and Disciplinary ............................................................................................................................... 24
Item 10. Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ................................................................................ 24
Financial Industry Activities ..................................................................................................................... 24
Affiliations ................................................................................................................................................ 25
Item 11. Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading ......................... 25
Code of Ethics .......................................................................................................................................... 25
Participation or Interest in Client Transactions ....................................................................................... 26
Other Conflicts of Interest ....................................................................................................................... 27
Gifts and Entertainment .......................................................................................................................... 27
Service as a Director or Member of Investment Committee ................................................................... 27
Client Asset Manager Investments .......................................................................................................... 27
GA Transaction ........................................................................................................................................ 28
Item 12. Brokerage Practices ............................................................................................................................... 28
Selecting Brokerage Firms ....................................................................................................................... 28
Directed Brokerage .................................................................................................................................. 29
Trade Aggregation ................................................................................................................................... 29
Cross Trades ............................................................................................................................................ 29
Principal and Agency Cross Transactions ................................................................................................ 29
Item 13. Review of Accounts ............................................................................................................................... 29
Periodic Reviews ...................................................................................................................................... 29
Regular Reports ....................................................................................................................................... 30
Trade Errors ............................................................................................................................................. 30
Item 14. Client Referrals and Other Compensation ............................................................................................. 30
Client Referrals ......................................................................................................................................... 30
Item 15. Custody ................................................................................................................................................. 30
Account Statements ................................................................................................................................. 30
Financial Statements ................................................................................................................................ 30
Item 16. Investment Discretion ........................................................................................................................... 31
Discretionary Authority for Trading ......................................................................................................... 31
Item 17. Voting Client Securities.......................................................................................................................... 31
Item 18. Financial Information ............................................................................................................................ 32
Financial Condition .................................................................................................................................. 32
Appendix 1: Capacity Allocation Policy ................................................................................................................. 33
Appendix 2: Partners Capital Client Privacy Policy............................................................................................... 36
Item 4. Advisory Business
Firm Description
Partners Capital Investment Group, LLP (“Partners Capital” or the “Firm”), a Delaware limited
liability partnership, is an investment adviser based in London, New York City, Boston, San Francisco,
Dallas, Singapore, Hong Kong, Paris, Dubai and Switzerland. Partners Capital was founded in 2001
to deliver an institutional investment approach to endowments, foundations, and sophisticated
families. We provide advice on asset allocation and what we believe to be the best of breed asset
manager selection across all asset classes and geographic markets.
In July 2024, certain investment funds controlled by affiliates General Atlantic Service Company, L.P.
(“GA”) acquired a minority stake in the Partners Capital group by buying a portion of the equity then
held by some of Partners Capital’s long-standing external shareholders and certain founding
generation partners (the “Transaction”). Although (1) the Transaction did not result in any changes
to the day-to-day business or operations of Partners Capital, the services Partners Capital provides
or the fees Partners Capital charges to its clients, and (2) as part of the Transaction, Partners Capital
and GA agreed to continue to conduct their businesses independently from one another (provided
that certain employees of GA serve on the board of Partners Capital), certain information in this
brochure reflects the change in ownership resulting from and other disclosures relating to the
Transaction and/or Partners Capital’s ongoing relationship with GA.
Types of Advisory Services
Partners Capital provides investment advice related to overall asset allocation, asset allocation
within asset classes and investment product recommendations. Partners Capital advises clients and
serves as the general partner of privately offered domestic funds and as the investment manager to
privately offered offshore funds (each a “Fund” and together the “Funds”) as well as sub-adviser to
investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the
“1940 Act”) (each a “Registered Fund”, and together the “Registered Funds”). We primarily allocate
assets of clients to other pooled vehicles or separate accounts managed by third-party professional
fund managers, including hedge fund managers, private equity managers, and other asset class
managers (collectively, “Investment Managers”) that utilize a wide variety of strategies.
Tailored Relationships
We aim to provide our clients with highly customized investment advice which diversifies their
portfolios across all asset classes including but not limited to public equity, private equity, property,
commodities, fixed income, credit and hedge funds.
Our mandates range from full discretion to purely advisory. The engagement is driven by each
client’s specific circumstances and internal governance model. Clients have the ability to place
limitations and restrictions on securities purchased or sold or other investments made in their
account.
Investment Vehicles
Typical investment vehicles we advise on generally include, but are not limited to, public registered
investment companies including mutual funds, closed-end funds and business development
companies, private placement vehicles (e.g., hedge funds or private equity funds), other private
investments, separately managed accounts, unit trusts and exchange-traded funds. In general, we
are not advising clients on individual stocks or bonds, except in the context of overall asset allocation
or with respect to the co-invest strategies.
The Funds, Registered Funds, and other clients (e.g., individuals, trusts, separately managed
accounts, etc. referred to as “Other Clients”) are together referred to as our “Clients”. The Funds
are designed as pooled vehicles and invest in certain limited partnerships or other investments.
Partners Capital has the discretion to cause the Funds to invest in investments as described in each
of the respective Fund’s private placement memorandum, prospectus or registration statement,
advisory agreement, or limited partnership agreements. Although the Firm serves as sub-adviser to
Registered Funds, most of the Funds are (a) privately placed, (b) not registered under the 1940 Act,
and (c) may or may not be continuously offered.
Principal Services Provided
The main services provided to Clients include but are not limited to:
• Research, identify, monitor, evaluate and meet with potential Investment Managers;
• Select Investment Managers and/or their investment vehicles or opportunities for Clients;
• Advise Other Clients as to the availability of opportunities to invest funds with particular
Investment Managers;
• Assess the performance of Investment Managers managing assets of Clients and make
periodic recommendations to Clients with respect to such performance; and
• Maintain records for Clients relating to their recommendations, retention, performance
and services of Investment Managers selected and recommended by Partners Capital.
Assets Under Management
Partners Capital manages Client assets on a discretionary and a non-discretionary basis. As of
December 31, 2025, assets under management for US Clients were:
USD
$31,415,782,709
$19,091,386,581
$50,507,169,290
Discretionary
Non-Discretionary
Total (US Clients only)
Item 5. Fees and Compensation
Description
Partners Capital does not have a standardized fee schedule. Partners Capital usually charges an
advisory fee in arrears on the Client’s Assets Under Management (“AUM”). In general, we charge an
annual management fee that can range up to 1% per annum on time-weighted AUM, payable
quarterly. Where permitted by applicable law, Clients can elect to be charged only an advisory fee
or both an advisory and a performance-based fee, or both an advisory or a relative performance-
based fee. Partners Capital may receive performance based compensation of generally up to 7.5%,
and relative performance based compensation of generally up to 15%, payable annually or semi-
annually. Fees may vary by Client size, complexity and other factors deemed appropriate by Partners
Capital. Performance-based fees for liquid products are described below in the “Performance-Based
Fees” section.
In some cases, a fixed annual fee may also apply. We may also charge an administrative fee on FX
Hedges, which are 0.02% of the notional amount. This fee is generally charged at the inception of
the hedge or when the hedge is rolled.
Following termination of an agreement, in respect of each illiquid asset advised by Partners Capital,
Clients may have the obligation to pay to Partners Capital a one-time only fee equal to 2% of the
aggregate amount of all original commitments to those illiquid assets in which Clients still have a
material interest less management fees paid to date for such illiquid assets.
Partners Capital receives a portion of the Registered Funds’ management fees that are payable to
the Registered Funds’ primary adviser.
Partners Capital charges the Funds a management fee and, in some cases, a performance fee that
is disclosed in detail in each Fund’s private placement memorandum, prospectus or registration
statement, advisory agreement, limited partnership agreement and/or other documentation
received by each investor prior to investment in a Fund. Fees may differ from one Fund to another,
as well as among investors in the same Fund. The Funds also bear their share of expenses as set
forth in the “Other Fees and Expenses” section below.
Fee Billing
Client fees may be collected from the Client’s custodial account with the Client’s authorization,
collected via an invoice sent to the Client, or collected directly from the Funds as permitted by the
relevant Fund’s private placement memorandum, prospectus or registration statement.
Some Clients may have fees collected from a combination of these three sources, i.e. custody
account, direct invoice and/or domestic or offshore fund entities.
Other Fees and Expenses
Clients may be charged fees or commissions in addition to the management fee paid to Partners
Capital. These may include brokerage commissions and other custodial fees charged by third-party
organizations. Clients may also be charged expenses (e.g. legal costs) incurred in relation to their
direct co-investments.
The Funds generally bear their own expenses set forth below:
• Organizational Expenses: costs, fees and expenses incurred by or on behalf of a general
partner and/or the Partners Capital in connection with the formation and organization of
the Fund.
• Direct Operating Expenses: legal, administrative, audit, insurance, regulatory, bookkeeping
and accounting, brokerage fees, compliance service provider fees; all filing and similar fees;
interest on borrowed money, real property or personal property
taxes on investments; costs and expenses incurred in the purchase, holding, sale or exchange
of investments, fees incurred with the maintenance of bank or custodian accounts; expenses
incurred by a general partner (or its designee) in serving as a “partnership representative";
out-of-pocket expenses of preparing and distributing reports and other communications to
investors or associated with any Fund meetings, including, but not limited to, printing,
postage, communication and travel and accommodation costs; services and expenses
incurred in researching, investing, and evaluating investment opportunities, including the
cost of books, databases, periodical subscriptions, research platforms, travel and
accommodation costs and other research resources; services and expenses related to
monitoring investments; expenses related to software acquired, licenses or otherwise
obtained by a Fund or Partners Capital for use in respect of a Fund, to track investments;
litigation or other extraordinary expenses relating to a Fund and its activities; costs and
expenses arising out of a Fund’s indemnification obligations and cost of insurance against
potential indemnification liabilities; (if any) director’s fees and expenses.
• Broken Deal Expenses: all out-of-pocket fees, costs and expenses, if any, incurred in
developing, negotiating and structuring prospective investments that are not ultimately
made, including any legal, accounting, advisory, market research, consulting or other third-
party expenses in connection therewith and any travel and accommodation expenses.
Please refer to a Fund’s limited partnership agreement, investment management agreement, or
Registered Fund’s prospectus or registration statement for details regarding the Fund’s or
Registered Fund’s treatment of fees and expenses.
Accounts that are part of the Partners Capital Equity Portfolios are charged a yearly expense
reimbursement to cover incremental costs directly relating to the investment program, including
but not limited to costs of third party providers specializing in: trade order and execution and proxy
voting services.
Item 6. Performance-Based Fees
Sharing of Capital Gains
Partners Capital may charge performance-based fees subject to a high-water mark. Generally, a 5%
performance fee is charged on gains after adjusting for the management fee. Performance fees are
charged in accordance with Rule 205-3 under the Investment Advisors Act. Generally, every six
months, Partners Capital will receive 5% of the net new profits, if any, attributable to each investor
in the Funds, and after taking account of a high-water mark, if applicable.
Certain conflicts of interest may arise when managing accounts that are charged a performance-
based fee as compared to another type of fee, such as a fixed-rate/asset-based fee. There is an
incentive to favor accounts from which performance-based fees are received. Partners Capital has
policies and procedures in place for an annual review by the Client manager's supervisor, of Client
trading, investment objectives and possible conflicts of interest. Our policies and procedures have
been developed to ensure that all Clients are treated fairly and equally, and without the influence
of performance-based fees on trade allocation. See Appendix 1 for detailed allocation procedures.
Item 7. Types of Clients
Description
Our Clients consist of the Funds, Registered Funds, and Other Clients. The Other Clients include
individuals, foundations, endowments, family offices, pension funds and other types of institutions.
We may organize additional investment entities in the future.
Account Minimums
Partners Capital new client minimum account size is $100 million. We reserve the right to waive
the minimum in certain circumstances.
Item 8. Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
Methods of Analysis
Partners Capital obtains general information through meetings with Investment Managers,
independent and third-party research, the internet, and periodicals and journals.
Investment Strategies
Partners Capital deploys an investment philosophy that embraces many of the powerful
diversification benefits of the so-called “endowment model” of investing, but with a more dynamic
approach to risk and asset allocation which seeks to clearly delineate between performance to be
derived from market factors as opposed to the skill of individual managers. Partners Capital may
utilize margin transactions to implement investment advice given to Clients. Since we are engaged
primarily in seeking, monitoring, understanding and evaluating Investment Managers and their
strategies, general categories of securities analysis methods for direct investment in individual
securities are typically not applicable. Instead, we seek to understand the strategies and approaches
of Investment Managers by interviewing Investment Managers and generally considering numerous
factors including, but not limited to:
• Management team's reputation and integrity
• Depth and continuity of the investment team
• Demonstrated superior investment skills
• Review of past performance
• Ability to implement investment strategies
• Consistency of investment strategies and processes
• Reviewing and corroborating their professional records
• Operational systems and capabilities
• Risk controls
• Significant personal investment
• Legal terms and conditions
• Fees and other costs
Partners Capital may request certain records of these Investment Managers, as well as
corroborating information received from independent sources, in order to reach conclusions as to
the Investment Manager’s potential performance characteristics.
Risk of Loss
Although the Firm makes every effort to preserve a Client’s capital and achieve real growth of
wealth, investing involves risk of loss that each Client should be prepared to bear. Certain
instruments and strategies, including those involving futures, options, and high yield securities, give
rise to substantial risk and are not suitable for all investors. Many investments described herein are
speculative, involve significant risk and are suitable only for investors of substantial net worth who
are willing and have the financial capacity to purchase high-risk investments which may not provide
any immediate cash return and may result in the loss of all or a substantial part of their investment.
An investor should be able to bear a complete loss in connection with any investment.
General Investment Risks (not specific to any one asset class)
Market and Economic Risk
Every investment strategy and style are based explicitly or implicitly on a premise as to how the
markets work and on certain conditions being met. The stability and persistence of these premises,
assuming they are intrinsically valid, is rarely if ever perfect and depend on the markets working in
the expected way. Changes in market and economic factors like interest rates, inflation, monetary
policy, economic growth, investor sentiment and time horizons and exogenous events (like
terrorism or pandemic) can undermine the investment premise temporarily or for a long period.
Pandemic Disease
Events such as health pandemics or outbreaks of disease (such as the “COVID-19” coronavirus) may
lead to government-imposed closures and restrictions of certain travel and businesses, as well as
both increased short-term market volatility and adverse long-term effects on the U.S. and world
economies and markets generally. This could have an adverse impact on Partners Capital’s ability to
carry out investment strategies and objectives on behalf of its Clients, as well as on the business of
Investment Managers selected by Partners Capital. Pandemics and similar events could also have an
acute effect on individual issuers or related groups of issuers and could adversely affect securities
markets, interest rates, auctions, secondary trading, ratings, credit risk, inflation, deflation and other
factors Client portfolios or the operations of Investment Managers. Additionally, the risks related to
health pandemics or outbreaks of disease are heightened due to uncertainty as to whether such an
event would qualify as a force majeure event. If a force majeure event is determined to have
occurred, a Client and/or a Client’s investments may be relieved of its obligations under certain
contracts to which it is a party, or, alternatively, the Client may be required to meet its contractual
obligations, despite potential constraints on operations and/or financial stability. Either outcome
could adversely impact the performance of Client Portfolios.
Economic and Political Risk
To the extent the Partners Capital make investments in companies organized, headquartered, or
having substantial assets, outside of the United States, such investments may be subject to
additional economic and political risks. Governments of many foreign countries have exercised and
continue to exercise substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector. Accordingly,
future government or military actions could have a significant effect on the economic environment
in such countries, which could affect the availability, purchase price, and returns of portfolio
investments of companies affected by such governments. For example, investments reliant on
operating centers in Russia or Ukraine will be negatively impacted by ongoing military action and
may be unable to relocate resources and staff.
Non-U.S. Trade Policy
If the U.S. federal government continues to make significant changes in U.S. trade policy, including
imposing tariffs on certain goods and raw materials imported into the United States, such actions
may trigger retaliatory actions by the affected countries, resulting in “trade wars,” which may
cause increased costs for goods and raw materials imported into the United States, or in trading
partners limiting their trade with businesses in the United States, either of which may have
material adverse effects on the Investment Managers and companies in which they invest. Such
“trade wars” may cause significant losses for Partners Capital Clients and/or the Investment
Managers in which their assets are invested.
U.S. -China Relations
If U.S.-China relations remain a persistent and evolving source of policy volatility affecting trade,
investment flows, technology supply chains, and access to capital markets. The U.S. has imposed,
and may continue to impose, tariffs and other trade restrictions on a broad range of Chinese
imports, and China has responded with retaliatory measures, which can increase input costs,
disrupt supply chains, and adversely impact portfolio company operations and valuations. These
dynamics can result in sector-wide tariff escalation, impairing profitability and exit outcomes for
affected businesses.
Regulatory scrutiny over Chinese issuers and China-related exposures in U.S. capital markets also
continues to evolve. Heightened audit and disclosure requirements and the potential for
additional listing, trading, or investment restrictions could affect the liquidity, valuation, or
availability of certain securities, funds, or co-investment opportunities. This includes the risk that
U.S. authorities could impose further investment limitations or diligence requirements on U.S.
institutions with respect to Chinese equities or debt, which could constrain investment strategies
of Investment Managers or necessitate repositioning of Client holdings.
If U.S.-China tensions intensify—through renewed tariff escalation, expansion of export controls,
or additional limitations on market access—the broader economy and equity markets may be
adversely affected, Partners Capital Clients and/or the Investment Managers in which their assets
are invested could experience higher costs, reduced opportunity sets, valuation pressure, or delays
in realizations, any of which could materially and adversely affect the performance of Client
Portfolios.
Currency Risk
Clients may invest portions of their assets in securities denominated in non-US Dollars, whereas the
values of their accounts are denominated in US Dollars. Clients will be subject to currency market
risks associated with fluctuations in the value of the foreign currencies in which their investments
are denominated. Fluctuations in the value of a country’s currency could have an adverse impact
on the profitability of the Client account. To the extent that the US Dollar appreciates relative to
these currencies, the US Dollar value of these investments is likely to be adversely affected. In
addition, if the currency in which a Client receives dividends, interest or other types of payments
(such as liquidating payments) declines in value against the US Dollar before such payments are
distributed, the US Dollar value of these payments could be adversely affected if not sufficiently
hedged. Furthermore, the ability of a Client companies in which they invest to convert freely
between the US Dollar and the local currencies may be restricted or limited and, in a number of
instances, exchange rates and currency conversion are controlled directly or indirectly by
governments or related entities. Many of the currencies of emerging markets have been subject to
large fluctuations in value in the last five years and may be subject to significant fluctuations in the
future. The economies of many emerging markets have been characterized by high inflation rates.
Inflation in the countries where Clients may make investments may adversely affect the Client
account’s results and value.
Inflation Risk
Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had in the past, and may in the future have,
negative effects on the economies and financial markets, particularly in emerging economies, but
also in more developed economies, including in the U.S. economy where inflationary conditions
can arise and persist for extended periods. For example, wages and prices of inputs increase
during periods of inflation, which can negatively impact returns on investments, and increases in
energy prices will have a ripple effect through the economy. In an attempt to stabilize inflation,
countries may impose wage and price controls or otherwise intervene in the economy.
Governmental efforts to curb inflation often have negative effects on the level of economic
activity. There can be no assurance that inflation will not become a serious problem in the future
and have an adverse impact on the returns of the Investment Managers or the portfolios of
Partners Capital Clients.
Interest Rate Risk
Changes in interest rates may adversely affect the investments of Partners Capital Clients.
Investment Managers holding debt securities are subject to interest rate risk; changes in prevailing
market interest rates could negatively affect the value of credit investments in an Investment
Manager’s portfolio. The ability of companies or businesses in which an Investment Managermay
invest to refinance debt instruments or repay debt obligations (including making payments an
Investment Manager as a creditor with respect thereto) may depend on their ability to obtain
financing, including by selling new securities or instruments in the high yield debt or bank financing
markets, which at certain points have been extraordinarily difficult to access at favorable rates.
Volatility and instability in the credit or securities markets may also increase the risks inherent in an
Investment Manager’sinvestments. Interest rate changes may affect the value of a debt instrument
indirectly (especially in the case of fixed rate securities and other instruments) and directly
(especially in the case of instruments whose rates are adjustable). In general, rising interest rates will
negatively impact the price of a fixed rate credit instrument and falling interest rates will have a
positive effect on price. Adjustable rate instruments also react to interest rate changes in a similar
manner, although generally to a lesser degree. Interest rate sensitivity is generally more pronounced
and less predictable in instruments with uncertain payment or prepayment schedules. Additional
factors that may affect market interest rates include inflation, slow or stagnant economic growth or
recession, unemployment, and instability in domestic and foreign financial markets. An Investment
Manager may periodically experience imbalances in its assets and liabilities as a result of changes in
interest rates. In a changing interest rate environment, an Investment Manager may not be able to
manage this risk effectively. Increased interest rates could impact the ability of Investment Managers
or their underlying portfolio companies or their underlying portfolio companies to obtain leverage in
a manner initially contemplated and may impact the ability of an Investment Manager to execute its
investment strategy. If an Investment Manager is unable to manage interest rate risk effectively, the
Investment Manager’s performance could be adversely affected, which could in turn negatively
impact the returns of Partners Capital Clients
Availability of Investment Opportunities
The identification of investment opportunities involves a high degree of uncertainty and is based on
a subjective decision-making process. Thus, there can be no assurance that Partners Capital will be
able to identify suitable investment opportunities or select Investment Managers with access to
such opportunities and, even when an opportunity is identified, there is a risk that the opportunity
will not achieve targeted rates of return. Registered Funds are subject to certain regulatory
limitations relating to joint transactions with affiliates and co-investments, which in some
instances will limit the Registered Funds’ ability to invest or engage in transactions alongside other
Clients. There can be no assurance that these regulatory restrictions will not affect the Registered
Funds’ investment opportunities or those of other Clients.
The business of identifying, structuring and completing private market transactions is highly
competitive and involves a high degree of uncertainty, particularly with respect to timing.
Investment Managers selected by Partners Capital will be competing for investments with other
private investment vehicles, strategic buyers and other institutional investors. The size and
number of private investment vehicles have grown dramatically, and it is likely that these trends
will continue in the future. Some competitors of Investment Managers may have more relevant
experience, greater financial resources, a greater willingness to take on risks, or more personnel,
which may reduce the number of investment opportunities available to such Investment Managers
and adversely affect the terms upon which investments can be made. To the extent that
Investment Managers encounter increased competition for investments, returns to Partners
Capital’s Clients may decrease, including as a result of higher pricing, foregone opportunities, or
negotiating fewer transactional protections in order to remain competitive. Partners Capital and
its affiliated Investment Managers also seek to maintain strong relationships with the general
partners and managers of
investment funds who may provide opportunities for direct
investments, co-investments and secondary market transactions; however, there can be no
assurance that Partners Capital will be able to secure access to all investment opportunities it
identifies on behalf of its Clients. Registered Funds are subject to certain additional regulatory
limitations relating to joint transactions with affiliates and co-investments, which in some
instances may further limit their ability to participate alongside other Clients in certain
opportunities.
Counterparty Risk
Client assets may be exposed to the credit risk of the counterparties with which, or the dealers,
brokers and exchanges through which, Partners Capital deals, whether in exchange-traded or off-
exchange transactions. Clients may be subject to risk of loss of assets on deposit or being settled or
cleared with a counterparty in the event of the counterparty's bankruptcy, the bankruptcy of any
clearing broker through which the broker executes and clears transactions, or the bankruptcy of an
exchange clearing house or the bankruptcy of any other counterparty. In the case of any such
bankruptcy, Clients might recover, even in respect of property specifically traceable to the Client,
only a pro rata share of all property available for distribution to all of the counterparty's customers
and counterparties. Such an amount may be less than the amount owed to the Clients. Such events
would have an adverse effect on the net asset value of the Clients’ accounts.
Regulatory Risk
The investment management industry is subject to continual scrutiny by the U.S. Congress, the SEC
and other regulators, and changes in applicable laws and regulations could adversely affect Partners
Capital and its Clients. The regulatory environment for investment advisers, private funds and
registered investment companies continues to evolve, and Partners Capital cannot predict the form
that any additional new laws or regulations may take or their impact on Clients or the Investment
Managers in which their assets are invested. The effect of any future regulatory change on Partners
Capital or its Clients could be substantial and adverse.
Registered Funds are subject to significant regulations. These regulations may have a negative
impact on the Registered Funds including, without limitation, restricting the investments the
Registered Fund can make, requiring the Registered Fund to disclose certain shareholders, requiring
the Registered Fund to waive its voting rights and/or to “mirror vote” its securities with respect to
certain investments, and imposing limitations regarding the use of derivatives and obtaining leverage.
These regulations may become more burdensome in the future.
Cybersecurity Risk
As part of its business, the Partners Capital processes, stores and transmits large amounts of
electronic information, including information relating to the transactions of a Client and personally
identifiable information of the limited partners. Similarly, service providers of the Partners Capital, a
Client, especially a Client’s administrator, may process, store and transmit such information. The
Adviser has procedures and systems in place that it believes are reasonably designed to protect such
information and prevent data loss and security breaches. However, such measures cannot provide
absolute security. The techniques used to obtain unauthorized access to data, disable or degrade
service, or sabotage systems change frequently and may be difficult to detect for long periods of
time. Hardware or software acquired from third parties may contain defects in design or
manufacture or other problems that could unexpectedly compromise information security. Network
connected services provided by third parties to Partners Capital may be susceptible to compromise,
leading to a breach of the Firm’s network. The Firm’s systems or facilities may be susceptible to
employee error or malfeasance, government surveillance, or other security threats. Online services
provided by Partners Capital to the limited partners may also be susceptible to compromise. Breach
of the Firm’s information systems may cause information relating to the transactions of a Client and
personally identifiable information of the limited partners to be lost or improperly accessed, used or
disclosed.
The service providers to Partners Capital or a Client are subject to the same electronic information
security threats as Partners Capital. If a service provider fails to adopt or adhere to adequate data
security policies, or in the event of a breach of its networks, information relating to the transactions
of a Client and personally identifiable information of the limited partners may be lost or improperly
accessed, used or disclosed.
The loss or improper access, use or disclosure of the Firm’s or a Client’s proprietary information may
cause the Firm or a Client to suffer, among other things, financial loss, the disruption of its business,
liability to third parties, regulatory intervention or reputational damage. Any of the foregoing events
could have a material adverse effect on a Client and the limited partners’ investments therein. In
addition, Partners Capital’s increasing reliance on data, algorithms and artificial intelligence
technoli9ges in connection with its business and investment activities may heighten cybersecurity
risks, as the volume of data processed and the complexity of systems utilized creates additional
vulnerabilities to unauthorized access, data corruption or system compromise. See “Artificial
Intelligence Technologies” below.
Artificial Intelligence Technologies
Recent technological advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies and
systems, including programs and systems that utilize artificial intelligence, machine learning,
probabilistic modeling and other decision science technologies (collectively, “AI Technologies”
including, for example, the OpenAI ChatGPT application), create opportunities for Partners Capital
and its Clients, as well as risks. Partners Capital utilizes AI Technologies in connection with its
business, operating and investment activities, and it also expects certain of its Investment Managers
will use such technologies. Actual usage of such AI Technologies will vary across Partners Capital
business. Partners Capital has adopted and expects from time to time to adopt and adjust usage
policies and procedures governing the use of AI Technologies by its personnel, there is a risk of
misuse of such AI Technologies.
Further, AI Technologies are highly reliant on the collection and analysis of large amounts of data and
complex algorithms, but it is not possible or practicable to incorporate all relevant data into models
that AI Technologies utilize to operate, nor does the Investment Manager generally expect to be
involved in the collection of such data or development of such algorithms in the ordinary course.
Therefore, it is expected that data in such models will contain a degree of inaccuracy and error, and
potentially materially so, and that such data as well as algorithms in use could otherwise be
inadequate or flawed, which would be likely to degrade the effectiveness of AI Technologies and
could adversely impact Partners Capital or its Clients, to the extent they rely on the work product of
such AI Technologies. The volume and reliance on data and algorithms also make AI Technologies,
and in turn the Partners Capital and its Clients more susceptible to cybersecurity threats. In addition,
Partners Capital and its Clients could be exposed to risks to the extent third-party service providers or
any counterparties use AI Technologies in their business activities. Partners Capital will not be in a
position to control the manner in which third-party products are developed or maintained or the
manner in which third-party services utilizing AI Technologies are provided. In addition, AI
Technologies may be competitive with the business of Investment Managers or increase the
potential for obsolescence of a portfolio company of an Investment Manager’s products or services
(particularly as the capabilities of AI Technologies improve), and accordingly the increased adoption
and use of AI Technologies may have an adverse effect on Investment Managers or their respective
businesses. A number of the AI Technologies which may be used by Partners Capital may be
predictive in nature, which has inherent risks. Even where the data set used by a predictive AI
Technology is completely accurate and complete, the inherent volatility and unpredictability of
financial markets limits forecasting and the predictive nature of applicable AI Technologies.
Moreover, use of AI Technologies could include the input of confidential information of the Firm
(including material non-public information) by third parties in contravention of non-disclosure
agreements or by Partners Capital’s personnel or other related parties in contravention of the Firm’s
policies and procedures (or by any such parties in accordance with the Firm’s policies, procedures
and/or non-disclosure agreements), and in any case, could result in such confidential information
becoming part of a dataset that is accessible by AI Technologies applications and users.
AI Technologies and their current and potential future applications including in the private
investment and financial sectors, as well as the legal and regulatory frameworks within which they
operate, continue to rapidly evolve, and it is impossible to predict the full extent of current or future
risks related thereto.
Risks related to Investments in Private Funds, Fund-of-Fund or Multi-Manager
Strategy
The following are certain risks related to Partners Capital’s use of the Funds or other private
investment funds in a fund-of-fund or multi-manager investment strategy, whereby Client assets are
invested with third-party investment advisers or funds operated by independent third-party asset
management companies (Investment Managers). Subjective decisions made by Partners Capital or
Managers can cause Clients to incur losses or miss profit opportunities.
Limited Operating History
Certain private funds have no operating or performance history for investors or Clients to consider.
Their investment programs should be evaluated on the basis that there can be no assurance that
Partners Capital’s assessment of the short-term or long-term prospects of investments will prove
accurate or that the private fund will achieve its investment objectives. There is no guarantee that
the private fund’s investment strategy will be successful.
No or Limited Rights or Control
An investment in a private fund should be regarded as a passive investment. Investors have no right
to participate in the day-to-day operations of the private fund, nor are they entitled to receive notice
of, attend or vote at general meetings of the private fund. Consequently, they have no control over
the management of the private fund.
Limited Diversification
Private funds may not be limited in the amount of capital that may be invested in any one industry,
sector, geography, or similar category or asset class. As a result, an investment in a private fund may
not be a diversified investment. Although the Firm allocates to multiple private funds, there can be
no assurance that adequate diversification will be achieved. Non-diversification would increase the
risk of loss if there was a decline in the market value of any security, category or asset class in which
a private fund has invested a large percentage of their assets.
Limited Liquidity Risk
Many investments, especially those held by private funds, are not readily liquid. Many private
equity funds, hedge funds, property funds, and even some long-only equity and bond funds may
lock up capital for several years. Illiquid investments (e.g. private equity) can sometimes see Client
funds not returned in full for more than 10 years. Clients may not be able to dispose of investments
in underlying funds at the time that is most advantageous to them because of limited withdrawal
rights, which could result in significant loss of capital. Additionally, from time to time, Partners
Capital may separately agree to lock up portions of a Fund’s portfolio in a particular investment or
investments.
Limited Regulatory Oversight
Private funds are likely not to be registered as investment companies. Therefore, investors in private
funds will not be provided the protections associated with the 1940 Act. Further, certain Investment
Managers may not be registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Advisers Act”). As
a result, Clients will not be provided various protections (which, among other things, may include
limitations on leverage or transactions between investment company affiliates) offered to more
regulated or registered funds.
Management fraud
Investment Managers can commit fraud. It is our job to try and avoid those that appear to have the
potential to commit fraud or otherwise misappropriate Client funds. Larger more established
financial institutions with well practiced internal controls and independent audit firms would seem
to pose less risk and as a result attract our greatest attention for investing. However, even
established Investment Managers may commit fraud and it is not always ascertainable from any
amount of due diligence.
Operational or Organizational risk
All Investment Managers bring some risk that they will fail to execute their investment strategies
effectively due to an array of possible dysfunctionalities, including: loss of skilled investment or
operational employees, poorly motivated teams, inadequate systems, internal controls and risk
management processes, misalignment of compensation, antagonism among top management, IT
systems which fall behind the business needs, and regulatory problems. Some of the best
performing Investment Managers have new unproven teams. The past performance of an
Investment Manager is not indicative of future results and no assurance can be made that profits
will be realized or that losses will not occur.
Multiple Level of Fees Risk
Paying excessive fees is a significant risk in any asset class. Clients generally use a “multi-manager”
strategy where assets are invested with Investment Managers. Investment management fees and
performance or incentive fees are sometimes charged by both Partners Capital and Investment
Managers. As a result, Clients might bear multiple levels of fees. Further, such compensation
arrangements could create an incentive to make investments that are riskier or more speculative.
Valuation Risk
Valuation of the securities and other investments may involve uncertainties and judgmental
determinations. If a valuation is incorrect, the value of a fund or Client account may be adversely
affected. Independent pricing information about some of the securities and other investments may
not always be available.
Investment Managers value their respective investments at estimated fair values. Due to the
generally illiquid nature of securities held, fair values determined may not reflect the prices that
actually would be received when such investments are realized. The process for valuing securities
for which reliable market quotations are not available is based on inherent uncertainties and the
resulting values may differ from values that would have been determined had an active market
existed for such securities and may differ from the prices at which such securities may ultimately be
sold. With respect to the Funds, the exercise of discretion in valuation by Partners Capital may give
rise to conflicts of interest, as management fees and carried interest in certain Funds are
calculated based, in part, on these valuations and such valuations affect performance return
calculations.
Side Letters
Private funds and Investment Managers may enter into agreements (“Side Letters”) with certain
prospective or existing investors, under which those investors receive advantages. Such variations
may have the effect of establishing rights under, or altering or supplementing, the economic or
other terms applicable to certain investors, with the result that not all investors in a fund will
invest on the same terms and some investors may enjoy more favorable terms than others. A Side
Letter with a prospective or existing investor may, for example give that investor: (i) special rights
to make future investments in the private fund, other investment vehicles or managed accounts;
(ii) special redemption rights relating to frequency, period of notice, redemption fees payable
(whether in the form of a reduction or rebate) or other terms, or any combination of these; (iii)
rights to receive reports from the private fund on a more frequent basis or that include information
not provided to other investors (including, without limitation, more detailed information regarding
(iv) reduced or waived management
fees or performance-based
portfolio positions);
compensation; or (v) such other rights as may be negotiated by the private fund and that investor.
Partners Capital and its Clients may be subject to the terms and consequences of Side Letters
entered into by Investment Managers with other investors, which may in certain circumstances
adversely affect the relative position of Partners Capital’s Clients within those funds.
Asset Class-Specific Risks
Private Equity
Private equity investments involve a high degree of business and financial risk and can result in
substantial or complete losses. Many of the underlying portfolio companies of the private equity
funds will have limited operating histories and, in some cases, will not have generated profits prior
to the private equity funds’ investments. The success of private equity funds is subject to risks
related to (i) the ability of the asset manager to successfully select investment opportunities, (ii) the
quality of the management of the portfolio companies in which the private equity funds invest, (iii)
general economic conditions, and (iv) the ability of the private equity funds to realize their interests
in the portfolio companies at a favorable value and in a favorable period of time. The percentage of
companies that survive and prosper can be small. In addition, losses are likely to occur early while
the successes often require long maturation. There may be a significant period of time before
private equity funds have completed their investments in portfolio companies. Such investments
may take a significant period of time from the date of initial investment to reach a state of maturity
when realization of the investments may be achieved. Partners Capital generally will not have
influence over the timing of distributions made by private equity funds to their investors, which
may affect the timing of returns to Partners Capital’s Clients. All or a substantial portion of the
investments made by private equity funds will consist of securities that may not be sold publicly
except pursuant to offerings registered under applicable federal and state securities laws or if an
exemption from such registration is available.
Real Estate
Property investment returns are exposed to wide cyclical swings usually exacerbated by economic
conditions. To the extent Partners Capital’s Clients are invested with Investment Managers that
invest in real estate, such investments may be subject to certain risks associated with the
ownership of real estate and the real estate industry in general, including: property values may fall
due to increasing vacancies or declining rents resulting from economic, legal, regulatory, zoning or
technological developments; the financial condition of tenants, buyers and sellers of properties;
changes in interest rates and the availability of mortgage funds which may render the sale or
refinancing of properties difficult or impracticable; changes in environmental laws and regulations,
planning laws and other governmental rules and fiscal and monetary policies; environmental
claims arising in respect of properties acquired with undisclosed or unknown environmental
problems or as to which inadequate reserves have been established; changes in real property tax
rates; changes in energy prices; negative developments in the economy that depress travel
activity, uninsured casualties; force majeure acts, terrorist events, underinsured or uninsurable
losses, and other factors beyond the reasonable control of Investment Managers. The price of real
estate company shares can also be adversely affected because of the failure of borrowers to pay
their loans and poor management, and as recent experience has demonstrated, real estate assets
are subject to longer-term cyclical trends that give rise to volatility in values.
Many real estate companies utilize leverage, which increases investment risk and could adversely
affect a company’s operations and market value in periods of rising interest rates, as well as risks
normally associated with debt financing. The yields available from investments in real estate
depend on the amount of income and capital appreciation generated by the related properties. The
returns of Partners Capital’s Clients would be adversely affected if a significant number of tenants
were unable to pay rent or if properties could not be rented on favorable terms. The cost of
complying with governmental laws or regulations and the cost of availability of third-party
borrowings may also affect the market value of and returns from such investments.
Real property investments are also subject to risks which are specific to the investment sector or
type of property in which the real estate companies are investing. For example, retail and office
properties can be affected by a downturn in the businesses operated by their tenants, obsolescence
and non-competitiveness. Hotel properties are affected by the demand from travelers and tourism
and tend to be more sensitive to adverse economic conditions and competition than many other
commercial properties.
Commodities and Commodities-Related Derivatives
Commodities are among the most volatile of asset classes. Private funds may trade in stock index
futures and options on stock index futures, which are commodity interests, in an attempt to
enhance performance. Commodity futures markets are highly volatile and are influenced by
factors such as changing supply and demand relationships, governmental programs and
policies and political and economic events and changes in interest rates. In addition, because of
the low margin deposits normally required in commodity futures trading, a high degree of leverage
is typical of a commodity futures trading account. As a result, a relatively small price movement in
a commodity futures contract may result in substantial losses to the trader.
Distressed Debt and Related Securities
Partners Capital’s Clients, through their investments with Investment Managers, may invest in
securities and other obligations of companies that are experiencing significant financial or business
distress, including companies involved in bankruptcy or other reorganization and liquidation
proceedings. Acquired investments may include convertible securities, senior or subordinated debt
securities, bank loans, promissory notes and other evidence of indebtedness, as well as payables to
trade creditors. While such purchases may result in significant returns, they involve a substantial
degree of risk. In fact, debt securities generally do not pay any interest while the company is in
bankruptcy and the amount owed may not ultimately be paid unless and until the company
reorganizes and/or emerges from bankruptcy proceedings. The level of analytical sophistication, both
financial and legal, necessary for successful investment in companies experiencing significant
business and financial distress is high. There is no assurance that an Investment Manager pursuing
such opportunities will correctly assess the attractiveness of an investment in a security issued by a
company operating in a distressed environment. In any reorganization or liquidation proceeding,
the Investment Manager may lose its entire investment or may be required to accept cash or
securities with a value less than the Investment Manager’s original investment, which could
adversely affect the returns of Partners Capital’s Clients.
Special Situations
Partners Capital’s Clients, through their investments with Investment Managers, may invest in
situations involving acquisition attempts or tender offers or in companies involved in work-outs,
liquidations, spin-offs, reorganizations, bankruptcies and similar transactions. In any investment
opportunity involving any such type of special situation, there exists the risk that the contemplated
transaction either may be unsuccessful, take considerable time or result in a distribution of cash or a
new security the value of which is less than the purchase price to the Investment Manager of the
security or other financial instrument in respect of which such distribution is received. Similarly, if an
anticipated transaction does not in fact occur, the Investment Manager may be required to sell its
investment at a loss. Because there is substantial uncertainty concerning the outcome of transactions
involving such special situations, there is a potential risk of loss to Client portfolios.
Digital Asset Risks
Partners Capital’s Clients, through their
investments with Investment Managers, may obtain
exposure to cryptocurrencies, decentralized application tokens, protocol tokens and other
cryptofinance coins, tokens and digital assets and instruments that are based on blockchain,
distributed ledger or similar technologies, as well as investments in equity, equity-based securities or
convertible securities in companies operating in such industries (“Digital Assets”).
Digital Assets are loosely regulated and there is no central marketplace for currency exchange.
Supply is determined by a computer code, not by a central bank, and prices have been extremely
volatile. Digital Asset exchanges have been closed due to fraud, failure or security breaches. Any
assets that reside on an exchange that shuts down may be lost. Several factors may affect the price
of Digital Assets, including, but not limited to: supply and demand, investors’ expectation with
respect to the rate of inflation, interest rates, currency exchange rates, overall market sentiment or
future regulatory measures that restrict the trading of Digital Assets or the use of Digital Assets as a
form of payment. There is no assurance that Digital Assets will maintain their long-term value in
terms of purchasing power in the future, or that acceptance of Digital Asset payments by mainstream
retail merchants and commercial businesses will continue to grow.
Digital Assets represent a speculative investment and involve a high degree of risk. As relatively new
products and technologies, Digital Assets have not been widely adopted as means of payment for
goods and services by major retail and commercial outlets. The overall regulatory environment for
Digital Assets remains uncertain. Numerous U.S. federal agencies have asserted whole or partial
regulatory authority over Digital Assets, including, but not limited to, the Securities and Exchange
Commission, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the Federal Trade Commission and the
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. Whether and to what extent Digital Assets will be regulated
by any existing federal agencies or by new legislation passed by the U.S. Congress is unknown, and
the effect on the market value of Digital Assets overall is unknown. Regulatory activity in any of these
areas may restrict the ability of any Investment Manager to make investments in Digital Assets and to
realize the value of any investments by restricting the conversion of any such value into U.S. dollar-
based assets.
Short Selling
Investment Managers may sell securities short, which exposes them to theoretically unlimited risk
due to the lack of an upper limit on the price to which the security may rise. Short selling also
involves the sale of borrowed stock, so that if the stock loan is called, the short seller may be forced
to repurchase the stock at a loss. Such activities may also involve so-called “naked” shorts which
could subject the Investment Manager to even greater risk than short selling covered by borrowed
stock. These risks could adversely affect the returns of Partners Capital’s Clients.
Protection of Intellectual Property Rights
Proprietary rights, particularly in the form of copyrights, trademarks, patents and trade secrets, will
be important to the success and competitive position of portfolio companies held by Investment
Managers. Any actions by such portfolio companies to protect such intellectual property rights may
be inadequate. In addition, effective intellectual property right protection may be unenforceable or
limited in certain countries or due to ambiguities regarding a portfolio company’s ownership of such
rights. The global nature of the Internet may render it difficult or impossible for some of the portfolio
companies to control the dissemination of their work and use of their services. Any claims on behalf
of or against a portfolio company relating to infringement of intellectual rights could subject such
portfolio company to costly litigation and the diversion of their technical and management personnel
even if such claims have no merit, which could adversely affect the value of Client portfolios.
Investment Longer than Term
Investment Managers may make investments that may not be fully realized prior to the date on
which such Investment Manager’s fund will be dissolved, either by expiration of the fund term or
otherwise. Although Investment Managers generally expect that investments will have matured
sufficiently by the time of dissolution of the fund, they may have to sell, distribute or otherwise
investments (including pursuant to one or more secondary transactions) at a
dispose of
disadvantageous time for a price that is less than the price that could have been obtained if the
investments were held for a longer period of time, or alternatively may be required to hold
unrealized investments for a period beyond the scheduled term of the fund and incur administrative
and other expenses during this period, either of which could adversely affect the returns of Partners
Capital’s Clients.
Private Seed and Early Stage Investments
Seed and early stage venture capital investments entail the highest degree of risk within the already-
risky private equity business. Typically, seed and early stage companies have no operating history,
unproven technology, untested management, undeveloped product and services markets, and
unknown future capital requirements. Such companies usually face intense competition, often from
established companies with much greater financial and technical resources, more marketing and
service capabilities, more experienced management, and a greater number of qualified personnel. To
the extent Partners Capital selects Investment Managers that pursue seed or early stage strategies,
Clients should be aware that such strategies carry a heightened risk of loss, including the loss of a
substantial portion or all of the capital invested with such Investment Managers.
Volatility
Hedging activities employed by Investment Managers may entail a higher than normal level of
volatility, which could adversely affect Client portfolio performance. Similarly, direct investments in
private and public companies made by Investment Managers on behalf of, or alongside, Partners
Capital’s Clients, may entail a higher than normal level of volatility. There can be no assurance that
the future performance of such investments will be positive or result in rates of return that are
consistent with historical performance.
Risks related to Equity Instruments
Investments in equity securities are subject to market risks that could cause their prices to fluctuate
over time. The value of equity securities could be more volatile over time than other types of
financial instruments. Investing in certain developing or underdeveloped economies’ equity markets
generally involves even greater risk and higher volatility than for developed markets like the US.
The economies are often more cyclical, and capital can flow in and out in large sums relative to the
size of the markets, resulting in even larger annual losses.
Hedging Transactions
The use of hedging techniques can involve a variety of derivative transactions, including transactions
in forward foreign currency exchange contracts, currency and interest rate swaps, options and short
sales. While these transactions can reduce the risks associated with particular investments, the
transactions themselves entail risks that are different than the other investment strategies
employed by a private fund. Thus, while a hedging strategy can be overall beneficial to the
performance of a particular private fund, the use of hedging instruments, unanticipated changes in
interest rates, securities prices or currency exchange rates could also result in a poorer overall
performance for the private fund than if it had not entered into any hedging transactions. If there
is an imperfect correlation between a hedging instrument position and a portfolio position that is
intended to be protected, the desired protection may not be obtained, and result in greater risk of
loss to Client portfolios. In addition, to the extent one seeks to take advantage of observed
relationships between the market behavior of private and public companies as a proxy for
exposure to such companies, there can be no assurance that such relationships observed in the
past will continue in future periods, which could cause hedging strategies to perform differently
than expected.
Derivatives
A derivative is a security or other instrument, which derives its value from the value or performance
of other instruments or assets, interest or currency exchange rates, or indices. Derivative products
include futures contracts, options, forward contracts, swaps, structured notes and various
other over-the-counter instruments. The risks associated with investing in derivatives may be
greater than investing in the underlying assets or securities. The primary risk of derivatives is that
changes in the market value of securities held, and of derivatives relating to those securities, might
not correlate perfectly. In addition, the market to sell a derivative could be illiquid, which could
result in difficulty closing a particular position. Certain derivatives also magnify the extent of losses
incurred due to changes in the market value of the securities to which they relate. The derivatives
market is, in general, a relatively new market and there are uncertainties as to how it will perform
during periods of unusual price volatility or instability, market illiquidity or credit distress.
Substantial risks are also involved in borrowing and lending against derivatives. Some derivative
instruments, such as those traded over the counter, are also subject to counterparty credit risk, as
most such instruments are not traded on exchanges but rather through an informal network of
banks and dealers that have no obligation to make markets in them and can apply essentially
discretionary margin and credit requirements.
Derivatives prices can be volatile, market movements are difficult to predict, and financing sources
and related interest rates are subject to rapid change. Price movements of futures contracts,
forward contracts and other derivative contracts in which a fund utilizing derivatives invest are
influenced by, among other things, interest rates, changing supply and demand relationships, trade,
fiscal, monetary and exchange control programs and policies of governments and national and
international political and economic events and policies. In addition, governments from time to time
intervene, directly and by regulation, in certain markets, particularly those in currencies and interest
rate-related futures and options. Such intervention often is intended directly to influence prices
and, together with other factors, could cause all of such markets to move rapidly in the same
direction because of, among other things, interest rate fluctuations. Many unforeseeable events,
such as government policies, can have significant effects on interest and exchange rates, which in
turn can have large and sudden effects on prices of derivative instruments. Registered Funds are
subject to regulatory limitations on their use of derivatives. Any of the foregoing could adversely
affect the performance of Investment Managers and, in turn, the returns of Partners Capital
Clients.
Smaller Capitalization Stocks
Securities of small and mid-capitalization and/or financially distressed companies tend to be more
volatile than the securities of larger and more stable companies. Such companies have limited
product lines, geographic reach distribution channels, financial and managerial resources less
depth in management, and can face more intense competition than larger companies. Information
regarding smaller companies may also be less available, incomplete or inaccurate, which can make
it more difficult for Investment Managers to conduct thorough due diligence. The securities of
such companies are also generally less liquid, which may make it difficult to execute transactions
at desired prices or to exit positions in a timely manner. To the extent Partners Capital selects
Investment Managers that focus on or invest in smaller or mid-capitalization companies, Clients
should be aware that such strategies may result in greater volatility and risk of loss than strategies
focused on larger, more established issuers.
Risks related to Fixed Income Instruments
High Yield Securities
Funds may invest in high yield bonds that are riskier than investment grade bonds. Yields and
prices of high yield securities may be more volatile. Lower-rated securities may include securities
that have the lowest rating or are in default. Investing in lower-rated securities involves special risks
in addition to the risks associated with investments in higher-rated fixed income securities, including
a high degree of credit risk.
Lower-rated securities may be regarded as predominately speculative with respect to the issuer’s
continuing ability to meet principal and interest payments. Analysis of the creditworthiness of
issuers/issues of lower-rated securities may be more complex than for issuers/issues of higher
quality debt securities. Lower-rated securities may be more susceptible to losses and real or
perceived adverse economic and competitive industry conditions than higher grade securities.
Securities that are in the lowest rating category are considered to have extremely poor prospects of
ever attaining any real investment standing, to have a current identifiable vulnerability to default to
be unlikely to have the capacity to pay interest and repay principal. The secondary markets on which
lower-rated securities are traded may be less liquid than the market for higher grade securities or
become illiquid altogether. Less liquidity in the secondary trading markets could adversely affect
and cause large fluctuations in the value of a Fund’s portfolio. Adverse publicity and investor
perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity
of lower-rated securities, especially in a thinly traded market.
The use of credit ratings as a method of evaluating lower-rated securities can involve certain risks.
For example, credit ratings evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments, not the market
value risk of lower-rated securities. Also, credit rating agencies may fail to change credit ratings in
a timely fashion to reflect events since the security was rated.
Item 9. Disciplinary Information
Legal and Disciplinary
There have been no legal or disciplinary events related to Partners Capital or Partners Capital
employees or any affiliate of Partners Capital.
Item 10. Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Financial Industry Activities
Partners Capital is registered as a commodity pool operator and a commodity trading advisor with
the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and is a member of the National Futures Association.
Additionally, the following entities are affiliated with Partners Capital:
• Pacific Way Capital Management, LLC is an investment adviser registered with the SEC, and
a member of the National Futures Association;
• Partners Capital LLP is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the
United Kingdom;
• Partners Capital Asia Limited is licensed with the Securities and Futures Commission, located
in Hong Kong;
• Partners Capital Investment Group (Asia) Pte Ltd is regulated by the Monetary Authority of
Singapore as a holder of a Capital Markets Services license for Fund Management under the
Securities and Futures Act and as an exempt financial adviser; and
• Partners Capital Europe SAS is regulated by the Authorité des Marchés Financiers.
Partners Capital has signed a Participating Affiliates Agreement with Partners Capital LLP, Partners
Capital Investment Group (Asia) Pte Ltd, Partners Capital Asia Limited and Partners Capital Europe
S.A.S (each a “Participating Affiliate”). Under this agreement, Participating Affiliates provide
expertise and resources to Partners Capital in reliance on positions of the SEC staff and related
guidance to the effect that a non-U.S. advisory affiliate of a U.S. registered investment adviser may
share personnel with, and provide certain services to U.S. clients through, the registered
investment adviser without such Participating Affiliate registering as an investment adviser under
the Advisers Act.
Affiliations
One or more affiliates of Partners Capital serve as general partner or managing members of the
Funds that are not Registered Funds.
From time to time, Partners Capital receives compensation from its various subsidiaries’ asset
management activities (e.g. Pacific Way Capital Management, LLC), including compensation
generated from direct or indirect asset management activities performed for Clients of Partners
Capital. These arrangements may present a conflict for Partners Capital to promote or recommend
products or services managed by Partners Capital’s subsidiaries. However, Partners Capital maintains
policies and procedures designed to ensure investment recommendations are made in the best
interest of Clients, and Clients do not bear additional fees relating to Funds managed by Partners
Capital or its subsidiaries.
Other Related Persons
GA is a related person of ours. We do not believe that our relationship with GA would negatively
impact Clients when considering the services provided and the compensation paid versus available
and potentially comparable providers. For a description of potential material conflicts of interest
created by the relationship among us and GA, as well as a description of how such conflicts are
addressed, please see Item 11 below.
Item 11. Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions
and Personal Trading
Code of Ethics
limits personal trading by employees and their
Partners Capital has a Code of Ethics that summarizes the Firm’s standards of conducts and fiduciary
duties, and monitors and
immediate
family/household members. Among other things, we require all employees and immediate
family/household members to submit periodic reporting on their personal transactions and holdings
and to pre-clear personal investments certain types of securities including Reportable Securities,
IPOs and private placements. The Code of Ethics also requires employees to promptly report
suspected violations of the Code of Ethics or any applicable law and that they certify their
compliance with the Code of Ethics periodically. Partners Capital has implemented various policies
and procedures based on principles contained in the Code of Ethics, several of which are described
in the “Other Conflicts of Interests” section below. Additionally, all of our personnel are subject to
policies and procedures regarding the use of confidential information, market abuse and other
prohibited activities. It is our policy that personnel involved in investment decision-making must
act in the best interest of the Funds and Other Clients. A copy of the Code of Ethics is available upon
request.
Participation or Interest in Client Transactions
Partners Capital serves as the general partner, investment manager, or sub-adviser of the Funds or
Registered Funds. We are entitled to receive the management fees, performance-based fees and
set-up fees, as described above under Fees and Compensation and Performance-Based Fees.
Partners Capital may recommend Clients invest in the Funds or Registered Funds if it is appropriate
for the Clients’ overall investment strategy. Clients are provided with private placement
memoranda or prospectuses that provide full disclosure of terms for the Funds and other relevant
matters. Certain of the Funds may charge fees, including advisory and performance fees. Where
applicable, Partners Capital will credit the management and performance fees collected through the
Funds or Registered Funds against fees otherwise owed to Partners Capital by Clients invested in
the Funds or Registered Funds.
Certain Clients, including Registered Funds, are subject to regulatory limitations on their ability to
invest in the same issuer as other Clients. As a result, it is possible that a Client will not be able to
participate in part or at all in an investment where other Clients are able to participate. Similarly,
there could be certain circumstances in which Clients participate in the same transaction and, due
to subsequent events, certain of such Clients (e.g., Registered Funds) cannot participate in follow-
on investments in the same issuer.
Additionally, the Firm and its affiliates have applied for an order (the "Co-Investment Order") from
the Securities and Exchange Commission that would permit certain Registered Funds to co-invest in
portfolio investments with certain other Clients. If granted, to the extent specific investment
opportunities are appropriate for a Client and a Registered Fund subject to the order, the
opportunity will also be subject to the conditions of the Co-Investment Order and other
requirements, which could limit a Registered Fund’s ability to participate in a co-investment
transaction. Reliance on the Co-Investment Order likely will be subject to certain terms and
conditions, including, among others, internal notification of investment opportunities, independent
determination by a Registered Fund’s portfolio managers as to the appropriateness of each
investment, enhanced recordkeeping and, where applicable, approval of the
applicable
independent directors of the Registered Funds. There can be no assurance that the Co-Investment
Order will facilitate the successful consummation of investment opportunities that a Registered
Fund believes are available to Clients as a result of the Co-Investment Order. Investment
opportunities that would be subject to the Co-Investment Order would also be subject to additional
policies and procedures as a result of the participation of Registered Funds, which could delay deal
execution and adversely impact the ability of Clients to deploy capital.
In addition, we have a number of Clients who are senior partners in asset management firms. Upon
completion of our due diligence process, we may recommend to Clients an investment with one or
more of such asset management firms as part of their overall investment program, including Twin
Point Capital LLC, Bain Capital LLC, The Blackstone Group, Related Fund Management, The Davis
Companies, Audax Management Company, LLC, Vida Ventures Advisors, LLC, Crestview Partners,
L.P, Deerpath Capital Management, Lone Star Funds, Greenspring Associates, Gamma Real Estate,
L Catterton, HPS Investment Partners, Audax Private Equity, Union Bancaire Privee, Clayton
Dublier & Rice, LLC, Francisco Partners, Great Point Partners, AlpInvest Partners, Hunter Point
Capital, Accel, Symbiotic Capital, HG Capital, Theleme Partners, Capula Global, Mesarete Capital,
Nisa Investment Advisors. We also allocate to funds managed by those firms via the Funds and
have recommended some of the funds managed by these firms to Other Clients for direct
investment. Clients should note that one member of Partners Capital’s board of directors is
affiliated with Apollo Global Management. One of our Partners, Richard Scarinci, has an indirect
equity stakes in Magnetar Capital LLC, Leonard Green & Partners, Francisco Partners, New Mountain
Capital, Rockpoint, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., Marathon Capital, Senator Investment Group,
Solus Alternative Asset Management and GTCR.
The fact that Partners Capital has Clients, shareholders, and Board members, who are employed by
firms or are in an advisory capacity in which they make and recommend investments for the Funds
and our Other Clients may create the appearance of a conflict of interest; however, Partners Capital
makes investment decisions and recommendations based solely on its independent, objective due
diligence and analysis and its belief that the investment is in the best interest of Clients. We believe
it would be inappropriate to exclude or limit investments with asset management firms where a
Client, director or shareholder of Partners Capital is employed, or otherwise affiliated, as doing so
would limit the available investment universe and exclude firms that have proven over time to be,
in our opinion, among the best in the industry.
Other Conflicts of Interest
Gifts and Entertainment
Business entertainment and gifts accepted from Clients, prospective Clients, suppliers, service
providers or Investment Managers are never solicited and are kept to minimal levels and must be
reported to the Compliance Department.
Service as a Director or Member of Investment Committee
Employees who wish to serve as an officer or director of any public company, or of any organization
where such duties might require involvement in investment decisions, or who wishes to serve on
the investment committee of any organization, must obtain the prior consent from the Compliance
Department, which shall be granted if such service shall not create a conflict with an employee’s
fiduciary duty to Clients.
Client Asset Manager Investments
In several cases, Partners Capital’s Clients or other stakeholders operate or are otherwise employed
by asset management businesses in which Partners Capital may choose to invest. In all cases, we
will make it clear to investing clients that such a conflict exists. In cases where the conflict of
interest is deemed to be material by the Partners Capital CIO or delegate, such funds will be
referred to an independent ‘External Conflicts Reviewer’.
GA Transaction
Although GA’s investment through the Transaction presents certain conflicts of interest, the day-to-
day business and operations of Partners Capital are to be conducted and operated independently
by Partners Capital, without any involvement from GA.
In addition, GA and Partners Capital will not actively seek to participate in the same investment
opportunities, nor, going forward, will Partners Capital recommend investments into GA-managed
funds to its Clients. Although this limitation potentially limits the investment universe for Clients,
given the limited exposure Clients have to the GA-managed funds, these restrictions are expected
to have very limited impact to Clients, if any.
Item 12. Brokerage Practices
Selecting Brokerage Firms
Partners Capital, as the general partner, investment manager, or sub-adviser of the Funds or
Registered Funds, or as adviser to Other Clients, recommends the limited partnerships, other pooled
investment vehicles or entities, and separately managed accounts in which the assets of the Funds
or of Other Clients are invested and withdrawn, and the amounts thereof. In making such
investments, we may have the authority to negotiate the commission rates paid by the Funds or by
Other Clients. We also may recommend brokers to Other Clients. The factors considered by
Partners Capital in suggesting such brokers may include the experience, reputation, product
offering, credit worthiness, customer service, and commission pricing of the broker.
The advisor may recommend that clients establish brokerage accounts with various broker-dealers,
primarily Schwab Institutional and Fidelity, to maintain custody of clients’ assets and to affect trades
within their accounts. Partners Capital is independently owned and operated and is not affiliated
with Schwab, Fidelity, or any other broker-dealer. Clients, including Registered Funds, that have
trading restrictions and/or reporting obligations with respect to principal or agency transactions
with particular brokers or dealers are required to notify us in writing of those affiliations and any
associated trading restrictions for their accounts.
We recommend broker dealers on the basis of, but not limited to, breadth of available investment
options, low cost, and customer service. Schwab and Fidelity also make available to us products and
services that benefit us but may not benefit any individual client accounts. Some of these products
and services assist us in managing and administering clients’ accounts. These include software and
other technology that provide access to client account data; facilitate trade execution; provide
research, pricing information and other market data; facilitate payment of our fees from clients’
accounts; and assist with back-office functions, record-keeping and client reporting. Many of these
services generally may be used to service all or a substantial number of accounts. While as a
fiduciary, Partners Capital endeavors to act in our clients’ best interests, our recommendation that
clients maintain assets in accounts at Schwab and other custodians may be based in part on the
benefit to Partners Capital of the availability of some of the foregoing products and services and not
solely on the nature, cost or quality of custody and brokerage services provided by Schwab or other
custodians, which may create a potential conflict of interest.
Partners Capital does not seek to obtain or accept inducements from Investment Managers or other
service providers. We will negotiate discounts in fees and rebates of commissions to achieve the
lowest possible cost for Clients, and such discounts or rebates will be passed directly back to the
Clients concerned.
Directed Brokerage
On occasion, Clients direct that their accounts be custodied at a particular broker and/or that all
trading be executed by a specific broker. Generally, the Client agrees on a commission rate or fee
with that broker. Commissions paid by Client accounts in these arrangements may be higher than
those obtainable from other brokers, and Clients who use directed brokerage may not be able to
participate in block trades, which may offer better execution (see below).
Trade Aggregation
It is Partners Capital’s policy to aggregate or block-trade transactions on behalf of Clients where it
is permitted and allows for a more timely and efficient execution, or reduces overall commissions
charged to Clients, provided that no Client is favored over another. In these instances, Clients will
receive an average share price, and transaction costs will be allocated pro-rata based on the share
allotment.
Cross Trades
Partners Capital may cause a Client to purchase or sell investments from or to another Client,
sometimes referred to as a “cross trade”. Cross trades can provide a benefit to both Clients in the
form of reduced market impact and reduced transaction costs. However, not all Clients are
permitted to engage in cross trades. Cross trades also create conflicts of interests.
We may execute a cross trade between Client accounts when we believe that trade is appropriate
for all accounts involved and consistent with applicable law and Client guidelines. Partners Capital
will not directly or indirectly receive any commission or other transaction based compensation (the receipt
of customary advisory fees would not constitute indirect compensation) for effecting a cross trade. Partners
Capital will also not effect a cross trade for any Fund where we may be deemed to own more than 25% of
such Fund, unless such transaction complies with the requirements of our principal transactions policy, as
described below.
Principal and Agency Cross Transactions
Section 206(3)-2 of the Advisers Act generally prohibits an investment adviser from knowingly
purchasing any security from a Client, or selling any security to a Client out of its own inventory (a
“principal transaction”), or effecting a transaction for a Client if the adviser acts as a broker on
both sides of the transaction (an “agency cross transaction”). If the adviser knowingly engages in
any of these activities, the adviser, before completion of the transaction, shall make a written
disclosure to the client of the capacity in which the adviser is acting and must obtain the Client’s
consent to such transaction. Partners Capital has established policies and procedures to comply
with the requirements of the Advisers Act as they relate to principal transactions and agency cross
transactions.
Item 13. Review of Accounts
Periodic Reviews
The composition of the Clients’ portfolios is continually reviewed by members of the Firm’s senior
management. The review includes an analysis of the strategies employed by Investment Managers,
including diversification, exposure to market and other risks, and performance. We also have
established several internal committees, including investment committees, that are responsible
for our day-to-day operations. This includes entering into advisory agreements, establishing
investment advisory fees, selecting Investment Managers and developing new products and
services.
Regular Reports
Clients receive quarterly reports from Partners Capital concerning the performance of the
investment products on which we advise. These reports include information on each product,
including inflows, outflows, ending balance and performance returns. However, statements from
the Client’s custodian are the official statement of record. Clients are urged to compare the Partners
Capital account statement with any account statement received from custodians. If any
discrepancies are identified, or if there are any questions, Clients are encouraged to contact
Partners Capital promptly.
Trade Errors
Trade errors may occur during the investment and trading process. Partners Capital has adopted
written policies and procedures to address trade errors. Partners Capital evaluates trade errors on
a case-by-case basis and seeks to resolve them expeditiously, in a fair and equitable manner. Not all
trade errors are considered compensable. If an error results in a loss in a Client’s account, Partners
Capital will evaluate the Firm’s failure to meet the applicable standard of care agreed upon with the
Client to determine whether the error is compensable.
Item 14. Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Client Referrals
Partners Capital has entered into an agreement with a third party to solicit clients for the Firm.
Typically, the third party will receive a portion of management fee and/or performance fee paid to
Partners Capital with respect to such clients. A prospective client solicited by such a third party will
be informed of any such arrangement.
Item 15. Custody
Funds have arrangements with custodians as disclosed in the relevant offering and other Fund
documents. Registered Funds are subject to the custody requirements of the 1940 Act.
Account Statements
Client assets for which Partners Capital is deemed to have “custody” within the meaning of Advisers
Act Rule 206(4)-2 (the “Custody Rule”) are maintained with an independent qualified custodian and
Clients should receive account statements from the qualified custodian at least quarterly. The
statements received directly from the custodian are the official record of a client’s account. Partners
Capital encourages its Clients to compare and verify the information provided on their statements
with the information on the statements they receive from the account custodian.
Financial Statements
In the case of pooled investment vehicles subject to the Custody Rule, financial statements are
prepared by an independent public accountant registered with, and subject to regular inspection
by, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) and distributed to all limited
partners within 120 days of fiscal year-end in accordance with Rule 206(4)-2 under the Advisers Act.
In the case of fund of funds, financial statements are required to be distributed to all limited
partners within 180 days of fiscal year-end in accordance with the ABA Committee on Private
Investment Entities, SEC Staff Letter publicly available August 10, 2006.
Item 16. Investment Discretion
Discretionary Authority for Trading
Partners Capital may exercise discretionary authority over some Client accounts, as determined by
the advisory agreements signed by Clients. This includes the discretion to determine the securities
bought or sold, and the amounts of such investments, as determined in the investment advisory
agreements with such Clients. The Client has the ability to place limitations and restrictions on
investments made for his/her/its account.
In the case of the Funds, Partners Capital exercises investment discretion. The Funds are subject to
investment guidelines and/or restrictions which are described in their respective offering
documents.
Item 17. Voting Client Securities
Partners Capital’s generally does not have authority to vote proxies on behalf of Clients. In such
cases, Partners Capital will not take any action or render any advice with respect to voting of proxies
solicited by or with respect to the issuers of securities in which assets of the Client may be invested
from time to time. Proxies for securities may be provided to each Client by the account's respective
broker/custodian. Any proxies received by Partners Capital will be immediately forwarded to the
Client.
In cases where Partners Capital has been delegated the authority to vote Client proxies, Partners
Capital will seek to vote each proxy or similar corporate action in accordance with its fiduciary duty
to its Clients, taking into consideration such factors as the Firm deems relevant in its sole discretion.
Partners Capital’s proxy voting policy is designed to ensure that proxy votes are not improperly
influenced by material conflicts of interests. Where consistent with such fiduciary duties and where
not influenced by material conflicts of interests or where Partners Capital, acting reasonably, does
not consider such an action would give rise to any meaningful risk of a material adverse effect for a
Client, Partners Capital may irrevocably waive or delegate voting rights held by a Client in an
investment (either with respect to a particular proxy or with respect to an investment or proposed
investment more generally). Partners Capital also may choose to vote proxies for an issue or holding
in the same proportion as the votes of other proxy holders (i.e., “mirror voting”). Registered Funds
are subject to regulation that may in some circumstances require them to waive voting rights and/or
mirror vote.
In certain instances, Partners Capital may be unable to vote or may determine not to vote a proxy
on behalf of one or more Clients. For example, a proxy vote might not be entered because the
securities involved have been lent out under a Client’s securities lending program. In addition,
proxies may not arrive in a timely fashion. We may determine that the cost of executing the proxy
is excessive or may lack sufficient information to cast an appropriate vote.
Partners Capital engages the services of a third-party vendor as its proxy agent. A copy of Partners
Capital’s proxy voting policies and procedures are available to Clients upon request. Clients who
have delegated the authority to vote proxies to Partners Capital may obtain copies of proxy records
and information on how proxies were voted by contacting us at https://www.partners-
cap.com/contact/.
Additionally, Partners Capital will not act or advise on any class action claims or legal proceedings
pertaining to securities held or formerly held in accounts of Clients or former Clients.
Item 18. Financial Information
Financial Condition
Partners Capital does not require or solicit prepayment of fees. Partners Capital has never filed for
bankruptcy and is not aware of any financial condition that is expected to affect its ability to manage
Client accounts.
Appendix 1: Capacity Allocation Policy
Partners Capital advises separately managed accounts of individuals and institutions, serves as the general
partner of privately offered domestic funds, as the investment manager to privately offered offshore funds
(each a “Fund” and together the “Funds”), and as sub-adviser to investment companies registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) (each a “Registered Fund”, and together the
“Registered Funds”), all together referred to as “Clients”.
An important aspect of Partners Capital is working on our Clients’ behalf to gain access to what we believe
are the best of breed asset managers in each asset class, in many cases using Clients’ attractiveness and
influence to secure such access. In some cases, an investment opportunity will have limited capacity (by the
amount of capital available and/or by the number of investors allowed). Partners Capital will seek to allocate
limited capacity opportunities in a manner that is fair to all Clients and to mitigate conflicts of interest.
All capacity should be allocated using this policy, unless explicitly approved by the Compliance Team,
including the allocation of capacity created by the redemption of an existing investor in the fund (whether
they are a Client of Partners Capital or not). As described below, the Capacity Allocation Tool, located in
Omniscience, should be used as a ‘book-building’ tool and should be used to track demand even in cases
where capacity is not constrained.
1.
The available capacity of an investment opportunity can be determined by the asset manager or
Partners Capital.
i.
ii.
An asset manager may limit the amount of capital available to Clients’ at their discretion.
Partners Capital may determine that the size of an investment opportunity exceeds the
amount that is appropriate for Clients. As such, Partners Capital in its sole discretion, may
limit the available capacity for Clients, taking into account various criteria including but not
limited to an investment opportunity’s risk parameters and operational factors.
2. As advisors and/or discretionary managers to its Clients, Partners Capital first determines the
suitability of any given investment for each Client in light of their strategy, risk profile, current
allocations and ability to meet fund stated minimums.
3. Partners Capital will also assess the Client’s ability to make the investment subscription deadlines
based on the liquidity of their portfolio and their ability to agree the investment within the deadlines.
4. Where it is deemed that the investment to be appropriate for a particular Client, Partners Capital
will evaluate the appropriate size of the investment for the client independently of any possible
access or capacity constraints. This evaluation will include an assessment of the minimum investment
that would be relevant for the client’s portfolio (“Client Assessed Minimum”).
5.
Such investment recommendations will be aggregated across Clients and sent to the asset manager
for consideration. When the total amount of the Client requested capacity is more than the available
capacity (Limited Capacity), we will pro-rate the allocation across our Clients based on the individual
requests. However, some asset managers may seek to use their own allocation process and criteria
for accepting or rejecting individual investors or cutting back investors’ requested investment
amounts. In these instances, we will defer to the asset manager’s process.
6.
If the asset manager makes their own cutbacks, we may attempt to influence the asset manager to
cut back Clients’ allocation requests pro-rata in order to ensure a fair allocation to all Clients.
However, there may be cases where this will not be acceptable to the manager, and we will defer
to the manager’s process. In these cases, it must be recognized that we ultimately cannot over-ride
an asset manager’s decision to take one Client over another or to cut back Clients in different
proportions.
7. Where pro-ration would take a Client allocation below the fund stated minimum, at our sole
discretion and to achieve the fairest outcome to Clients, we will re-allocate that below-minimum
allocation to Clients with allocations at or above the fund minimum in proportion to their original
capacity requests, in other words Clients below the fund stated minimum, starting with the Client
furthest below the fund stated minimum, drop out of the process and the pro-ration is re-calculated
until all Clients remaining in the process are above the fund stated minimum; or
8.
If the available capacity to be allocated is $3,000,000 or less, Partners Capital will allocate the
capacity to Clients based on a random basis under the supervision of the Compliance Team. In this
process, all Clients requesting capacity are assigned a random order. The first randomly prioritized
client would be granted its entire capacity request (unless this was more than the total capacity
available), then the second randomly prioritized Client would be granted its request from the
remaining capacity to be allocated, and so on until all the capacity has been allocated. In cases where
a randomly prioritized client’s request is greater than the remaining capacity available, Partners
Capital would grant all the remaining capacity to that client, provided this allocation meets the fund
stated minimum, or skip that client in favor of the next randomly selected Client if it was not an
eligible subscription. Each random allocation process is independent of the others.
9.
If the available capacity to be allocated is one fifth of the aggregate demand or less, Partners Capital
will allocate the capacity to Clients based on the random basis defined above, under the supervision of
the Compliance Team.
10. Partners Capital Pooled Vehicles and Clients subject to a discretionary mandate will be subject to pro-
ration process and will be included along side every other Client.
11. We may recommend to certain Clients that they go direct to the asset manager and request capacity
independent of Partners Capital when we deem that approach may maximize their potential
allocation, and will not affect other Clients’ potential allocations. We may make such
recommendations to individual Clients to pursue this approach in light of greater influence the Client
may have directly with the asset manager.
12. Where capacity varies for onshore versus offshore alternatives from the same manager, this policy will
be applied as though the two funds are completely independent of each other.
13. Where there is unused capacity remaining before the trade date but after the initial allocation
process, remaining capacity will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
14. Secondaries Allocation Policy
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Secondaries investment opportunities will be allocated in accordance
with Partners Capital’s Secondaries Allocation Program. The Secondaries Allocation Program intends
to allocate direct secondaries transactions in the following order of priority:
• Participating Clients: Funds and Registered Funds with secondaries as a stated investment strategy
(as detailed in their governing documents), as well as clients with separately managed accounts
that opt-in to the Secondaries Allocation Program.
• Standard Clients: All other Clients.
In addition to the Funds and Registered Funds with secondaries as a stated investment strategy (as
detailed in their governing documents), all other Clients will have the opportunity to opt into Tier 1 of
the Secondaries Allocation Program at the onset of the advisory relationship with Partners Capital and
at any point for so long as they remain a Client.
Separately managed accounts that elect to participate in the Secondaries Allocation Program will do
so by executing an agreement that gives Partners Capital discretionary authority over a designated
portion of their account to invest in direct secondaries opportunities alongside the relevant Funds and
Registered Funds. The addendum will set forth terms including, but not limited to, (i) a target annual
commitment to the Secondaries Allocation Program, (ii) per-deal target investment amounts, and (iii)
any applicable investment restrictions. For the avoidance of doubt, Funds and Registered Funds with
secondaries as a stated investment strategy are automatically included in Tier 1, and do not execute
an agreement. Accordingly, they are not subject to minimum annual commitments or per deal
investment amounts.
When a suitable investment opportunity is identified, available capacity will be allocated first to
Clients in Tier 1, and thereafter to Clients in Tier 2 if there is capacity remaining. Where the demand of
Clients exceeds the available capacity within a given tier, allocations will be made pro rata based on
each Clients’ demands, subject to any applicable investment restrictions or client minimums. If there is
capacity remaining after all of Partners Capital client demand has been filled, the Secondaries Team
may reach out to third parties at their discretion to fill any remaining capacity.
15. Partners Capital partners, employees and relatives of employees (defined as spouses, parents and
children) are deemed to be an insider for the purposes of scarce capacity allocation and in certain
circumstances may be excluded from the allocation process. The main situation may arise when a) an
insider applies by the deadline for an allocation to a manager with constrained capacity, b) where
Partners Capital client demand exceeds the capacity granted by the manager and c) Partners Capital
determines the allocations to clients per our Constrained Capacity policy. In this situation, the insider
would be excluded from the process to ensure clients receive the fullest allocation possible.
16. Registered Investment Companies: Partners Capital has adopted a Section 17(d) and Rule 17d-1
Policies and Procedures which is maintained under separate cover. The Section 17(d) and Rule 17d-1
Policy applies when Partners Capital and/or affiliated persons investment alongside an investment
company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
17. This policy will be disclosed to each client as part of our account opening process and in the firm’s
Form ADV Part 2.
Appendix 2: Partners Capital Client Privacy Policy
Partners Capital Investment Group, LLP (“Partners Capital,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) provides this
Privacy Policy (“Policy”) to explain our practices regarding the collection and use of Personal
Information about our clients and prospective clients. Additional policies may apply in other
contexts and to other relationships you may have with us.
This Notice provides disclosures for current and prospective Private Clients who engage with us
primarily for personal, family, or household purposes. In the event of a conflict between any other
policy, statement, or notice and this Privacy Notice for Private Clients, this Notice will prevail as to
Nonpublic Personal Information as defined under the Gramm-Leach Bliley Act (“GLBA”). Any terms
defined in the GLBA have the same meaning when used in this Notice.
If you are a Californian resident who interacts with us as a representative of a current, prospective,
or former institutional client (collectively, “Client Representatives”), please see our California
Privacy
Notice available at https://partners-cap.com/privacy-policy/
Facts
What does Partners Capital Investment Group, LLP (“Partners Capital”) do with
your personal information?
Why?
Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives
consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you
how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice
carefully to understand what we do.
What?
• Risk tolerance
The types of personal information we collect and share depend on the product or service
you have with us. This information can include:
• Social security number • Assets
• Income
• Wire transfer instructions • Transaction history
When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share information about you as
described in this notice.
How?
All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday
business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their
customers’ personal information; the reasons Partners Capital chooses to share; and
whether you can limit this sharing.
Reasons we can share your personal information
Does Partners
Capital Share?
Can you limit
this sharing?
Yes
No
No
For our everyday business purposes - such as to process your transactions,
maintain your accounts(s) or respond to court orders and legal
investigations.
For our marketing purposes - to offer our products and services to you
No
For joint marketing with other financial companies
We don’t
shar
We don’t
shar
Yes
No
For our affiliates' everyday business purposes - information about your
transactions and experiences
Yes
Yes
For our affiliates to market to you
No
For non-affiliates to market to you
We don’t
share
To limit our sharing
• Call 617-292-2570
• Visit: https://www.partners-cap.com/contact/
Please note: If you are a new customer, we can begin sharing your information 30
days from the date we sent this notice. When you are no longer our customer, we
continue to share your information as described in this notice. However, you can
contact us at any time to limit our sharing.
Visit: https://www.partners-cap.com/contact/
Questions?
Who we are
Partners Capital Investment Group, LLP and affiliates, including privately offered
pooled investment vehicles.
Who is providing
this notice?
What we do
To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use
security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer
safeguards and secured files and buildings.
How does Partners
Capital protect my
personal
information?
How does Partners
Capital collect my
personal
information?
We collect your personal information, for example, when you
• Enter into an investment advisory contract
• Seek financial advice
• Make deposits or withdrawals from your account
• Tell us about your investment or retirement portfolio
• Give us your employment history
We also collect your personal information from others, such as affiliates
or other companies.
Federal law gives you the right to limit only:
• sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes—information about your
creditworthiness
Why can't I limit all
sharing?
• affiliates from using your information to market to you
• sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you
State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing.
Your choices will apply to everyone on your account - unless you tell us otherwise.
What happens when I
limit sharing for an
account I hold jointly
with someone else?
Definitions
Affiliates
Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and
nonfinancial companies.
Non-affiliates
Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial
and nonfinancial companies.
• Partners Capital does not share with non-affiliates so they can market to you.
Joint Marketing
A formal agreement between non-affiliated financial companies that together
market financial products or services to you.
• Partners Capital does not jointly market.
North America
Middle East
Boston
Federal Reserve Plaza
600 Atlantic Avenue, 30th Floor
Boston, MA 02210
Tel: +1 617 292 2570
Dubai
DIFC Representative Office
DIFC Funds Centre
Precinct Building 4
Dubai, UAE
Asia
New York
640 Fifth Avenue, 21st Floor
New York, NY 10019
Tel: +1 415 862 7100
Singapore
50 Raffles Place, Level 13
Singapore Land Tower
Singapore 048623
Tel: +65 6645 3733
San Francisco
3 Embarcadero Center
Suite 2360
San Francisco, CA 94111
Tel: + 1 415 862 7100
Hong Kong
10/F Champion Tower
3 Garden Road
Central, Hong Kong
Dallas
2626 Cole Ave
Suite 300
Dallas, TX, 75204
Tel: +1 469-864-7360
Europe
London
4 Orchard Place, 1st Floor
London, SW1H 0BF
England
Tel: +44 (0)20 7938 5200
Paris
82 Avenue Marceau
75008 Paris
France
Tel: +33 (0)1 7038 1054