From CRM To Compliance: The Madoff Effect Drives Demand For A Data Trail

By Hung Tran & Jonathan Shazar -- Bernard Madoff has gone up the river, unlikely to ever return. But the specter of his $65 billion Ponzi scheme continues to hang over the alternative investments industry.

For many investors, especially those of the all-important institutional variety, the only way to combat Madoff’s dark cloud is to shine a bright light on what have long been the more secretive corners of the industry. One-page monthly statements from hedge fund and private equity managers are no longer enough; these clients are demanding transparency, due diligence and risk management previously anathema to many of the industry.