The SEC believes that investment advisers, including pension consultants, are increasingly recommending that their clients invest a portion of their portfolios in private alternative investment funds. In light of that trend, the SEC’s OCIE National Exam Program (NEP) staff recently published a Risk Alert addressing due diligence processes related to selecting alternative investments and their managers.

The OCIE staff recognizes that due diligence of alternative investments can be more challenging in light of the characteristics and complexity of certain alternative strategies. The Risk Alert sheds some light on the staff’s views of “best practices” for such due diligence and related compliance programs. Investment advisers might also glean some insight into the examination staff’s focus in upcoming visits.