Martin Buckner

Over recent months we’ve had a chance to take stock of what has been a particularly demanding few years. The pandemic threw life around the world into disarray and caused a series of rapid, lasting changes to the way we live and work. We’ve seen the needs of our clients change as they adapt to take on a new set of challenges.

As an advisor, we have a duty to mirror the world around us. So, we felt it was an important time to reflect on our own values, services and structure in order to best serve our clients. During 2022, the leaders of all our offices came together to refine our global proposition and to ensure we are fully utilising the market leading network CDR has cultivated over more than 50 years of business.

Stakeholder groups are becoming increasingly varied, and a business relies on their support to operate effectively. In our experience, trust is the currency on which these groups operate, and transparency is paramount. Clear, regular communication which is honest, humble and human allows a company to build this trust by maximising transparency.

Throughout the year, we have invested in our capabilities by adding new senior hires, all of whom bring with them the expertise to help clients tackle their evolving needs. They have brought a new wave of energy to our already market-leading team.

The result is a more collaborative, interconnected web of offices that marry global reach with local expertise.

When put in the context of the services we can draw upon from other parts of the Accordience group, our clients can enjoy the benefits of a communications group that uniquely combines best-in-class, specialist consultancy with the scale to operate at pace both globally and locally.

The role we play as the guardians of our client’s reputation is more vital than ever, and it is not a responsibility we take lightly. Our refined global proposition enables us to discharge that responsibility with even greater vigour and insight.

As the group’s new Global CEO, I am incredibly proud of the work that has been done and what we have accomplished over the past decades. The next chapter of CDR’s exciting story is here and we couldn’t be more excited for what lies ahead.

Charlotte Bilney, Global CEO at Citigate Dewe Rogerson

日本のメディアの特徴や日本人記者との付き合い方を学ぶことは、来日する経営幹部やすでに東京にいるスポークスパーソンのインタビューを手配する際に、最良の結果を得るのに役立ちます。

ビジネスで使われている言語が英語ではない

海外の金融業界のクライアントが最も受け入れがたいと感じる海外と日本の最大の違いは、言語の壁です。国内メディアの日本人記者は、英語でインタビューを行えるほど英語が堪能ではありません。

東京は香港やシンガポールとは異なり、ビジネスで使われている言語が英語ではありません。日本語が話せない海外から来日されたエグゼクティブには通訳者を手配するか、もしくは東京在住のスポークスパーソンのなかから日本語が母語である方、あるいは日本語を流暢に話せる方に取材の対応をお願いする必要があります。

国内メディアで英語が話せる記者を探してほしいというご依頼をいただくことはたまにありますが、見つかる可能性がとても低く、日本の記者は異動によって担当分野が定期的に変わることから、英語ができる記者の紹介や英語での取材を保証することは非常に困難です。日本のメディアには日本語で対応することを前提に計画を立てれば、取材機会の獲得に成功する確率は格段に上がります。

同様に、英語のプレスリリース、レポート、ファクトシート、スポークスパーソンのプロフィールも日本語に翻訳する必要があります。日本語に翻訳されていないコンテンツは読まれることはないでしょう。日本の記者は、ただ単にそのまま日本語に翻訳されたプレスリリースをそのまま記事にすることはありませんが、独自の記事を書くために追加情報やインタビューを要求することも時たまあります。

現地の記者との関係を維持することが最も重要

日本では、記者は人間関係の構築を非常に重要視します。つまり、ランチやディナー、オフレコのブリーフィングなどのイベントを通じて自社の歴史や専門分野、グローバル戦略における日本の位置づけなどを説明する機会を作るのが必要です。このようなイベントには、時間とリソースを費やすことが避けられないですが、それに値する効果が得られます。日本のメディアに自社のことを丁寧に説明することに尽力すれば、日本メディアの記者はさまざまな読者に御社のことを丁寧に紹介してくれます。

グローバルな文脈を持ちながらローカルに焦点を当てたストーリー

国内メディアの記者は、外国金融機関に対して2つの情報を求めています。一つは、すべての投資家や金融機関関係者が直面するトレンドやリスク要因に関する大局的な見解です。もうひとつは、日本の金融市場、日本への投資、日本の金融業界など、日本に関する見解です。日本から見た見解を含めずにグローバル視点からの見解だけを提供すると、記事を確保するチャンスが激減することがあります。ベストな方法は、グローバル視点からのストーリーの中に、日本から見た見解を必ず含めることです。

日本では、編集者やチームリーダーは記者がどんな記事を書くかについて大きな権限を行使し、記者が上司を説得して記事を掲載するために多くの情報を社内に提供する必要があります。記事掲載のハードルは他の国よりも高くなります。

その結果、日本の記者はインタビュー後にフォローアップの質問をしたり、インタビューのなかに出てきた議論を裏付けるデータを要求したりすることがあります。これは記者が取材した企業をより良く見せようと努力している証しであり、残されたハードルを確実にクリアしようとしている姿勢であると前向きに受け止めるべきでしょう。

日本でのビジネス展開を真剣に考えているのであれば、現地の習慣に関する知識を活用し、日本の記者とのお付き合いに時間をかけることで、取材機会を獲得するための地盤をより強化することができるのです。

CDR東京事務所　ディレクター スタンレー・ホワイト

スタンレーはコミュニケーション業界のプロフェッショナルで、メディア業界で最も影響力のある企業数社で金融ジャーナリストとしてアジアで20年以上の経験を積んでおり、政治経済と世界の金融市場に精通しています。

お問い合わせはこちらからお気軽にどうぞ stanley.white@citigatedewerogerson.com

Much has changed in the year since COP26 in Glasgow. The war in Ukraine has struck Europe with an energy supply crisis, forcing nations to revert to fossil fuels. With the visions of floods in Pakistan and Australia, fires across Europe, and the mercury hitting 40°C in parts of the UK front of mind, global leaders and decision-makers met in Egypt to make further progress in tackling climate change. Here are our key takeaways from COP27 and what they could mean for your business.

Purpose as a business tool

Many organisations will have already implemented their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) policy. For some sectors, such as finance, it has already become a core part of their compliance programmes. Regardless of sector, how an organisation carries itself during the climate crisis could make or break a reputation. ‘Greenwashing’ is getting called out; there is no alternative but for organisations to become sustainable and transparent regarding ESG.

It comes down to actions and words. We know many consumers – especially savvy ones with high disposable income – want to buy from businesses with a conscience. Grayling’s recent Dis/Connected report finds that the people who are most likely to follow public affairs – a group we call ‘the Plugged-In’ – are the most passionate about the environment, want to see more government intervention on climate issues, and the most likely to support brands who demonstrate that the environment is central to their work.

How businesses can help achieve COP27 goals

So, where are we at the end of COP27? Despite the United Nations (UN) saying that global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions need to fall by 45% by 2030 if we are to keep rising temperatures to below the target of a 1.5°C, the Global Carbon Project (GCP) estimates that emissions will rise by one percent in 2022. So, we’re still headed in the wrong direction on emissions.

COP27 has focused on the key themes of nature, food, water, industrial decarbonisation and climate adaptation to drive action, with goals to be agreed upon around four focus areas – mitigation, adaptation, financing and collaboration.

Mitigation

Given emissions are still rising, the first thing we need to do as individuals, companies and nations is to cut down the GHGs that we’re pumping into the atmosphere. At COP27, nations have been discussing the Mitigation Work Programme (MWP). The MWP was proposed in 2021 after it was suggested that countries’ commitments were not sufficient to hit the 1.5°C target. It puts the onus on the 20 leading emitters of GHGs to reduce their omissions.

However, many developing countries – such as India and China – have only become largescale emitters in recent decades and pushed back on richer, more developed nations. The European Union (EU) is keen to adopt an MWP as part of its broader commitment to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

Takeaways:

• Wherever your operations are based, there will be renewed expectation on your business to deliver decarbonisation – fast. But accusations of greenwashing are constantly surfacing. It’s critical to make sure that as a business you are not over-promising and under-delivering.
• What are you doing to ensure your business is taking sufficient action on reducing emissions? Are you working with a credible third-party to get counsel on your goals? Are you doing enough to track your progress against your ambitions?
• Lastly, how are you communicating your efforts to your stakeholders? Cutting your emissions has impacts beyond just your own business. Others in your supply chain will be looking to you to help them with sustainability efforts throughout the value chain, known as Scope 3 – which is increasingly becoming the focus for both regulators and reputation. There’s also a big job to be done in distilling the complexity of your strategy and initiatives so that they can be communicated in a way that’s easy to digest for your audiences. Any activity must underline a sense of urgency in the current climate and show the positive impact that your organisations is having.

Adaptation

The impact of the climate crisis is not evenly distributed. Even though the developed countries of the ‘Global North’ have, historically and currently, been among the most significant contributors to climate change, it’s often developing countries that feel the impact most.

Adaptation refers to protecting lives and livelihoods as the climate changes. For some countries, like the Pacific country of Tuvalu, climate change provides an existential threat. Every country must prepare to adapt for rising sea levels, more extreme weather events, crop failure, and the risks of flood and fire. In what’s being seen as the biggest “win” from COP27, a ‘loss and damage’ assistance fund was agreed early on Sunday morning, after long negotiations and multiple countries changing their position. Still, the lack of strong commitment in other areas of the final agreement has communities around the world worried.

Takeaways:

• Think beyond your operations to the locations and communities you are operating in. Does your company have operations or suppliers in the countries most affected by the climate emergency? If so, what is your business doing to mitigate risk and support the people there – either through direct ESG initiatives or working with others?
•  There’s been a lot of discussion in recent years about too little emphasis being placed on the ‘S’ (or ‘social’ element) of ESG. As a business, you need to ensure you are acting on and communicating about ESG in the round.

Financing

How clean energy is financed has been a hot topic for years and will continue to be so after COP27. Developing nations who are historically low emitters of GHGs, but who are often more impacted by climate change are demanding more financial help from the West.

Transitioning from fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy will require investment from the richer nations. At COP27, we saw some movement; for example, the US government launched a voluntary carbon trading market scheme to drive private investment in renewable energy projects in the developing world.

Takeaways:

• Do you work in the financial sector? With multilateral development banks under fire, what more needs to be put in place to make climate finance successful? And with ESG compliance regulations evolving fast, how might you be able to help drive progress before legislation demands it?
• Have you done enough to consider how you’re defining ESG and applying this across strategies and portfolios? Have you clearly communicated your position?

Collaboration

One positive from COP27 was the conference seems to have signalled more collaboration on tackling climate change. Most notably, the world’s two biggest economies – and polluters – the US and China seem to have become closer this week, which is important. At COP27, we also saw the launch of the Forest and Climate Leaders’ Partnership (FCLP) to help restore forests in the coming years, which will be vital in achieving ambitious temperature rise goals.

Takeaways:

• Projects such as the FCLP will rely on private donor finance as well as funding from governments. Could you commit to supporting projects like these that aim to help preserve habitats and reverse human-made damage to the environment?
• What more can you also be doing to encourage better collaboration within your industry to identify and implement sustainability solutions? True leadership isn’t about acting alone.

Conclusion: Let’s put our money where our mouth is

It’s easy to dismiss COP meetings as talking shops; real change comes from them. At COP26, for example, the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) was formed to create a global baseline standard on ESG disclosures for capital markets. COP27 represents more progress despite challenging economic conditions as the world recovers from Covid and the war in Ukraine continues to hamper Europe’s moves away from fossil fuels.

Everyone must play their role in the fight against the climate emergency, and companies can lead with their ESG policies. It’s a fight we either win or lose as a collective. At Grayling, we’re proud to have worked on some fantastic sustainability campaigns and would welcome the chance to discuss how to help you communicate your ESG strategy.

If you would like further information on how we can assist you with your ESG strategy, please contact us at hello@citigatedewerogerson.com.

A review of our panel discussion organised in partnership with trade association CryptoUK and law firm Paul Hastings.

14 September 2022

Citigate Dewe Rogerson hosted a fascinating panel discussion on whether crypto will replace or complement the existing financial system. Our thanks go to the moderator, Jack Denton of Barron’s and MarketWatch, and panellists Keld van Schreven of KR1 plc, James Butterfill of CoinShares and Marcus Sotiriou of GlobalBlock. This year will certainly go down in history as an interesting one for both the crypto and wider financial system, which is why the topic of discussion was all the more pertinent given the recent decline in digital asset prices and technology valuations.

The general theme that won through was how far blockchain and digital assets have developed in the last few years, with many more real-life use cases adopting blockchain and crypto technology, such as the ‘play-to-earn’ games, which are particularly popular in Asia at the moment, decentralised finance (a.k.a. DeFi), NFTs and the establishment of both asset-backed and algorithmic stablecoins.

Marcus Sotiriou spoke about how DeFi has been one of the most fast moving and innovative areas within digital assets with decentralised insurance being seen as a real-world use case. Most notably, a blockchain called Chainlink is providing data through a weather oracle that enables farmers to gain access to crop insurance and protect themselves against periods of droughts.

One attendee asked a question that is familiar amongst both proponents and sceptics of digital assets alike, on “what is the killer app for blockchain technology and the evidence of this playing out?” This was answered very neatly by James Butterfill, who supported his response with robust evidence, explaining how one example is the use of blockchain and crypto technology providing new, fast, and cheap payment rails. This is especially evident in many emerging economies, where people who cannot obtain bank accounts (the so-called ‘unbanked’), are now able to remit monetary value anywhere in the world using blockchain and crypto technology, and how in Nigeria, the volume of remittances made across crypto rails has increased significantly. Research by PYMNTS and bitpay, highlighted that 85% of businesses with an annual income of over $1 billion are adopting crypto payments to obtain new customers*.

However, to maintain the continual adoption of blockchain and crypto technology, one needs to ensure the correct regulatory framework is in place. The panel was unanimous in agreeing that regulation needs to be proportionate so as not to stifle innovation, and it should be designed to protect consumers appropriately. Nevertheless, currently regulators are behind the curve, they are playing catch up and in effect this is causing a great deal of uncertainty. The overriding concern is that if regulation goes too far, then it could be to the detriment of both consumers and the countries adopting the use of blockchain technology.

Lastly, it is worth mentioning that blockchain technology does face its challenges, one being its ‘trilemma’ which is the trade-off between decentralisation, scalability, and security. This is a topic that warrants its own panel discussion, so without going into depth here, it is a trade-off that will impact not only the adoption of crypto, but how it is also regulated.

It was an overwhelmingly positive discussion and, in the end, I think that we can conclude the view is that crypto will in time complement the existing financial system.

* https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/report-says-85-of-businesses-adopting-crypto-payments

MediaScan is our flagship journalist sentiment survey, conducted biannually.

We use it to track attitudes towards some of the largest asset managers in the world to smaller boutique players, and measure the impact of their PR strategies, as well as finding out invaluable insights into the future of an industry constantly needed to adapt to new and complex challenges. MediaScan canvasses the opinions of the top editors, columnists and reporters across the UK and Pan European investment media.
As well as its core analytical component of rating asset managers standings within the industry, MediaScan looks to explain the factors influencing these views, while also identifying future trends likely to shape the industry. In the latest wave of the research, three major themes emerged when the panel was asked about what they saw as the key issues affecting the asset management industry over the coming 6-12 months:

ESG, climate change and greenwashing
The theme journalists discussed most was that of ESG, notably on upcoming regulatory changes, tackling the impact of climate change and how greenwashing should be addressed. With nearly three-fifths (57%) of journalists surveyed bringing this topic up, it is clearly a massive issue for the media – but how will asset managers get their messages across?

Inflation
Inflation is an inescapable concern at present, whether talking in billions or pennies. The success (or failure) of governments to harness burgeoning inflation will have a considerable impact on the long-term investment appeal of many markets and products, as well as dictating if, or when, the next recession hits – and how long it lasts.

How to invest in a recessionary environment
More broadly, the myriad macroeconomic pressures currently affecting markets were viewed as significant issues – mentioned by 43% of respondents – notably the ongoing impact of the war in Ukraine at both investment and consumer level, as well as how businesses adapt to the ‘new normal’ of business post-Covid, including retention of top staff and clients and the longer-term effect this will have.

While any asset manager would be able to discuss these three issues at length, communicating these views in line with the company’s core PR messaging in a way that is accessible, authentic and attractive to a journalist is the key challenge facing many firms in an increasingly competitive environment.

The onus is on asset managers to provide the expertise, data and outlook that resonates with the different audiences or distribution channels the trade and national media cater for, while also bringing their brand’s purpose to life. By working closely with both clients and the media, CDR is strongly positioned to advise on how best to position these views to ensure that both journalist and client benefit from the relationship.

By Chris Jarvis, Head of CDR London’s Research & Insights Team

How do we connect the dots regarding climate transparency? This has been a question which management teams have been forced to contend with in recent years as it is continuing to create a challenging dialogue between institutional investors and public companies. Over the last twelve months, net-zero and carbon emission targets have risked falling off the top of companies’ agendas.

The ongoing macroenvironment has had a devastating effect on economies and company valuations alike, causing a shift in focus away from sustainability in favour of financial performance.

However, there are organisations fighting to keep sustainability front and centre for major corporations. One such body is the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).

Established after COP21 in Paris by the Financial Stability Board, the TCFD’s mission is to provide guidance and recommendations to market participants on how to mitigate the risks of climate change. They do fantastic work and currently over 1,300 of the largest UK-registered public & private companies and financial institutions are required to disclose climate-related financial information in alignment with the TCFD.

Notwithstanding the work of the TCFD and many other global organisations, corporates are increasingly taking a step back in the implementation of climate transparency. In a recent webinar hosted by the LSE on “Understanding Climate Transparency in Financial Disclosure”, Nicola Higgs, Partner at Latham & Watkins, argued there has been a clear shift away from the ESG agenda which had begun to take precedent in recent years. Despite the acute concerns about the global 2050 net-zero ambition, companies are now heading back towards a “profit and revenue first” way of thinking.

Unfortunately, one does not have to look too hard to find ample evidence to support this theory. For example, banks in the US, including JPMorgan, have suggested that they may withdraw from the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (Gfanz), another international climate-related regulator, as they seek to be “managed by and subject only to their own governance structures.”

Moreover, the cost of reaching carbon neutrality is also very high. It will cost over USD130 trillion in the next three decades to reach the net zero emissions agreed in the COP21 Paris Agreement and London alone will need to spend £75 billion to reach the UK’s goals of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

Laura Zizzo, co-founder and CEO of Manifest Climate, agreed with Mrs Higgs but passionately argued that even in spite of the challenging macroeconomic environment, there is still room for companies to attain a strategic advantage from having ambitious ESG agendas. She stated that aligning with international initiatives such as the four pillars of the TCFD, will have a positive impact on long-term financial performance.

Taskforces and alliances such as the TCFD and Gfanz have the incredibly difficult task of ensuring these global deadlines are met. Improved reporting metrics and mandatory requirements being applied more broadly to the world’s largest businesses will help bodies such as the TCFD to achieve their goals. Ultimately, there is no way out of it: climate change will have to be tackled.

Communication forms a central pillar to driving this change. Improving the consistency and transparency with which a business is required to report on their sustainability commitments builds trust between a business and their stakeholders.

As the entire world pivots to reach net-zero by 2050, it is critical that climate related disclosure remains at the top of corporate agendas.

Communication considerations for companies pre- and post-IPO

Companies are facing a more diverse and empowered stakeholder group than ever before. The Business Roundtable shifted the purpose of a company away from solely focusing on generating value for shareholders. Companies must now consider their ultimate purpose in the context of their role for customers, suppliers, employees, the communities they impact and investors.

This means that a single voice matters and everything is a business story. You only need to look at some examples of company culture hitting the headlines – negatively and positively – to know that a single comment on social media can escalate quickly.

It is stating the obvious to say that any company considering a public listing needs to focus on investors and establishing a clear investment case, as without this an IPO will not succeed. But this applies for private fundraising too. A company needs to think about other stakeholders and who among them would be a potential advocate for their business (and them as leaders). We know that in the age of ESG – a phrase which may be nearing saturation – the non-negotiable is being a responsible business.

Try to think about what your impact is in the widest sense. Are you clear on your answer to the question: “How is the world a better place with you in it?” It might feel very grand and aspirational, but knowing your impact on society is imperative.

The IPO process can be intense for a company, especially if valuation goalposts shift, and the last phase can leave you feeling drained and then elated (and then relieved). Please try not to burn yourselves out with the IPO process. The first day of dealing isn’t the end of the journey, it is merely the start. You need to leave something in the tank to showcase you and your company. You can’t assume that a successful IPO means that all stakeholders understand your business and your ambition. As a newly listed company, you will face additional scrutiny in your first year and taking the time to educate all stakeholder groups is invaluable. Don’t fear the media, take the time to get to know those people who are going to be part of your journey.

Be pragmatic and know that bumps will inevitably come. At the end of the day, it’s so much easier to build advocates and make friends when you’re not facing a time of challenge and change.

To build awareness and understanding, it is key to showcase your credentials as a responsible business and an authentic leadership team. At CDR, we talk about the 3Hs of authentic communications – being honest, humble, and human. This is at the heart of The Truth Report, our reputational due diligence product, which is very relevant for any company that is considering a liquidity event or already on this journey.

Authenticity is also about being yourself. It can be tempting to copy what peers are doing, but it’ll be easier – and less tiring – if you carve your own path that reflects your DNA and culture. In a world where the fight for talent is real, you need to be an accessible and inspiring leadership team. This means being unafraid to talk about what matters to you and showcases your motivation. For me, it is about social mobility and giving everyone a chance, as well as offering support to anyone who’s got a life limited child, as one of my triplet daughters was born severely disabled and died aged 18 months.

The final piece of advice I can offer is don’t spin and don’t save things up for the ‘ta-da’ moment. These rarely land in the way you hoped, especially when you’re building awareness and understanding of your company. Any company recently listed, or considering a listing, needs to focus on clear and consistent communications. It’s about those 1,001 things you do each day that add up to show your values as a business (and a leader). Not the ‘ta-da’!

The period from the beginning of 2009 to the end of 2021 will almost certainly be seen by future historians as one of the greatest ever eras of equity markets growth. If you had invested $100 in the S&P 500, a leading U.S. index, at the beginning of the period, you would have had $682.13 at the end, an extraordinary return of 15.92% per annum.

Why did this happen? Economies internationally had just been through the Global Financial Crisis and policymakers and central banks were extremely concerned about a major recession following. They acted swiftly with stimulus programmes to support markets, and used unconventional instruments such as quantitative easing to boost asset prices.

The conventional economic wisdom had always been that the danger of such intervention was that it would eventually produce inflation, but there was little sign of that for most of the decade after the crisis. With economies still fragile, central banks continued to intervene to boost asset prices and markets continued to rise.

We can, however, say that this period has now ended. That is because inflation has returned at last, spurred by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and supply chain disruption from the Covid pandemic. That means central banks cannot intervene like they used to, and markets as a consequence have now fallen considerably in 2022.

And it would be unrealistic to think now that the days of huge equity market returns are going to return any time soon, given that interest rates are rising globally, economies are bracing for recessions, and markets are highly volatile.

This means we are facing a secular trend downwards in equity market returns. In fact we could be back to the pre-Global Financial Crisis era where U.S. equities were often up a lot and down a lot but net flat over sustained periods of time. For example, in the decade 1998-2008, U.S. equities experienced significant rallies and falls, but were net flat. In other words, we could be going back to the future.

All of this has huge consequences for investors. In the period 2009-2021, the high equity market returns encouraged many investors, both institutional and retail, into passively managed long equities products.
It is good to be long equities when they are going up, but not so much when they are going down. When markets are volatile or going down, investors turn to strategies and asset classes which are not correlated to the broader market or which can benefit from volatility, ie can generate positive returns from market downturns.

This is exactly what alternative investment managers do. Take hedge funds. The classic equity long/short hedge fund is both long and short the market, enabling it to generate positive returns even when the market is down. Or in the case of private equity, the fund is able to make a long-term investment in a company without being impacted by short-term market volatility. Indeed there is a multitude of alternative investment strategies that can be successful in these markets, including alternative credit, hedge, private equity, venture, infrastructure and crypto.

This creates strong opportunities for alternative investment managers. In the previous era in which being passively long in an index tracker could get you 15-20% a year, it was harder to make the case for actively managed strategies which protect against the downside.

But that has already changed dramatically with investors now pivoting towards alternative strategies and with leading analysts encouraging them to do so. For example, J.P. Morgan in their 2022 Alternative Investments Outlook, said, “A new market environment requires a new investing playbook. We encourage investors to consider, or reconsider, how alternatives more broadly can help them achieve their investment goals.”
Now is therefore a time of significant opportunity for alternative investment managers in terms of both performance and capital-raising. But to raise capital they will need to be able to communicate their differentiation and edge to sophisticated investor audiences, and to be able to maintain a strong reputation in the market.

A strategic communications programme is vital to achieve those goals, both in terms of minimising reputational risk and in terms of constructing a strong external profile for investor audiences. We have deep experience and expertise in the alternatives space and have worked with many of the leading names in the industry. We would be delighted to discuss with you how we can work together to protect and grow your business.

Christen Thomson is a Senior Director and an alternatives specialist for Citigate Dewe Rogerson. He was formerly Deputy CEO of the global hedge fund trade association, the Alternative Investment Management Association.