Custody architecture & ownership
Examine whether an asset is held directly, through a nominee, a fund vehicle, a wallet, a depositary or another contractual structure.
Capability / Investment oversight
Alternative Investment Custody
Clear ownership, independent records and robust controls for non-traditional assets.
At a glance
Alternative investments can require safekeeping arrangements that differ materially from those used for traditional securities. The relevant questions include who holds legal title, who controls movement, how positions are verified, and what happens if a provider fails.
Areas of focus
What this work may involve.
- Review of asset-holding and custody structures
- Coordination with qualified third-party custodians
- Ownership and beneficial-interest documentation
- Transfer, valuation and reporting considerations
- Operational risk and reconciliation workflows
How we approach it
Purpose first. Then process.
We assess the asset type, jurisdiction, ownership structure and investor requirements, then map the appropriate safekeeping and administration route through duly authorised providers where required.
A useful starting question
Is the legal custody of each alternative asset clearly documented and independently verifiable?
Important consideration: Retaka Capital does not represent itself as a bank or qualified custodian. Actual custody services, where required, must be performed by duly authorised third-party institutions.
A disciplined framework
Built on clarity, not complexity for its own sake.
Alternative investments can require safekeeping arrangements that differ materially from those used for traditional securities. The relevant questions include who holds legal title, who controls movement, how positions are verified, and what happens if a provider fails.
Explore our approachPractical considerations
Safeguarding unconventional assets requires clarity of control
Private securities, partnership interests and other alternative holdings demand attention to title, record keeping, transfer restrictions and the parties responsible for holding or administering the investment.
Asset identification
Document the nature of each holding, subscription or ownership record and its specific restrictions.
Custody and administration
Assess custody eligibility, reporting capabilities, valuation sources and independent reconciliation arrangements.
Lifecycle events
Plan for capital calls, distributions, corporate actions, redemptions and transfers before they become urgent.
The objective is a consistent and auditable record of rights, responsibilities and permitted actions throughout an asset’s lifecycle.
Frequently considered
Questions worth asking.
Our initial conversations aim to establish scope, requirements and the appropriate professional responsibilities.
What qualifies as an alternative asset?+
Depending on context, private equity, private debt, fund interests, real assets, digital assets and other less-liquid holdings may require specialist custody treatment.
Is custody the same as ownership?+
No. Legal ownership, beneficial entitlement, practical control and custody can sit with different parties; the documentation must make those relationships clear.
Where are assets actually held?+
That depends on the approved service arrangement. Custody and related regulated functions must be performed by appropriately permitted entities where required.
Explore further
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