Despite Turbulence, Colombian Pension Funds Grow by 11%

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Although global markets have been marked by turbulence this year, Colombian pension funds posted double-digit returns during the first quarter. That is the picture reflected in figures recently published by the pension fund managers’ trade association, Asofondos.

In a statement, the organization—which represents the AFPs Colfondos, Porvenir, Protección, and Skandia—reported that pension fund assets closed March 2025 with a total value of 467.7 trillion Colombian pesos (about USD 109.89 billion). This represents 11% growth compared to the 421.3 trillion pesos (USD 99 billion) reported in March 2024.

“This growth reflects not only returns (which totaled 38 trillion pesos over the past 12 months) but also that contributions exceeded withdrawals by 8 trillion pesos,” said Andrés Velasco, president of Asofondos, in the release.

The association also highlighted the performance of pension savings. Between January and March, returns reached 250 billion pesos (approximately USD 59 million).

“This means that, had there been no additional contributions or withdrawals, the fund would still have grown by 250 billion pesos,” the executive explained.

Velasco emphasized that these results come amid a backdrop of uncertainty.

“So far, 2025 has been—and will continue to be—a very volatile, uncertain, and challenging year for financial and capital markets,” he warned.

In this context, the economist stressed the importance of portfolio diversification in investment management.

“In the first quarter, we saw strong gains on the Colombian Stock Exchange, as well as in other Latin American and European markets, while U.S. stock indexes saw declines. Not putting all our eggs in one basket allowed for a consolidated positive result.”

S&P and Vanguard Experts Break Down ETF Trends and Fund Performance

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SP, Vanguard, ETF trends, fund performance
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The Miami Fintech Club recently hosted The Miami Offshore Experience, an event that brought together leading voices from S&P Dow Jones Indices and Vanguard. The evening offered a deep dive into the long-term performance of active versus passive strategies and the growing role of ETFs

It began with an overview of SPIVA, presented by Joseph Nelesen, Head of Specialists in Index Investment Strategy at S&P. He explained the 22-year-old initiative that compares the performance of active fund managers to benchmark indices. 

SPIVA analyzes more than 22,000 funds annually across global markets, providing publicly accessible data that helps investors understand when and if active management adds value. 

Much of the conversation focused on the evolving use of ETFs. While traditionally seen as passive vehicles, ETFs are increasingly used in active strategies, particularly by financial advisors seeking portfolio exposure. 

Salvatore D’Angelo, Head of Product for the Americas at Vanguard, emphasized the importance of asset allocation, responsible for roughly 90% of return variability, and discussed Vanguard’s current strategy of overweighting fixed income based on long-term projections. 

The panel also addressed structural challenges such as concentration limits in U.S. indices, the risks and trade-offs associated with covered call ETFs, and misconceptions about outperforming in emerging markets. It was revealed during the presentation that 72% of active managers in emerging markets underperformed their benchmarks in 2023

As the discussion shifted to the rise of passive investing, speakers emphasized lower costs, broader diversification, and tax efficiency as major reasons behind its appeal. Even though Vanguard is known for its passive approach, D’Angelo noted that 20% of the firm’s $10 trillion in assets is managed actively. He also briefly mentioned Vanguard’s recent partnership with Wellington and Blackstone, created to expand access to private markets, but he was unable to disclose specific details. 

The event ended with a cocktail hour. Attendees enjoyed fresh sushi from Komodo Miami as conversations flowed and connections were made.

Insigneo Appoints Paul Caulfield as Chief Compliance Officer

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Insigneo, Paul Caulfield, Chief Compliance Officer
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Insigneo has announced the appointment of Paul Caulfield as Chief Compliance Officer (CCO), in a strategic move aimed at strengthening its global standards in regulatory compliance, AML, and risk management, according to a statement released by the global wealth management firm.

Caulfield, who will be joining the company’s headquarters in Miami, will report directly to Javier Rivero, President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Insigneo.

With over 20 years of experience in banking and wealth management in the United States and internationally, Caulfield has held key roles including Chief Risk and Compliance Officer at IBD Bank, Head of Compliance for the U.S. Commercial Bank at Citibank, and most recently, General Counsel and Head of Operations at Third Bridge Group.

Throughout his career, Caulfield has been recognized by board members for his ability to solve complex regulatory challenges and for strengthening governance, risk, and compliance in environments of rapid growth and systemic risk.

“I’m proud to welcome Paul to our leadership team,” said Rivero. “His deep regulatory expertise, global perspective, and strong leadership will be instrumental in reinforcing our compliance culture as we continue to grow and serve clients around the world.”

Caulfield’s international background spans Latin America, Israel, and Asia, with active involvement in strategic initiatives in financial technology and cybersecurity. He is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), holds a U.S. patent in information exchange, and possesses FINRA Series 7, 24, and 63 licenses. He earned his law degree from The Catholic University of America and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Fairfield University. Additionally, he teaches financial crime compliance as an adjunct professor at Fordham University School of Law.

“It is an honor to join Insigneo at such a pivotal time in its development,” Caulfield commented. “I’m excited to collaborate with this talented team and help build a strong compliance and risk management framework that supports sustainable growth and safeguards our clients and professionals worldwide.”

iCapital® Acquires Citi Wealth’s Alternative Funds Platform

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iCapital and Citi have announced that the global fintech platform will acquire Citi Global Alternatives, the advisor to Citi Wealth’s global alternative investment funds platform. Through this transaction, iCapital will manage and operate the funds platform, while Citi will remain the distributor of these funds and continue to guide clients on the role of alternative investments within a diversified investment strategy.

This platform represents more than 180 alternative funds distributed worldwide. It includes investment vehicles across a diverse range of alternative investment strategies and asset classes, including private equity, growth equity, private credit, infrastructure, venture capital, real estate, and hedge funds.

“iCapital’s technology platform will streamline operations and management of Citi’s current and future alternative investment funds platform,” said Lawrence Calcano, Chairman and CEO of iCapital. “In addition, we will enhance Citi Wealth’s global sales capabilities with a dedicated alternative investments team, equipping advisors with more resources focused on pre-sale, sale, and post-sale investment activities,” he added. The team will cover all asset classes and product structures, working closely with Citi and general partners to support the growth of the alternative investments platform, the executive explained.

“Citi Wealth already has a strong working relationship with iCapital in alternative solutions, and we are pleased to expand our partnership to deliver deeper integration of iCapital’s market-leading digital capabilities to our advisors, bankers, investment counselors, and clients,” said Daniel O’Donnell, Head of Citi Wealth Alternatives and Investment Manager Solutions.

SPVs as catalysts for liquidity and global distribution

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SPVs, liquidity, global distribution
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In an increasingly dynamic environment for institutional investment, special purpose vehicles (SPVs) have become a key tool in the structuring of sophisticated investments. Their flexibility, tax efficiency, and risk mitigation capabilities make them a widely adopted solution among fund managers and private equity firms.

FlexFunds has developed a model based on the creation of SPVs, or special purpose vehicles, designed to support asset managers looking to package investment strategies in a flexible, scalable way—ready for international distribution.

SPVs are independent legal entities, created by a sponsor or parent company to isolate assets and structure investments with a specific purpose. They function as neutral vehicles that allow strategies to be implemented without affecting the balance sheet or liabilities of other group entities. To set up an SPV, the sponsor transfers the assets through a contract and trust structure, granting the SPV its own separate estate.

SPVs have a wide range of applications, including:

  • Public corporations may use SPVs for risk management purposes, such as isolating specific holdings from the parent company’s balance sheet.
  • In venture capital (VC) and private equity (PE), emerging fund managers often launch an SPV to build a track record before raising capital for a traditional fund.
  • SPVs can also act as “sidecars,” allowing investors to back companies that don’t fit the strategy or investment terms of their main fund.

In the FlexFunds model, SPVs are used to consolidate liquid or illiquid assets and convert them into listed securities that can be distributed through recognized platforms such as Euroclear. The asset manager’s track record is reflected on Bloomberg, SIX Financial, or Morningstar, increasing both visibility and liquidity for the investment strategies.

Key advantages for asset managers

  • Limited liability: Investors limit their exposure strictly to the capital they contribute.
  • Efficient risk management: Assets and liabilities are segmented, minimizing systemic risk.
  • Tax optimization: SPVs can be established in tax-efficient jurisdictions, maximizing net returns.
  • Structural flexibility: They can be designed as debt, equity, or hybrid vehicles, depending on investment objectives.

Important considerations when structuring an SPV

  • Transparency: It is essential to ensure visibility into the assets and their performance.
  • Leverage: Must be managed carefully to avoid excessive risk.
  • Operational complexity: Setting up an SPV involves administrative, legal, and regulatory costs.
  • Governance and conflicts of interest: A clear separation between sponsor and manager is critical to protect investor interests.

FlexFunds’ securitization program is based on Irish SPVs due to the structural, legal, and tax advantages this jurisdiction offers:

  • An on-shore jurisdiction that is a member of both the EU and OECD.
  • The only EU jurisdiction fully governed by common law.
  • A transparent and efficient tax regime with a broad network of double taxation treaties.
  • A special tax regime (under Section 110 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997) that allows an Irish SPV compliant with Section 110 to transfer income to investors in the most tax-efficient way possible.
  • Flexible listing options, including Vienna’s MTF and Euronext Dublin.
  • A highly developed infrastructure of service providers—auditors, legal advisors, corporate service providers, and other professionals—to support and manage SPVs.

While the use of SPVs is not new, FlexFunds has built a modern program designed to simplify the distribution and structuring of complex investment strategies. In a landscape where efficiency, customization, and traceability are essential, this type of structure provides asset managers with a real competitive edge.

FlexFunds has built a series of efficient and reliable issuance platforms that offer all the benefits of SPVs established in Ireland. This model is becoming increasingly common, with 91% of Irish SPVs set up by international sponsors—70% of which are based in the United Kingdom or the United States,” notes Daragh O’Shea, Partner, Financial Services Department, Mason Hayes & Curran.

To learn more about how to establish an SPV and boost the distribution of your investment strategy, please contact with FlexFunds’ experts at contact@flexfunds.com

“We Are Approaching Uncertain Times: U.S. Debt Surpasses GDP and the Country Spends More on Interest Than on Defense”

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U.S. debt, GDP, interest spending
Photo courtesyPeter Lefkin, Government and External Affairs, Allianz of America

Funds Society spoke with Peter Lefkin, Head of Government and External Affairs at Allianz of America and a political affairs consultant since the 1990s, a period in which he witnessed both Republican and Democratic administrations in the United States.

Lefkin was the Keynote Speaker at the 2025 U.S. Offshore Due Diligence Meeting, an event for offshore advisors hosted by Voya Investment Management in Key Largo at the end of April.

The conversation focused on the U.S. fiscal deficit and its consequences, while also addressing the impact of regulatory and tariff policies under Donald Trump’s second presidency.

Lefkin’s key conclusions included that regulation is a complex issue, and Trump’s deregulatory efforts stand in contrast to the role of Congress. He also emphasized that tariff policy is “inflationary and ineffective,” with global repercussions as China and other countries adjust their trade strategies. On the other hand, Trump’s proposed tax cuts—although popular, in Lefkin’s view—worsen the U.S.’s $2 trillion annual deficit.

He highlighted the potential for increased interest payments on the national debt and the impact on U.S. alliances around the world. Lefkin also addressed the effects of immigration policy on labor shortages in sectors such as construction and healthcare.

Peter Lefkin holds a cum laude degree from Georgetown University with a background in Foreign Service, a master’s degree in Public Administration, and a Juris Doctor from Syracuse University. He is a member of the Connecticut Bar and was hired in 1988 to open the Government Relations Office for Fireman’s Fund in Washington. In 1996, he became Head of Government and External Affairs, leading federal and state lobbying efforts and acting as a liaison to national trade associations.

Tax Cuts and the Impact on the Deficit

President Trump’s proposed tax cuts “are very popular, they sound great,” Lefkin said. “No income tax on Social Security for seniors—it sounds good to me at my stage of life. No tax on wages. These are all things that have massive appeal, but they all significantly add to the deficit,” he stated.

The U.S. is in a “really tough situation.” The country collects $5 trillion in revenue but spends $7 trillion. “Roughly $1 trillion is spent by the Department of Defense, and we will probably need to spend more,” he noted.

Lefkin broke down the spending: Defense ($1 trillion), interest on the debt (another $1 trillion), Social Security ($1.5 trillion), Medicare (around $900 billion), and Medicaid—which covers many nursing home residents who may have been lower-middle class just six months before entering but lost all their income, leaving the government to pay for them.

However, “no one is talking about them. So, there’s really no plan of action to address the real issues, not the small things that Doge is picking up. That’s why the bond market is asking: where is this heading? First: is anyone in control? Because there’s instability, and people crave stability. Second: is America pulling away from its allies? Many of our allies have bought our bonds because we provide military protection and security. Is this still a safe country?” he asked.

The Senior Vice President of Government and External Affairs emphasized that markets are focused on the long term and what will happen with interest payments on U.S. debt. “We’re currently talking about approximately $1 trillion per year. A significant portion of that will be refinanced at higher rates and in larger amounts. That number becomes astronomical,” he warned.

Returning to the political realm, Lefkin pointed out that democracies often falter when two key thresholds are crossed: “One is when gross national debt exceeds gross domestic product. We’re already there. And the second is when a country spends more on interest payments than on defense. That’s the other trigger. And we’re there too,” he cautioned.

In his view, that’s “what the world—and probably even investors—are watching. We are entering uncertain times.”

The political scientist clarified that Trump is not solely to blame for America’s current state. “I blame many people over the past 40 years who have failed to address this issue. But the day of reckoning is coming,” he warned.

Trump’s Deregulatory Policies

On regulation, Lefkin said that over the last 30 or 40 years, there has been significant deference to regulators in the U.S. He expressed cautious skepticism about Trump’s deregulatory agenda, noting that it clashes with Congress’s intended role.

He explained that earlier in the year, expectations were that Trump would focus on deregulation and aim to boost the U.S. economy by offering more economic incentives. But regulation is “complicated,” he said.

Lefkin criticized the overuse of executive orders for almost every presidential decision. These orders are unilateral actions by the Executive Branch and do not carry Congressional approval. Moreover, they are often reversed with each new administration, generating long-term uncertainty for both investors and the American public. This, he said, creates “instability.”

He warned that aggressive deregulation could lead to instability, especially considering what future administrations might do.

“Trump is now trying to bring independent agencies like the SEC, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and the Federal Trade Commission under his control. He claims to have full authority over them. But that’s not what Congress intended, and there’s legal precedent suggesting he can’t control them,” Lefkin explained. “Independent commissions are supposed to be independent,” he added.

In Lefkin’s view, “it’s not good for either party to win it all. It’s better when both parties are involved in crafting the solution.” Trump “demands total loyalty” and doesn’t want to hear pushback from Congress, he said.

Regarding Trump’s desire to remove Jerome Powell from the Federal Reserve, Lefkin noted that “financial markets do not want the president involved in the Fed’s decision-making. They may be frustrated with the Fed, but fundamentally they know that the worst-case scenario is political interference. That’s when things really go wrong,” he concluded.

Tariffs Are Not a Magic Wand

The temporary truce announced on Monday, May 12 between the U.S. and China highlighted that China still has leverage in the ongoing trade war. Lefkin cited the example of China developing its own new agricultural zones, reducing its dependence on U.S. agricultural products.

“You never really know what’s going on in his head,” he said about Donald Trump, describing him as a “different” kind of president. “Tariffs have to be long-lasting to be effective, and they are also inherently inflationary,” he explained.

Trump believed that “tariffs are the source of all things good for America.” He aimed to remake the U.S. manufacturing sector and “quietly raise revenue,” but many American manufacturers rely on foreign parts, and countries will find other partners to do business with, Lefkin noted.

“Most presidents—especially this one—tend to think in grand gestures, wave a magic wand, and assume everything will be fixed. That’s not the case with tariffs,” he explained. “It won’t work because the Chinese have already taken significant steps. Four or five years ago, they were vulnerable because they depended heavily on U.S. agriculture. That’s no longer the case,” he said. “Other nations are waking up too,” he warned, pointing to a shift in investment attitudes: “The U.S. used to be a place where you could buy Treasury bills in U.S. dollars and feel safe. But the world is beginning to reconsider that.”

From his perspective, the bond market has responded to the tariff debate by saying, “No one is in control. No one knows who to talk to. Every day brings a new message. And no one has bothered to explain to the American public how things will move forward.”

Ultimately, what the U.S. is trying to do is “solve our deficit problem”—over $2 trillion annually (in American terms, trillions). Solving the deficit “is the end goal.” And that’s what the government has openly acknowledged.

Citi Adds Heather Serna to Its Miami Team as Senior Wealth Advisor

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Citi has added Heather Serna to its Miami team as a Senior Wealth Advisor. She will be based at the bank’s Pinecrest branch.

“I’m pleased to announce that we have a new Senior Wealth Advisor joining our Citigold team in Miami: Heather Serna,” wrote David Poole, Head of U.S. Wealth Management at Citi, in a LinkedIn post on his personal profile.

“Heather joins us from Wells Fargo and is a Certified Financial Planner, dedicated to helping clients build and preserve their wealth,” he added.

At Wells Fargo, Serna served as a Private Banker and Financial Advisor. Prior to that, she held positions at Morgan Stanley and HSBC. This marks her second time working at Citi: from 2012 to 2016, she was a Relationship Manager Associate at the bank.

Heather Serna holds a degree in International Business from Florida International University. She is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and holds FINRA Series 7 and 66 licenses.

IPG Opens a New Office in Miami

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IPG, Miami, nueva oficina
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Investment Placement Group (IPG) premieres new offices in Miami. They are located in Brickell City Tower, in the heart of Miami’s new financial center, across from Brickell City Center.

“We are very happy and excited to see our Miami group grow,” said Rocio Harb, director of the Miami office and branch manager at IPG. “Very grateful to the partners and the San Diego team for their support and generosity,” she added.

The company’s headquarters are located in that California city.

For his part, Adolfo Gonzalez-Rubio G, Head of Wealth Management at IPG, said that “our new office is a testament to the hard work of our team and our vision for the future. This space will allow us to scale operations and continue attracting top talent and advisors.” He then added: “we want to offer better value to our clients as we embark on the next chapter of growth.”

The Miami office of IPG currently has 5 of the firm’s 15 advisors, within a total team of 70 people.

The company, founded in 1983, grew from being a California broker-dealer to becoming a multigenerational and diversified wealth management firm with expert financial professionals serving both domestic and international clients.

A large part of Investment Placement Group’s portfolio is offshore and is composed of Latin American clients. One of the goals of its hiring campaign is to attract advisors to help diversify its client base.

IPG has offices in Arizona, California, and Florida, and also has an affiliated investment advisory company in Mexico to serve the local market. Additionally, it has an institutional commercial office in Argentina.

Currently, the group oversees more than $5 billion in assets and works with multiple renowned custodians for the U.S. offshore market.

Goldman Sachs Asset Management Enters the European Market for Active Equity ETFs

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Goldman Sachs Asset Management launches in Europe a range of actively managed equity exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The Goldman Sachs Alpha Enhanced US Equity Active UCITS ETF (GQUS) is the first of the five funds to be launched; moreover, the ETF is listed on the London Stock Exchange and the Deutsche Börse, with other European exchanges to follow, and will offer exposure to U.S. equities. The four following funds will offer access to global, European, Japanese, and emerging markets equity.

The funds are based on the capabilities of the Quantitative Investment Strategies (QIS) team of Goldman Sachs Asset Management, which represents more than 35 years of investment experience and includes more than 80 professionals worldwide, with over $125 billion in assets under supervision as of December 31, 2024. The QIS team combines various data sources to better understand the growth prospects of companies across different sectors and geographic areas.

The launch comes after the recent entry of Goldman Sachs Asset Management into active ETFs in EMEA with several fixed income funds, expanding the product range and underscoring the firm’s commitment to offering its investment capabilities through the ETF wrapper.

Regarding these launches, Hilary Lopez, Head of Third Party Wealth Business for EMEA at Goldman Sachs Asset Management, said: “Clients are increasingly seeking top-tier active capabilities, with the control and convenience of ETFs. Following the launch of our flagship active fixed income blocks, we are leveraging our proven quantitative investment strategies to expand the range into equities. Our goal is to offer transparency and flexibility while helping investors navigate market turbulence and the changing dynamics of markets.”

For her part, Hania Schmidt, Head of Quantitative Investment Strategies in EMEA at Goldman Sachs Asset Management, commented: “Our data-driven approach is based on the experience, infrastructure, and knowledge of Goldman Sachs, in search of an informational edge to generate differentiated returns and outperform the market.”

Goldman Sachs Asset Management currently manages 55 ETF strategies globally, representing more than $38.7 billion in assets as of March 31, 2025. The TER of the Goldman Sachs Alpha Enhanced US Equity Active UCITS ETF (GQUS) is 0.20%.

Capital Dynamics Appoints Susan Giacin as Global Head of Sales

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Capital Dynamics, Susan Giacin, global sales
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Capital Dynamics, independent global asset manager, has announced the appointment of Susan Giacin, current Senior Managing Director and Head of Sales for the Americas, as Global Head of Sales. In addition, she will join the company’s Executive Committee, where she will contribute to the strategic direction of the firm.

According to the firm, in her new role, she will lead the firm’s global fundraising efforts and drive growth across the full range of Capital Dynamics investment strategies, including private equity and clean energy. Giacin will report to Martin Hahn, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Executive Committee, and will be based in the New York office.

Giacin brings more than 25 years of experience in creating, developing, and marketing investment solutions for institutional and wealth management clients. Since joining Capital Dynamics in 2017, she has played a key role in expanding the firm’s investor base in the United States and in strengthening client relationships, and she is recognized as an industry leader in creating accessible private market investment solutions.

“This appointment recognizes Susan’s extraordinary leadership and the impact she has had on the company. Her success in the U.S. market has been a key factor in the expansion of our firm, and we are confident that in her new role, she will help further advance Capital Dynamics’ investment solutions internationally. With her deep market knowledge, client-oriented approach, and ability to collaborate with our globally integrated team, she will bring great value to our already successful international fundraising team,” highlighted Martin Hahn, Chief Executive Officer of Capital Dynamics.

For her part, Susan Giacin, now as Global Head of Sales of Capital Dynamics, stated: “I am delighted to take on this role. Capital Dynamics enjoys a great reputation for delivering innovative, high-quality solutions to investors. As we intensify our global fundraising efforts, I look forward to working with my colleagues to further strengthen our relationships with existing and new limited partners (LPs), and to support our clients’ evolving needs in this rapidly changing investment landscape.”