Securities Lending in US DC Funds

Use these questions to ensure you can make an “apples to apples” comparison and determine the lending program most suited to your investment objectives.

1.       Returns

Securities lending returns are relatively straightforward to assess. Generally, returns are expressed in basis points and represent the net annual lending return to the fund divided by net assets in the fund. However, as with most investments, returns often reflect risk in the program, and should be considered along with the objectives and risk tolerances of the program.

It is important to confirm that return figures provided are net of all costs and fee splits, and are provided relative to total fund assets.

Questions to ask:

• Are the returns indicated net of all fees? Are the returns expressed relative to total fund assets?
• Is the program focused on intrinsic value of securities lending, or enhancing returns with aggressive reinvestment guidelines?
• Does the fund benefit from preferential withholding rates for retirement funds on foreign dividends?
  

2.     Risk Management

The risks associated with a securities lending program can be complex to identify and measure. Investors should understand and consider three primary types of risk associated with securities lending:

Reinvestment risk derives from the reinvestment of cash collateral received to secure a loan.

Borrower default risk derives from a borrower’s inability to return securities in accordance with agreed terms.

Operational risk derives from the increased transaction volumes and management complexity associated with a lending program.

Questions to ask:

• Do your collateral reinvestment funds adhere to quality, maturity, liquidity and diversification requirements set forth in Rule 2a-7?
• What are the maximum weighted average life (WAL) and weighted average maturity (WAM), and other liquidity guidelines for the collateral reinvestment pools? What are the credit quality guidelines and permissible instruments for the reinvestment pool?
• Do you accept non-cash collateral? What types of noncash collateral do you accept?
• Is there borrower default indemnification? What entity provides it?
• Do you have dynamic lending limits at the fund and position level? What determines those limits?

3.     Costs

There can be significant costs associated with managing a securities lending program, and it is important to understand where the costs are borne, and who is receiving compensation. While the “fee split” is often the headline expense communicated by an investment manager, there are many ways this fee can be calculated.

Additionally, the “fee split” may not be the only expense paid in a lending program. There are often fees embedded within the cash reinvestment pool, or additional operational or administrative fees applied to the program either by the lending agent or the lending fund manager. This all needs to be understood to make an informed decision regarding a securities lending program.

Questions to ask:

What is the fee split with the lending agent? Are there other fees charged to the lending program?

Are all transactional costs borne by the lending agent? Does the lending fund manager charge any additional fees?

What are the total expenses of the cash collateral reinvestment vehicle?

Does the lending fund manager (or an affiliate) benefit from the fees charged to the reinvestment fund?

Are there any conflicts of interest inherent in the lending program?

Please contact us for the full report.