What is GIPS Verification?

GIPS stands for Global Investment Performance Standards. It is a set of standards developed by the CFA Institute to enable investment firms to calculate and report their investment performance records. GIPS verification is the process to ensure that an investment firm is compliant with the GIPS standards and that their performance record is accurately represented to potential investors. The purpose of GIPS verification is to ensure that investment firms are transparent and honest in the information they provide to potential investors.

What Does GIPS Verification Involve?

What Does GIPS Verification Involve?

GIPS verification is a comprehensive process, and typically involves the following steps. First, the investment firm must ensure that its performance records include all relevant information, such as fees and expenses, management fees, etc. Second, the investment firm must provide documentation that verifies the accuracy of its performance records. Third, the investment firm must provide a written report that outlines its policies and procedures in accordance with the GIPS standards. Lastly, a third-party verification firm will review the investment firm’s policies and procedures and the accuracy of its performance records.

Benefits of GIPS Verification

Benefits of GIPS Verification

The main benefit of GIPS verification is that it ensures that potential investors have access to a full and transparent view of an investment firm’s performance record. This provides investors with a more accurate picture of the potential risks and rewards of investing with the firm. Additionally, GIPS verification provides legitimacy and credibility to an investment firm, as it demonstrates that the firm is compliant with the GIPS standards.

Who Can Perform GIPS Verification?

Who Can Perform GIPS Verification?

GIPS verification is typically performed by a third-party verification firm, such as a CPA firm or a consulting firm. These firms have extensive experience in performing GIPS verification and are familiar with the GIPS standards. Additionally, the CFA Institute has a list of approved verification firms that can perform GIPS verification.

Conclusion

Conclusion

GIPS verification is an important process for investment firms to ensure that they are compliant with the GIPS standards and that their performance record is accurately represented to potential investors. GIPS verification provides investors with a more accurate view of the potential risks and rewards of investing with a firm, as well as providing legitimacy and credibility to the firm. GIPS verification is typically performed by a third-party verification firm, such as a CPA firm or a consulting firm.