Laven Partners appeared on ABN AMRO TV in 2011 to present its global operational due diligence services. The virtual seminar was presented by Marc de Kloe (Vice President of Alternative Investments at ABN Amro Bank N.V.), with the participation of Jerome de Lavenere Lussan (CEO, Laven Partners) and Max Ferri (Head of Operational Due Diligence, Laven Partners) attending as experts.

During the seminar, which was filmed at ABN AMRO’s head office in Amsterdam in April, Laven Partners discussed the importance of operational due diligence, emphasising its significance using case studies including Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC and Weavering Capital UK Limited.

The seminar focused on practical tips to avoid frauds or operational risks. The emphasis was on the benefits of operational due diligence to limit losses from operational risks. De Lavenere Lussan said: “The majority of investors do not have the sufficient resources to review operational risk, including lack of time and expertise. Our job is to protect you from losing millions due to weak operational structures, this is the focus of our work.”

Ferri noted that: “Due diligence is not only about detecting potential frauds. We must also understand the internal operations and any potential weaknesses of an investment company and its team as compared to best practice standards. Our approach to due diligence is Trust… but Verify.”

The entire seminar has been made available online for viewing by external users. Please find below the embedded videos relating to the various chapters of the seminar:

Introduction and Best Practice Standards in Operational Due Diligence

The Laven Partners Operational Due Diligence Process explained

Summarising the Risks (what to look for)

Case study 1 (Madoff)

Case study 2 (Loch Capital)

Case study 3 (Weavering Capital)

Final Q&A (Lessons Learnt)