Loading...
Loading...
Item 1A. Risk Factors
This section supplements and updates certain of the information found under Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors of our Annual Report, based on information currently known to us and recent developments since the date of the Annual Report filing. The matters discussed below should be read in conjunction with the risks described in Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors of our Annual Report. However, the risks and uncertainties that we face are not limited to those described below and those set forth in the Annual Report. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial may also adversely affect our business and the trading price of our common stock.
We may face damage to our professional reputation and legal liability if our services are not regarded as satisfactory or for other reasons.
In recent years, the volume of claims and amount of damages claimed in litigation and regulatory proceedings against financial advisors and investment managers has been increasing. Our asset management and advisory activities may expose us to the risk of significant legal liabilities to our clients and third parties, including our clients stockholders or beneficiaries, under securities or other laws and regulations for, for example, materially false or misleading statements made in connection with securities and other transactions. We make investment decisions on behalf of our clients that could result in substantial losses. Since November 2022, Home REIT and AHRA, which served as its investment advisor until June 30, 2023, have been the subject of allegations regarding Home REITs operations, stemming from a report issued by a short seller and Home REIT has seen its financial performance materially decline. AlTi was formed on January 3, 2023 through a business combination transaction that included certain legacy Alvarium companies. Although AHRA was sold prior to the business combination and has never been a subsidiary of AlTi, we were required under GAAP to consolidate its results in our financial statements until June 30, 2023, when it was deconsolidated. HLIF pursues a similar investment strategy to Home REIT and its financial performance has similarly declined significantly since the end of 2021. The historic management of these funds by certain legacy Alvarium companies is now
110
the subject of investigations by the UK FCA and, in the case of Home REIT, potential claims are being asserted by its current and former shareholders and, separately, by Home REIT and its directors. We no longer provide services to Home REIT and are in the process of transitioning the management of HLIF. Once this is completed the legacy Alvarium companies that provided these services will cease operating. . Notwithstanding this, we or our subsidiaries may potentially suffer reputational damage from the allegations concerning the historic management of Home REIT or HLIF. Further, we may be subject to the risk of legal and regulatory liabilities or actions alleging breach of regulatory rules and/or principles, negligence, misconduct (including deceit), breach of fiduciary duty or breach of contract. In particular, although the UK FCAs investigations concerning the historic management of Home REIT and HLIF have only recently commenced and their outcomes cannot be known or anticipated as at the date of this Quarterly Report, any financial penalties or other adverse outcomes resulting from these investigations may adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. Similarly, if any litigation or other action is commenced against AFM UK and/or ARE in connection with Home REIT, whilst it is not possible at this point in time for us to reliably assess the quantum of such claims, or AFM UKs and AREs potential exposure, such claims may potentially be material to the Company and, although we wouldour intend to defend ourselves in t is for any such claims to be defended, an adverse outcome could ahave an adversely affect our n the business, financial condition or results of operations. These risks often may be difficult to assess or quantify and their existence and magnitude often remain unknown for substantial periods of time. We may incur siSignificant legal expenses in may be incurred in defending
117
litigation and responding to regulatory investigations. In addition, negative publicity and press speculation about us, our investment activities or the private markets in general, whether or not based in truth, or litigation or regulatory action against us or any third-party managers recommended by us or involving us may tarnish our reputation and harm our ability to attract and retain clients. Substantial legal or regulatory liability could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations or cause significant reputational harm to us, which could seriously harm our business.