Bloomberg published a good piece on investors increasingly hiring private investigators to conduct due diligence on hedge fund owners. The low-rent marketing beloved by bankers since the 1950s (open New Account -- win free Napkin!) should have been a clue that suits & ties fit both gentlemen and con men. Mama was right--appearances count. A reluctant witness once told me, " I wasn't going to speak about this case, but you look legitimate-- such a nice suit . . ."

Tags: hedge fund, asset search

We received a note from a grateful client after our due diligence research helped them avoid an investment last year with Westgate Capital Management. The SEC released this statement regarding Westgate Capital Management, LLC and its managing member, James M. Nicholson, who was arrested by the FBI at his New Jersey home.

Tags: hedge fund, due diligence, private investigator, background checks