Serengeti Asset Management is a value-driven investment firm that uses credit and private investment strategies. It focuses on niche complex assets and uses fundamental analysis to meet its goals. The firm primarily manages pooled investment vehicles available to clients on a private placement basis.
This financial advisor firm specializes in complex financial instruments. It does not provide personal financial planning. If you’re looking for a financial advisor to help steer your finances, use SmartAsset’s matching tool.
Serengeti Asset Management Background
Serenegeti first opened its doors in New York City in July 2007. Today, it’s owned and managed by Joseph A. LaNasa III. LaNasa launched the firm after serving as a partner at Goldman Sachs where he headed the multi-strategy investing business in the special situations group.
Today, Serengeti operates as a value-driven investment firm that focuses on niche credit opportunities defined by their small size and complexity.
Serengeti Asset Management Client Types and Minimum Account Sizes
Serengeti primarily manages pooled investment vehicles on behalf of institutions and private company executives. It also provides investment advice on a non-discretionary basis to institutions, pension plans, high-net-worth individuals and other sophisticated investors.
The firm doesn’t publish its minimums, but according to filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), minimum investments for its private funds range from $100,000 to $25 million.
Services Offered by Serengeti Asset Management
Serengeti primarily serves as the manager to pooled investment vehicles that hold securities available to investors on a private basis. In addition, it provides investment advice to managed accounts and serves as a sub-advisor to the assets of other fund managers.
Serengeti Asset Management Investing Philosophy
Serengeti emphasizes opportunistic credit and private investment strategies. Its credit-facing operations seek to exploit opportunities that exist because of their size, complexity and labor intensiveness. Its private investment strategy aims to exploit smaller-sized opportunities made possible by dislocations or the need for capital.
The firm can provide advice on private and public securities across the equity and debt markets. These include the following investments:
- Equities
- Bank loans
- Bonds and other debt instruments
- Distressed companies
- Structured finance
- Private investment opportunities
- Derivatives
- Commodities
- Currency instruments
- Interest rate instruments
- Catastrophe bonds and reinsurance opportunities
- Royalty streams
- Liquidations
- Litigation Finance
- Financing Platform
- Non-performing assets
Fees Under Serengeti Asset Management
For non-discretionary advisory services, fees vary, based on the scope of the services provided and the investment strategy involved. For discretionary services, management fees are generally charged as a percentage of AUM. That percentage usually ranges from 1% to 2%. Additionally, the firm charges a performance-based fee on both discretionary and non-discretionary accounts, ranging from 10% to 25% of realized and unrealized net profits, subject to a certain level.
Complete details would be available in each fund’s offering memorandum or client agreement.
What to Watch Out For
Serengeti typically works with institutional clients and sophisticated investors with large amounts of investable assets. It does not work with small investors and it does not provide financial planning or wealth management services. If you need help with your personal finances, use our five-minute advisor matching tool, which connects you with local advisors who work with individuals who have your asset base.
As of the time of this writing, the firm had no disciplinary or legal events to disclose to the SEC that may be material to a prospective client’s evaluation of its business.
Opening an Account With Serengeti Asset Management
To contact Serengeti, send an email to investor.inquiries@serengeti-am.com or call 212-672-2220.
Tips for Finding the Right Financial Advisor
- A financial advisor can help you manage your money, but you have to find the right one. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
- Ask advisor candidates about their certifications. They aren’t required to work in the field, so advisors who made the effort to get professional accreditations have extra training - and are typically held to a higher standard. Certified financial planners (CFPs), for example, serve as fiduciaries, which means they are legally required to work in your best interests. For some more pointers, check out our five questions to ask when choosing a financial planner.
All information was accurate as of the writing of this article.
