Torsten Ries (VP Fund Solutions): Structuring for the future
VP Fund Solutions is VP Bank Group’s international fund centre of excellence and a key part of its Asset Servicing growth strategy. They provide tailored fund and private markets solutions across the full value chain through a single point of contact.
"Private label funds are becoming a key building block for family offices seeking structure, flexibility and long-term stability?
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Why are private label funds becoming increasingly relevant for family offices?
Family offices are navigating a more complex economic, regulatory and tax environment. In this context, the demand for efficient, transparent and well-regulated investment structures is rising. Private label funds (PLFs) offer a compelling solution by combining the flexibility of bespoke mandates with the robustness of an institutional fund vehicle. This enables tailored investment strategies within a clear and scalable, institutional-grade framework.
What advantages do PLFs offer?
Private label funds stand out for their ability to combine institutional standards with a high degree of control and adaptability. They provide a structured framework that enhances transparency, strengthens governance and creates clear accountability through defined roles such as AIFM, custodian and administrator. This reduces complexity and information asymmetries while supporting more disciplined decision-making. At the same time, PLFs contribute to long-term wealth preservation by separating assets from operational or entrepreneurial risks, thereby enhancing asset protection. They also offer important advantages in the context of generational transitions: investment objectives can be formalised, responsibilities clearly defined and succession planning facilitated through transferable fund shares, ensuring continuity beyond individuals.
The Alternative Goes Mainstream
PLFs are highly flexible and can accommodate a wide range of investment strategies, including multi-asset portfolios and alternative investments such as private equity, real estate or infrastructure. They can also serve as an efficient platform for co-investments or club deals, improving scalability while maintaining discretion, as family offices do not appear publicly as investors. In practice, implementation is typically supported by specialised asset servicing partners who provide end-to-end solutions across the fund lifecycle - from structuring and regulatory setup to administration and ongoing operations. VP Fund Solutions, as part of the VP Bank Group, offers such a one-stop-shop approach, combining regulatory expertise with tailored, client-focused execution.
FACTS & FIGURES
Birthday: 09 August 1977
Place of birth: Marburg (Germany)
Nationality: German
Children: 2
Languages: German, English, French
Hobbies: Family, Garden, Hiking, Piano
MY FAVOURITE
Cities: Paris, Zurich, Duesseldorf
Restaurants: Louis Linster, Im Schiffchen (Kaiserswerth / Germany)
Places: Lake Constance
Books: Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri, The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Music: Beethoven, Smetana, Acid Jazz, Serge Gainsbourg, Dream Theater
Artist: William Turner, Johannes Vermeer, Albrecht Dürer, Vincent Van Gogh, Caspar David Friedrich
COMPANY
VP Fund Solutions
POSITION
CEO VP Fund Solutions (Luxembourg) SA
CAREER ORIENTATION
I started my career as a research analyst for private equity funds. In the further course of my career, I always worked in the field of alternative investment funds. I'm active in Luxembourg since 2016 and am member of the Executive Board at VP Fund Solutions (Luxembourg) SA since 2019.
FUND EXPERTISE
18 years of experience in alternative investment funds.
YOUR HOBBY, YOUR PASSION
I like to spend time with my family. Garden and hiking is the best opportunity to relax. I also like to use the time to play the piano; especially Beethoven and Bach.