CEO Monthly November 2017

28 CEO MONTHLY / NOVEMBER 2017 , StarMountainCapital is a specialized assetmanagement firmfocused exclusively on the lower middle-market by investing debt and equity directly into established operating companies, making strategic investments into fundmanagers and purchasing secondary fund positions. We invited Jaspal Bajaj to give usmore insight into the inner-workings of the company. Investing in the Growth Engine of America Founded in 2010, and boasting over $500 million of assets under management, Star Mountain focuses exclusively on investing in established U.S. lower middle market companies across a three- channel approach. This approach includes direct investments in lower middle-market businesses; strategic limited partnership investments in lower middle- market funds; and purchasing secondary limited partnership interests in lower middle-market funds. Jaspal explains how this approach benefits both the company and the clients. “Through this distinctive platform, we are able to provide investors with diversified, scalable and fee-efficient access to this large and underserved market where we believe superior risk-adjusted returns are available due to the market inefficiencies. A key differentiator is the proven large market expertise and resources that we bring to these smaller businesses. Part of our value- added platform comes from our strategic investor and advisor relationships who also provide Star Mountain with more than just capital.” Jaspal talks us through his previous roles, and explains what challenges and opportunities he has faced during his time at the company, and how this affected the role. He talks us through what he learnt from these experiences, and how he came to achieve his position as Compliance Officer. “Currently, my job title is Compliance Officer, and my previous roles include nearly 20 years of international experience within alternative investments across the areas of finance, fund operations, compliance and investor relations. With my previous compliance-related executive experience and after working with our Chief Risk Officer and Chief Financial Officer for several months in a compliance capacity at Star Mountain the opportunity to step into the Chief Compliance officer role presented itself and I was happy to take on this endeavour. “The main challenges we face is typical of a growing business. As we have new investors and new fund structures we need to be able to effectively manage the additional reporting and regulatory requirements that results from this. As with most things in life, success depends on the efforts of not just myself, but an entire team. We work with a highly experienced group of external partners, service providers and internal team members to help accomplish these objectives. “Opportunities that arise from our business also stem from our growth. Due to the different 1710CE07 fund structures and growing investor base we are constantly learning how to do things better and transferring knowledge synergistically between our service providers and ourselves. This ultimately helps to position us well in the market as we continue to gain knowledge and expertise to better help service our clients.” Having been selected as the Compliance Officer of the Year 2017, Jaspal explains how it feels to receive this recognition, and not only what it means for himself, but also what it means to the company and shows the work and high-quality standards that each member of staff maintains. “Regarding this recognition, I appreciate the acknowledgement and of course, I must say that this is a team effort that includes not just myself, but our entire internal team members and extended team partners. At Star Mountain, we have a culture of continuous improvement so we know that we cannot rest on the laurels of the past and specifically in this area of the business. Continuous change within the regulatory landscape is