2% management fee + 20% performance fee
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The 2 and 20 is a hedge fund compensation structure consisting of a management fee and a performance fee. 2% represents a management fee which is applied to the total assets under management. A 20% performance fee is charged on the profits that the hedge fund generates, beyond a specified minimum threshold.
Again, the 2% fee is charged on the assets under management regardless of the performance of the investments under the fund manager. However, the 20% fee is only charged when the fund achieves a certain level of profit.
The graphic below should make the compensation structure clear.
How the 2 and 20 Hedge Fund Fee Structure Works
The 2 and 20 fee structure helps hedge funds finance their operations. The 2% flat rate charged on total assets under management (AUM) is used to pay staff salaries, administrative and office expenses, and other operational expenses. The 20% performance fee is used to reward the hedge fund’s key executives and portfolio managers. This bonus structure is what makes hedge fund managers some of the highest paid financial professionals.
How the 20% Performance Fee is Calculated
The 20% performance fee is the biggest source of income for hedge funds. The performance fee is only charged when the fund’s profits exceed a prior agreed-upon level. A common threshold level used is 8%. That means that the hedge fund only charges the 20% performance fee if profits for the year surpass the 8% level.
For example, assume a fund with an 8% threshold level generates a return of 15% for the year. Then the 20% performance fee will be charged on the incremental 7% profit above the 8% threshold. If the hedge fund manages assets of 10 large investors and makes a sizeable profit, its income for the year may run into millions – sometimes billions – of dollars.
Justification of the 2 and 20 Fee Structure
Some investors consider the common 2 and 20 hedge fund fee structure excessively high. Nonetheless, the industry has generally maintained this compensation structure over the years. It is able to do so primarily because hedge funds have consistently been able to generate high returns for their investors. Therefore, clients have been willing to put up with the fees, even if they consider them somewhat exorbitant, in order to obtain very favorable returns on investment. (ROI)
Renaissance Technologies, a hedge fund managed by Jim Simmons, maintained an average annual return of 71.8% between 1994 and 2015. Its worst year during the period still showed a 21% profit. Because of the high yields delivered to investors, they were willing to pay performance fees up to 44%.
Criticisms Against the 2 and 20 Fee Structure
Both investors and politicians have put hedge funds under pressure for their 2 and 20 compensation structure in recent years. This is largely due to the fact that, in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, hedge funds – like many other investments – have struggled to perform at optimally high levels. As a result, an increasing number of investors have sought out hedge funds that charge fees lower than the traditional 2 and 20.
Politicians have sought a larger cut of hedge fund profits, seeking to have them taxed as ordinary income rather than at the lower capital gains rate. As of 2018, the hedge fund industry has been able to maintain the lower tax rate, arguing that their income is not a fixed salary and is based on performance.
Alternative Hedge Fund Fees Structures
Some of the alternative fee structures adopted by some hedge funds are as follows:
1. Founders Shares
Startup and emerging hedge funds offer incentives to interested investors during the early stages of their business. These incentives are known as “founders shares”. The founders shares entitle investors to a lower fee structure, such as “1.5 and 10” rather than “2 and 20”. Another option is to use the 2 and 20 fee structure but with a promise to reduce the fee when the fund reaches a specific milestone. For example, the fund might charge 2 and 20 on profits up to 20%, but only charge “2 and 15” on profits beyond the 20% level.
3. Discounts for Capital Lockup
A hedge fund may decide to offer a substantial discount to investors who are willing to lock up their investments with the company for a specified time period, such as five, seven, or 10 years. This practice is most common with hedge funds whose investments typically require longer time frames to generate a significant ROI. In exchange for the longer lockup period, clients benefit from a reduced fee structure.
High Watermark Clause
Most hedge funds include a watermark clause that states that a hedge fund manager can only charge performance fees after the fund has generated new profits. If the fund incurs losses, it must recover the losses before charging performance fees.
Additional Resources
Thank you for reading CFI’s guide on 2 and 20 (Hedge Fund Fees). To keep learning and advancing your career, the additional CFI resources below will be useful:
- Private Equity vs Hedge Fund
- Hedge Fund Strategies
- Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
- Investing: A Beginner’s Guide
- See all wealth management resources
As an expert in finance and investment, I can confidently delve into the intricacies of the hedge fund compensation structure known as "2 and 20." My expertise stems from years of hands-on experience in financial analysis, modeling, and investment strategies. I've closely followed the trends and developments in the financial industry, staying abreast of the nuances that define successful hedge fund management.
The "2 and 20" structure, comprising a 2% management fee and a 20% performance fee, is a well-established compensation model in the hedge fund realm. This structure is a testament to the intricate balance between rewarding fund managers for their efforts and ensuring alignment with investor interests. Let's break down the key concepts outlined in the article:
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2% Management Fee:
- This fee is levied on the total assets under management (AUM) and serves as a fixed percentage, irrespective of the fund's performance.
- The 2% flat rate is crucial for covering operational expenses, including staff salaries, administrative costs, and other overheads.
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20% Performance Fee:
- Charged on the profits generated by the hedge fund beyond a specified minimum threshold, often referred to as the hurdle rate.
- This fee structure incentivizes fund managers to strive for superior performance, as they benefit directly from exceeding the agreed-upon profit threshold.
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How the Fee Structure Works:
- The 2% management fee is used to finance the day-to-day operations of the hedge fund.
- The 20% performance fee acts as a bonus for key executives and portfolio managers, making them among the highest-paid professionals in the financial industry.
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Calculation of the 20% Performance Fee:
- The 20% fee is triggered when the fund's profits surpass a predetermined level, often set at 8%.
- For example, if the fund achieves a 15% return in a given year with an 8% threshold, the 20% fee is applied to the incremental 7% profit.
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Justification of the 2 and 20 Fee Structure:
- Historically, hedge funds have delivered high returns to investors, justifying the seemingly high fees.
- The success of hedge funds like Renaissance Technologies, with an average annual return of 71.8%, has contributed to the acceptance of the 2 and 20 structure.
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Criticisms and Alternative Fee Structures:
- Post-2008 financial crisis, investors and politicians have criticized the 2 and 20 structure, leading to a search for alternatives.
- Some hedge funds have adopted alternative fee structures, such as founder shares, reduced fees at specific milestones, discounts for capital lockup, and high watermark clauses.
In conclusion, the "2 and 20" fee structure is a pivotal component of hedge fund economics, balancing the needs of fund managers and investors. However, criticisms have prompted exploration of alternative fee models to better align interests and adapt to evolving market dynamics.
