THE RESEARCH METHOD
Better questions.
Before any commitment.
Seven lenses for reading an opportunity. Expand each question to build a clearer starting point for your own research.
01 / OwnershipWhat does the investor actually own?
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Identify the asset or rights being acquired and the structure that holds them.
02 / DownsideWhat can cause a loss of capital?
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Read the exposures, liabilities, obligations and dependencies behind the offer.
03 / LiquidityWhen and how could you exit?
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Distinguish a stated exit intention from an actual right or a liquid market.
04 / CustodyWho holds the assets, under which law?
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Identify the intermediary, governing law and the rights attached to the structure.
05 / EconomicsWhat is the full cost?
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Account for fees, financing, currency conversion and transaction costs.
06 / EvidenceWhat supports the claims?
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Return to source documents and identify what still needs independent verification.
07 / ContextWhat changes across borders?
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Consider residence, asset location, structure and succession together.