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Private Funds CFO Insights 2025

Empowering CFOs with strategic solutions to navigate industry challenges

February 03, 2025

Dive into the data
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Financial services Financial management Private equity Financial consulting

Private Funds CFO Insights 2025, sponsored by RSM and conducted by Private Equity International, provides an in-depth analysis of the latest trends, challenges and opportunities faced by chief financial officers in the private funds industry. This comprehensive survey gathered insights from over 120 private fund finance leaders across various sectors, including buyout, growth capital, venture capital and real estate. The report offers valuable perspectives on how CFOs are navigating the complexities of today's market, making it an essential resource for anyone involved in private fund management.

The following sections explore four critical insights shaping the future of private fund management. These insights focus on the specific challenges faced by CFOs and the strategic solutions that can help address them, enabling organizations to stay ahead in the industry and leverage opportunities for growth and efficiency.

Critical insights shaping private fund management

Outsourcing

Outsourcing

Outsourcing of back-office functions is a growing trend. Around 45% of survey respondents plan to increase the outsourcing of investment accounting functions over the next 12 months, indicating a shift toward leveraging external expertise to manage complex financial operations. This approach allows fund managers to concentrate on strategic priorities while benefiting from the specialized skills of external service providers.

The focus is very much on building a scalable model that allows teams to repurpose their time and work on their strategy.
William Andreoni, Partner, RSM US LLP

Maximize efficiency and compliance with RSM Fund Services+

RSM Fund Services+ provides comprehensive support for fund managers, facilitating compliance and optimizing operations. We offer a full suite of fund administration services, including financial reporting, investor relations and regulatory compliance. Our team works closely with you to streamline processes, reduce operational risks and enhance transparency. With RSM Fund Services+, you can focus on strategic decision making while we handle the complexities of fund administration. 

Fund services+

Keep your business moving forward with RSM Catamaran

RSM Catamaran’s outsourcing solutions can help you streamline operations, reduce costs and focus on strategic initiatives. Enhance your operational efficiency with our comprehensive outsourcing solutions. 

RSM Catamaran
Technology and innovation

Technology and innovation

Artificial intelligence and other technologies are transforming fund management. Embracing these innovations can lead to improved decision making and operational efficiency. Around 54% of survey respondents are currently evaluating use cases for AI, up slightly from 50% a year earlier, while 15% are already actively implementing AI solutions. 

We are evaluating a number of AI tools to understand their capabilities. We are focused on ensuring we are up to speed, so that we are ready when we reach a tipping point. We want to be sure we know how it works, understand the security measures needed and who all the providers are.
Noah Becker, Chief Financial Officer, LLR Partners

Transform your business with our AI-driven digital transformation services

We help you harness the power of AI to improve decision making, automate processes and drive innovation. RSM's AI-driven digital transformation services not only help you harness the power of AI to drive innovation—they also provide clear explanations of the rules of engagement, enabling you to confidently navigate the new world of AI.

AI, analytics and cloud services
Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity

In today's digital landscape, ensuring robust cybersecurity is critical for protecting your organization. The demand for transparency in IT systems and cybersecurity protocols has grown significantly, with 72% of limited partners surveyed in the past 12 to 24 months requesting more comprehensive details during the due diligence process. This trend underscores the growing importance of data security practices.

Protecting your organization from cyberthreats is more important than ever. Investors are increasingly scrutinizing IT systems and cybersecurity measures.
Chris Iorillo, Chief Financial, Legal and Compliance Officer, Freeman Spogli

Empower your business with advanced cybersecurity solutions

Safeguard your organization with our tailored cybersecurity solutions. RSM offers advanced services designed to protect your data and help you comply with evolving regulatory standards.

Private equity cybersecurity services
Regulatory compliance

Regulatory compliance

The latest regulatory changes are having a significant impact on fund operations. Staying compliant is essential to avoid penalties and support smooth operations. Approximately 63% of firms said they find managing regulatory requirements extremely challenging, underscoring the need for specialized services to help them navigate complex compliance landscapes.

Regulatory compliance continues to become ever more complex. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s private funds rule has quietly died, but its marketing rule is still causing headaches, particularly when it comes to what many perceive to be the illogic of presenting net performance data on unrealized portfolio companies.
Private Funds CFO Insights 2025

Navigate complex regulations with effective compliance strategies

Help your organization remain compliant and optimize its regulatory approach with our comprehensive regulatory compliance services. We offer the guidance needed to successfully handle these complexities and help your business operate smoothly within the regulatory framework.

Regulatory compliance consulting services

Outsourcing

Outsourcing of back-office functions is a growing trend. Around 45% of survey respondents plan to increase the outsourcing of investment accounting functions over the next 12 months, indicating a shift toward leveraging external expertise to manage complex financial operations. This approach allows fund managers to concentrate on strategic priorities while benefiting from the specialized skills of external service providers.

The focus is very much on building a scalable model that allows teams to repurpose their time and work on their strategy.
William Andreoni, Partner, RSM US LLP

Maximize efficiency and compliance with RSM Fund Services+

RSM Fund Services+ provides comprehensive support for fund managers, facilitating compliance and optimizing operations. We offer a full suite of fund administration services, including financial reporting, investor relations and regulatory compliance. Our team works closely with you to streamline processes, reduce operational risks and enhance transparency. With RSM Fund Services+, you can focus on strategic decision making while we handle the complexities of fund administration. 

Fund services+

Keep your business moving forward with RSM Catamaran

RSM Catamaran’s outsourcing solutions can help you streamline operations, reduce costs and focus on strategic initiatives. Enhance your operational efficiency with our comprehensive outsourcing solutions. 

RSM Catamaran

Technology and innovation

Artificial intelligence and other technologies are transforming fund management. Embracing these innovations can lead to improved decision making and operational efficiency. Around 54% of survey respondents are currently evaluating use cases for AI, up slightly from 50% a year earlier, while 15% are already actively implementing AI solutions. 

We are evaluating a number of AI tools to understand their capabilities. We are focused on ensuring we are up to speed, so that we are ready when we reach a tipping point. We want to be sure we know how it works, understand the security measures needed and who all the providers are.
Noah Becker, Chief Financial Officer, LLR Partners

Transform your business with our AI-driven digital transformation services

We help you harness the power of AI to improve decision making, automate processes and drive innovation. RSM's AI-driven digital transformation services not only help you harness the power of AI to drive innovation—they also provide clear explanations of the rules of engagement, enabling you to confidently navigate the new world of AI.

AI, analytics and cloud services

Cybersecurity

In today's digital landscape, ensuring robust cybersecurity is critical for protecting your organization. The demand for transparency in IT systems and cybersecurity protocols has grown significantly, with 72% of limited partners surveyed in the past 12 to 24 months requesting more comprehensive details during the due diligence process. This trend underscores the growing importance of data security practices.

Protecting your organization from cyberthreats is more important than ever. Investors are increasingly scrutinizing IT systems and cybersecurity measures.
Chris Iorillo, Chief Financial, Legal and Compliance Officer, Freeman Spogli

Empower your business with advanced cybersecurity solutions

Safeguard your organization with our tailored cybersecurity solutions. RSM offers advanced services designed to protect your data and help you comply with evolving regulatory standards.

Private equity cybersecurity services

Regulatory compliance

The latest regulatory changes are having a significant impact on fund operations. Staying compliant is essential to avoid penalties and support smooth operations. Approximately 63% of firms said they find managing regulatory requirements extremely challenging, underscoring the need for specialized services to help them navigate complex compliance landscapes.

Regulatory compliance continues to become ever more complex. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s private funds rule has quietly died, but its marketing rule is still causing headaches, particularly when it comes to what many perceive to be the illogic of presenting net performance data on unrealized portfolio companies.
Private Funds CFO Insights 2025

Navigate complex regulations with effective compliance strategies

Help your organization remain compliant and optimize its regulatory approach with our comprehensive regulatory compliance services. We offer the guidance needed to successfully handle these complexities and help your business operate smoothly within the regulatory framework.

Regulatory compliance consulting services

Dive into the full report

Download Private Funds CFO Insights 2025 now and gain access to valuable insights that can drive your strategic decisions.

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