Gemini Fund Services has announced the expansion and growth of the Northern Lights Variable Trust (NLVT). This expansion reflects Gemini’s ongoing focus to assist advisors in successfully launching alternative investment funds to meet increasing demand among high net worth clients. With the addition of nine funds throughout 2011, the NLVT now comprises 14 funds in total, with over USD380 million in assets.
The funds comprising the NLVT are part of a variable insurance trust (VIT). Similar to a mutual fund shared trust, a VIT is a single registered entity through which a series of funds can be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, with the funds comprising the trust advised by multiple advisors. Shares of VIT funds are sold only on life insurance platforms and are offered to separate accounts of participating life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies.
"Gemini is committed to providing our advisors with solutions to bring successful investment vehicles to the market and meet the evolving needs of investors," says Andrew Rogers (pictured), President of Gemini Fund Services. "Gemini launched the NLVT to meet the needs of VIT funds, and the growth of the NLVT empowers advisors and funds with a competitive advantage in today’s marketplace."
Gemini partners with advisors to deliver comprehensive pooled investment solutions such as mutual funds, hedge funds, and alternative investments – including collective investment trusts. Gemini helps advisors bring their product to market with a broad range of services. Together with its affiliates, Gemini offers industry leading pooled investment solutions consisting of comprehensive fund servicing, variable annuities, retail and variable trusts, shared compliance services, EDGAR filing and printing services.
"As one of the fastest growing managers in the variable insurance trust space, Gemini has been instrumental in supporting our exponential growth," says Michael McClary, Chief Investment Officer of Valmark Advisers, and advisor to the TOPS ETF portfolios. "Our partnership with Gemini has opened up a wealth of new distribution channels and industry partnerships, and we are confident that the NLVT will have broad appeal among high net worth investors."