Equity Downside Risk management

Merseyside is seeking to control equity risk on a medium-term basis (c.18 months horizon) and possibly on a longer term strategic basis through the use of an equity overlay solution(s). This opportunity is to identify providers capable of supporting Merseyside with their equity overlay needs which may range from basic put protection through to more complex strategies (e.g. put-spread collar or other such structures). Initially the exercise will focus on selection of a manager or managers to provide a put-spread collar with a preference for a cost-neutral solution. However, managers should be able to offer a customised approach to fit a range of different plan requirements within the aggregate pool. The maximum notional size of the mandate is c.£2 billion. This comprises multiple individual plans with their own requirements; potentially c.10 different overlay parametrisations will be required with a minimum lot size of £150m. Merseyside are seeking to identify and appoint a framework of approved equity overlay managers for use as required by its underlying plans.