The impact of the global coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has been rapidly evolving, causing disruption in global commerce across a wide range of industries. Private fund managers are not immune to the disruption. According to PitchBook’s latest analysis, private equity and venture ­­capital still have record amounts of dry powder ($2.4 trillion) to weather the storm and step in to provide liquidity to businesses. However, operations, fundraising, deal sourcing, and performance will likely be negatively affected, at least in the near-term, by the economic deterioration caused by COVID-19.

COVID-19 has created many new concerns for private fund managers; however, managers should be particularly mindful of heightened cybersecurity and fraud risks. With increased numbers of employees teleworking, there are increased vulnerabilities for cybercriminal intrusions creating privacy-related risks for fund portfolio information, LP confidential data, and other sensitive electronically-stored materials.