Optimize Golden Opportunities Fund
Investment Sector
Stocks & Bonds
Investment Profile
Large cap companies
Minimum Investment
€1,000
Subscription Deadline
Open-Ended
Fund Lifetime
No Lock-in
Open to US Citizens
Yes
Fund Manager
Optimize
CMVM License Number
327
Q&A
Each fund manager or fund advisor has been invited to answer a series of questions about their own funds as well as the market in general.
We sat down with Nuno Santos to find out more about the Optimize Golden Opportunities Fund.
You will find all information in our site:
• Pedro Lino - CEO and CIO
lFrom an early age Pedro became interested about financial markets, and started to invest at the age of 16 years when he opened his first brokerage account.
In 2002 he was elected Director of DIF Broker – Sociedade Financeira de Corretagem SA, and currently holds the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors. He was Director of DIF Markets - Agente de Valores, headquartered in Uruguay, acquired by DIF Broker from Saxo Bank A/S, between 2017 and August 2021.
In October 2018 he joined Optimize Investment Partners as Executive Director and is currently Chairman of the Board of Directors. In 2020 he was elected President of Optimize SICAV, based in Luxembourg, that manages 4 Investment Funds.
He holds a Degree in Economics from the Nova School of Business and Economics (1998). Pedro invests in the stock markets since its 16 years old, accumulating 30 years experience.
(46 years old – 23 years of professional experience)
• Nuno Santos - Board Member
Nuno started his career in 1992 as a Technical Consultant for Insurance at "Trabalho Vida". In 1996, he moved to BNC – Banco Nacional de Crédito Imobiliário (now Banco Santander), assuming the role of Account Manager for corporate and private customers. From 2000 to 2008, he was Head of the Commercial Department at SGF- Sociedade Gestora Fundos de Pensões.
Since 2008, Nuno Santos has been the Commercial Director at Optimize Investment Partners, and in 2018 was elected Executive Director.
He has a degree in Business Organization and Management and a postgraduate degree in Markets and Financial Assets from ISCTE.
(50 years old - 31 years of experience)
• Carlos Pinto - Senior Investment Manager
He started his career in 2007 as a Junior Middle Office at Banco Privado Português. In 2010, he joined Optimize where for 2 years he worked as a Back-Office Junior, after which he assumed responsibility for the department.
In 2014, Carlos Pinto joined our Investments team, performing the functions of Investment Manager since then.
He holds a Degree in Business Management from ISEG and a postgraduate degree in Markets and Financial Assets from INDEG-IUL, ISCTE Executive Education.
(38 years old - 16 years of experience)
Why did you decide to create the Optimize Golden Opportunities Fund for the Golden Visa market?
We started to have more enquires about alternative solutions to private equity and real estate banks, specially investors that are more concerned about liquidity and transparency of the assets they hold. So in late 2021 we launched this fund.
Has the management/advisory team invested in the Optimize Golden Opportunities Fund? Please explain that decision.
Yes, the investment team is invested in the fund as well as their family as they believe that active management strategy in the Portuguese market will have very attractive returns. It is also an alignment with the interests of our investors.
Request a detailed presentation about the fund
· Min investment:
€1,000
· Lifetime:
No Lock-in
· US Citizens:
Yes
· Subscription deadline:
Open-Ended
The Optimize Golden Opportunities Fund focuses on investing directly into the Portuguese & European stock markets as well as public & private bonds. Could you please explain why you see this particular sector as a good investment target and point out which markets you’re considering outside of Portugal?
The fund will have to maintain at least 80% investment in Portuguese securities (stocks and bonds – fixed income) and a 60% in stocks (GV requirement). The remaining 20% can be invested in Portugal or other geographies. We have currently 12% of the portfolio exposed to Spanish economy. The remaining is invested in Portuguese securities and cash.
How would you describe the Optimize Golden Opportunities Fund’s risk profile; Conservative, Moderate, or Ambitious?
It is an Ambitious fund and is must be invested at least 60% into stocks. We are increasing the exposure into fixed income to decrease the volatility of the fund and take advantage of higher interest rates.
The Golden Visa rules state that a qualifying investment must be held for just five years but we come across many investors who ask about flexibility to exit the fund in case their circumstances change. We understand that Optimize Gold Opportunities Fund is an open-ended fund. Does this mean investors can exit at any time?
Yes the fund is an open ended meaning that it provides the flexibility to the investors in case its circumstances change. The investor can redeem is investment at any time with no extra charge. He will have his investment transferred into his account within 5 working days.
On average, how long does it take to onboard a Golden Visa investor into the Optimize Golden Opportunities Fund and what are the main obstacles in the onboarding process?
It takes about 2 to 3 days to onboard, and there are no main obstacles as the investor must have first a bank account in a Portuguese bank. Because we ask for the same documents the investors have no additional obstacles. The source of income and criminal record are of upmost importance.
What distinguishes the Optimize Golden Opportunities Fund from other Golden Visa-eligible funds operating in the market?
The main difference is that Optimize GV has a low risk as it can be invested into stocks as low as 60% that compares with 85% minimum exposure into stocks from other funds. As we can invest more in fixed income we can have lower volatility while focusing in long term capital appreciation.
Many of those considering the Golden Visa have several funds to choose from. What advice can you offer to help investors make the right decision for them?
Have to take into account the volatility of the funds, liquidity and expertise of the company and investment team. Optimize has the full package.
Get in touch with
Optimize Golden Opportunities Fund
now!
· Min investment:
€1,000
· Lifetime:
No Lock-in
· US Citizens:
Yes
· Subscription deadline:
Open-Ended
For people who are unfamiliar with investing in funds and may even be nervous about learning, what advice would you like to give them?
We are always available to present the fund, explain how financial markets work and where the fund in invested. Financial education and literacy if fundamental for investors to be more aware of their investments.
Considering the recent Golden Visa rule changes in October 2023, what advice would you give to investors who are currently looking into the program?
We are always available to present the fund, explain how financial markets work and where the fund in invested. Financial education and literacy if fundamental for investors to be more aware of their investments.
Considering the recent Golden Visa rule changes in October 2023, what advice would you give to investors who are currently looking into the program?
They have to be very careful when choosing a fund as the fund cannot invest directly or indirectly in real estate. There can be funds that could have indirect exposure to real estate the the government authorities will be looking into it. Optimize GV Fund does not invest in these kind of assets directly or indirectly.
What is your outlook for Portugal from both an investment and lifestyle perspective over the coming years?
Portugal as done an excellent job at turning around its budget deficit having now a surplus. The rating agencies are improving our outlook (https://www.jornaldenegocios.pt/mercados/obrigacoes/detalhe/moodys-sobe-rating-de-portugal-para-tres-niveis-acima-de-lixo-e-corta-perspetiva). The main parties are aligned around the idea that a balanced budget is very good for the country. Portugal is also benefiting from tourism, low criminality, stability, and from the investment from EU funds on the next couple of years.
Is there anything else you would like to share with potential investors?
Even tough the time horizon is 5-7 years, depending on the time to get the GV we are focused in getting the most return of the investment as possible and at the same time decreasing its volatility. The fund is very diversified and has daily liquidity. Investors will have an online access to its account to check on the investment and redeem or subscribe other investments with Optimize as we have other investment solution that not only for GV purposes.
We will issue the Golden Visa Declaration within three to four working days from the investment where we will declare that Optimize Portugal Golden Opportunities Fund is an eligible fund as it invests at least 60% in Portuguese shares and wil not invest directly or indirectly in real estate.
Sounds good! I'd like to get in touch now!
· Min investment:
€1,000
· Lifetime:
No Lock-in
· US Citizens:
Yes
· Subscription deadline:
