4th Annual Hedge Fund General Counsel Summit in New York City

By Jack Simony

Corporate Counsel magazine's 4th Annual Hedge Fund General Counsel Summit will be held Oct. 4 at the Harvard Club of New York City.

The event will touch on impending changes and guidance on how firms can stay compliant with all the changing rules and regulations, while also attracting investor capital.

Sponsors and exhibitors include: Bloomberg Laws, Arent Fox and WilmerHale.

For more information on the summit visit their website.
 
- By Jack Simony

European Hedge Fund Law Could Effect Commercial Real Estate

By Jack Simony

Commercial real estate owners in Europe could be forced to make billions in unexpected cash payments under a new planned law that would treat them like hedge funds, Bloomberg reported.

The European Union thinks the new regulations would lower economic risk, but that is not sitting well with property owners.

“There is a perfectly genuine risk at this point that the commission will win the day and, not only real estate funds, but also European real estate investment trusts will be caught," Peter Cosmetatos, finance director at the British Property Federation, told Bloomberg.

- By Jack Simony

Jack Simony, Founder of the Whitehaven Financial Group, to be Honored With Human Rights Advocates International Defender Award

By Jack Simony

NEW YORK, Sept. 22 -- Jack Simony, founder of the Whitehaven Financial Group, a litigation finance firm based in New York City, will be awarded this year's "Defender Award" by Human Rights Advocates International (HRAI), a United Nations non-governmental organization.

The organization, which is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights in the United States and abroad, grants the award annually to an individual who has managed, through their efforts, to effect positive change in the lives of those in need.

"Jack Simony, despite his youth, is one of the founding fathers of litigation finance," said HRAI Chairman Gerard I. Nierenberg. "He found a unique way to help those in need while also meeting the needs of Wall Street, creating the classic win-win scenario we look for. We are pleased to offer the 2010 'Defender Award' to Jack for his obvious caring for those less fortunate than he and for his creativity in finding financial solutions that work."

Since founding the Whitehaven Financial Group in 2001, Simony's innovative approach has helped countless individuals who have found themselves trapped in "litigation limbo" when their traumatic injuries impacted their ability to provide for themselves and their families.


"Typically, an injured tort victim in the United States can wait several years until his or her case for justice is heard by the courts, and given the extent of their injuries, this wait may be almost unmanageable," said Simony. "We at Whitehaven are proud to have helped people, in their darkest hours, to stay in their homes, pay for necessary medical care, and provide for their families while awaiting their day in court."

HRAI will present the "Defender Award" to Simony at an honorary dinner on Thursday, December 9th at the St. Regis Hotel, New York City.

About Jack Simony
Mr. Simony is currently a portfolio manager at Centurion Credit Management, a New York-based hedge fund. He co-founded the Whitehaven Group, a litigation financing firm, and served as its CEO, overseeing the strategic direction, vision and implementation of Whitehaven's litigation funding goals. He also oversaw the company's control systems and capital structure, raising credit facilities in excess of $300 million and investing the funds into thousands of legal claims and lawsuits.

- By Jack Simony

New York Yankees Pay Tribute to the Late George Steinbrenner

By Jack Simony

New York Yankees late owner George Steinbrenner was honored Monday with a larger than life monument in the stadium's historic Monument Park.

The event brought together current and former players and managers, including famed skipper, Joe Torre.

At 5 feet by 7 feet, the monument is, not surprisingly, larger than all the monuments in the park.

- By Jack Simony

New Hedge Fund, Branch Hill Capital, Launches

By Jack Simony

A new hedge fund, Branch Hill Capital, has been launched by Ron Beller and Manal Mehta, the New York Times reported, citing a report in the Financial News.

The fund started in June, and is up 15 percent according to the report.

The two started the fund with $40 million of their own capital, and are trying to raise $250 million from outside investors, the report said.

- By Jack Simony

USA Fencing Board of Directors Approves More Tournaments

By Jack Simony

Three more Super Youth Circuit tournaments were approved by the USA Fencing Board of Directors because they wanted to increase the competitive opportunities available to young fencers, according to a release on their website.

Each event allow athletes a chance to earn national points.

Those wishing to host one of the new tournaments must submit bids by Oct. 15, 2010 through email to christine.simmons@usfencing.org or by mail.

For more information contact the USA Fencing Board.

- By Jack Simony

Jack Simony, Founder of the Whitehaven Financial Group, To Be Honored With Human Rights Advocates International Defender Award

Jack Simony, founder of the Whitehaven Financial Group, a litigation finance firm based in New York City, will be awarded this year’s “Defender Award” by Human Rights Advocates International (HRAI), a United Nations non-governmental organization.

The organization, which is dedicated to promoting and protecting international human rights in the United States and abroad, grants the award annually to an individual who has managed, through their efforts, to effect positive change in the lives of those in need.

“Jack Simony, despite his youth, is one of the founding fathers of litigation finance,” said HRAI Chairman Gerard I. Nierenberg. “He found a unique way to help those in need while also meeting the needs of Wall Street, creating the classic win-win scenario we look for. We are pleased to offer the 2010 ‘Defender Award’ to Jack for his obvious caring for those less fortunate than he and for his creativity in finding financial solutions that work.”

Since founding the Whitehaven Financial Group in 2001, Simony’s innovative approach has helped countless individuals who have found themselves trapped in “litigation limbo” when legal fees impacted their ability to meet their financial needs. 

“Typically, an injured tort victim in the United States can wait three years until their case for justice is heard by the courts, and given the extent of their injuries, this wait may be almost unmanageable,” said Simony. “Whitehaven’s litigation fundings have enabled countless people to meet their basic financial needs while awaiting their day in court.”

HRAI will present the “Defender Award” to Simony at an honorary dinner  at the St. Regis Hotel, New York City.

Jack Simony to Speak at Calgary Fraudnet Conference

By Jack Simony

Jack Simony will join Martin Kenney.  in speaking at the next FraudNet gathering in Calgary.

Simony's will present on the subject of litigation finance with an emphasis on how to finance the recovery of fraud on behalf of victims who no longer have the financial wherewithal to maintain the litigation themselves.

The event takes place October 1-2.

- By Jack Simony

Jack Simony Supports the SBA Heroism Awards and George Steinbrenner

By Jack Simony

Jack Simony will be attending the Sergeants Benevolent Association’s Heroism Awards next month.

In addition to honoring the spouses of those offices (should be officers.)  who died in the line of duty, the event will also honor the late New York Yankees owner, George M. Steinbrenner.

“I am pleased to join the Steinbrenner family in celebrating the life of the man who set the standard for the way an owner and team should care about their fans, and the city they represent,” Jack Simony was quoted. “Supporting the widows and orphans of NYPD heroes who gave their lives to protect the lives of all New Yorkers is always a special privilege, however on the eve of the tenth anniversary of 9/11 this event takes on a special meaning."

- By Jack Simony

Jack Simony to Be Honored With Human Rights Award

By Jack Simony

Jack Simony will be receiving the Human Right’s International, Inc.’s annual Defender Award.

“It is an honor be given this prestigious award,” Simony said. "Human rights issues are dear to my heart and something I have been involved with for a very long time."

Simony is the founder of the Whitehaven Financial Group, a litigation finance firm.

Additional details on the awards ceremony and information on how to purchase tickets to the event will be available soon.

- By Jack Simony

More Young People Interested in Fencing

By Jack Simony

A recent article in the San Jose Mercury News says fencing is the new sport of choice for young people.

The Pacific Fencing Club in Alameda, California has been open since 1984 and has seen the shift in age first hand, owner Harold Hayes told the newspaper.

Fencing is a great sport for younger people to get involved with. It’s gets them off the couches and learning a skill-based sport that can improve their concentration and ability to read their competitor – something they will use every day whether they are a businessman or a writer.

"When I was in college and decided to go out for fencing instead of football, many people were surprised at my choice, given my natural build and love of the game," Jack Simony said. "But, overtime fencing has proven to be one of the most rewarding sports I've ever engaged in and I'm delighted I have been able to stay competitive and aggressive at any age."

- By Jack Simony