Why invest in private equity funds? Returns are the obvious reason. However, not all investors are looking for the same level, occurrence, and recurrence of returns, or the same level of associated risks. Moreover, fund manager selection itself can lead to a great number of uncertainties, such as fluctuating alignment of interests, evolving macroeconomic conditions, and declining marginal returns. This book presents new, advanced, evidence-based guidance on investing in private equity funds: first by assessing the investor’s environment and motivations, then by looking into the risks, returns, and overall performance of funds and finally, by offering practical solutions to the illiquidity conundrum. This book has been developed from extensive, bank-sponsored research, and provides both practical and theoretical insights"--Provided by publisher