Since its founding in 2017, Essential Fund Services International LLC (EFSI) has steadily built a reputation for customer service-driven fund administration. What began in the emerging manager hedge fund space has expanded into a trusted provider for alternative investment managers globally.
Co-Founders Joseph Levato and his partner recognized that smaller, emerging managers were underserved in terms of products and client service. Rather than attempting to “fix” the industry, they saw an opportunity: create a platform that helps these managers grow and manage their businesses more effectively, backed by attentive service and robust operational support.
Fund Administration with a Human Touch
At its core, EFSI delivers fund administration services for asset managers across a wide range of strategies, including hedge funds, private equity, private debt, real estate, and venture capital.
The firm also provides complementary offerings such as Management Company accounting and shadow administration, ensuring asset managers have the necessary flexibility and oversight.
What differentiates EFSI is not necessarily a unique product, but rather its commitment to relationships and service excellence. In an industry where fund administration can feel commoditized, the firm stands out by investing deeply in:
- Customer relationships: Tailoring support at the client level rather than through one-size-fits-all processes.
- Networking & branding: Cultivating strong partnerships across the alternative investment ecosystem.
- Referrals: A large portion of new business comes through recommendations from existing clients and industry partners, proof of the trust EFSI has built.
This approach has fueled consistent growth across all business lines in recent years.
Innovation Through Technology Partnerships
From the outset, EFSI aligned with a primary technology supplier whose solutions evolve continually. This long-term partnership has been additive to both efficiency and quality, allowing the firm to deliver high-performing fund administration services without disruption.
The team remains open to complementary technologies introduced through its network. Any innovation that enhances service quality and the client experience is carefully evaluated and, where appropriate, integrated.
The firm sees technology not as a buzzword, but as an enabler of client experience—a philosophy that keeps service improvements tightly aligned with client needs.
Client Service as a Strategy
While some firms rely on grand strategies, EFSI prefers to focus on simple but powerful fundamentals: service and communication.
- Each client receives tailored account management designed around their unique needs.
- The firm works bottom-up rather than top-down, listening first before implementing solutions.
- Retention rates reflect this commitment in 2024; EFSI did not lose a single client to a competitor.
This loyalty underscores the effectiveness of its people-first approach.
Navigating Global Clients and Regulations
Serving international clients requires balancing regulatory compliance, client expectations, and service excellence. EFSI does this by collaborating not only with clients but also with their wider ecosystem of auditors, custodians, bankers, lawyers, and prime brokers.
This proactive partnership model ensures that due diligence is thorough, ongoing, and aligned with the regulatory environments of the jurisdictions where clients operate.
Leadership and Culture
EFSI’s leadership team reflects a culture of integrity, hard work, and commitment to excellence.
- Joseph Levato – Co-Founder
- Anthony D. Mascia – Co-Founder & Managing Partner
- Michael J. Kieger – Vice President of Operations
- Sandy C. Pereira – Vice President of Investor Services
- Adrianne Zennario – Senior Fund Accountant
Every leader brings expertise and passion, but more importantly, they share a drive to deliver their best daily. Recognition, rather than motivation, fuels their performance, an ethos that defines the entire firm.
Challenges in the Fund Services Sector
Like many industries, the fund services sector faces disruption and competition. EFSI identifies two main challenges: the sheer number of competitors and the rapid disruption driven by generative AI.
Anthony D. Mascia, Managing Partner of EFSI, says, “To address competition, customer service and client experience remain our strongest differentiators. As for AI, we view it both as a tool to enhance our service model and a force reshaping the industry.”
He adds, “Over time, authenticity will stand out as a key differentiator—clients will continue to place greater trust in people over machines. For this reason, doubling down on customer experience will be central to our strategy in the medium term.”
Compliance, Security, and Transparency
In today’s environment, AML, KYC, and cybersecurity are non-negotiable. EFSI prioritizes:
- A robust AML compliance program aligned with federal regulations.
- State-of-the-art technology that provides detailed data and continuous monitoring.
- Thorough due diligence on all new clients, including GP/LP background checks.
- Quarterly cybersecurity training for staff to stay ahead of evolving threats.
By working hand-in-hand with clients’ additional service providers, EFSI ensures no stone is left unturned in compliance and monitoring.
Digital Transformation in Action
EFSI views digital transformation as an opportunity to do more for clients and empower staff. From automation to data analytics, new tools improve workflows, reduce manual strain, and ultimately enhance the client experience.
The firm carefully incorporates innovations that enable efficiency and quality, ensuring technology serves as a genuine value-add rather than a distraction.
Growth, Expansion, and What’s Next
Unlike firms with rigid expansion roadmaps, EFSI takes a “one day at a time” approach. While further international expansion makes sense for the future, the immediate focus is on new client acquisition and delivering outstanding service.
This opportunistic mindset ensures that EFSI remains agile and responsive, ready to seize innovations and partnerships as they arise without compromising on core service delivery.
A Message to the Industry
EFSI has tailored messages for its audiences:
- To asset and fund managers: “We want to help you spend more time on investing and less time on your middle and back office.”
- To service providers with complementary offerings: “Get in touch to learn more about our ecosystem approach to servicing private funds.”
This clarity reflects the firm’s practical, client-first mission.
In less than a decade, Essential Fund Services International LLC has proven that outstanding customer service, careful integration of technology, and a people-first culture can redefine fund administration. By balancing innovation with authenticity and compliance with flexibility, EFSI continues to win client trust and grow its influence in the alternative investment industry.
As competition intensifies and AI reshapes white-collar services, EFSI’s message remains consistent: relationships, trust, and service excellence will always set the standard.
About Essential Fund Services International LLC
Founded in 2017, Essential Fund Services International (EFSI) specializes in fund administration, management company accounting, and shadow administration for alternative investment managers across hedge funds, private equity, private debt, real estate, and venture capital.
Built on a relationship-driven model, EFSI emphasizes outstanding client service, transparency, and compliance. With a high client retention rate and a leadership team dedicated to integrity and excellence, the firm helps asset managers focus more on investing. At the same time, EFSI manages the complexities of its middle and back-office operations.
Company Details
- Company Name: EFSI
- Founding Year: 2017
- Office Locations: New York, New Jersey
- Official Website: www.essentialfsi.com
- Industry/ Sector: Fund administration
Leader’s Profile
- Name of the Featured Leader: Anthony D. Mascia
- Designation: Managing Partner
- Brief Background & Experience:
Anthony D. Mascia is a Co-Founder and Managing Member of EFSI.
Mr. Mascia has more than two decades of experience in the alternative investment and private funds industry and is responsible for EFSI’s front office, which includes account management, business development, customer service, marketing and sales.
Prior to establishing EFSI with Mr. Levato, Mr. Mascia consulted for various firms in the alternative investment industry and built a guaranteed independent brokerage firm focused on investing in alternative strategies through an affiliation with MF Global between 2008 and 2011.
Before joining MF Global, he began his professional career in 1999 as a trader and member of the New York Board of Trade, spending almost a decade building a commodity brokerage book.
Company Highlights
- Key Services/Offerings: Fund administration, shadow administration