West Palm Beach (HedgeCo.Net)- Global Investment House has announced the Global Distressed Fund is now open for new and existing investors until the end of December.
The Barclays group, the world's largest independent hedge fund research company, ranked the Fund earlier this year as the 4th best Fund of Hedge Funds in the world, in terms of risk adjusted return, from a list of 647 funds.
The fund was also ranked by EurekaHedge among the top ten distressed fund of funds in terms of its annualized return, standard deviation, and Sharpe ratio.
Mr. Sameer Al-Gharaballi, Executive Vice President at Global, said the fund's reopening presents an opportunity to invest in one of the best and highly ranked fund of hedge funds.
Al- Gharaballi confirmed that the fund presents an opportunity for investors seeking diversification from local markets with low risk, adding that Global may provide interested investors with loans on invested capital, as a show of confidence in the fund's stable performance.
19 Nov 2007
16 Nov 2007
$2.3 Million Raised By 100 Women in Hedge Funds
The hedge fund industry raised $ 2.3 million at the Sixth 100 Women in Hedge Funds Gala at Cipriani in New York City.
Many well-known leaders in the hedge fund industry attended the gala celebration, among them Tudor Investment Management, Williams Trading, Blue Ridge Capital, Highbridge Capital Management, Eton Park Capital Management, Moore Capital and Atticus Capital.
John Griffin, Founder and President of Blue Ridge Capital, who founded iMentor in 1999 remarked, "We are absolutely delighted to be this year's 100 Women in Hedge Funds beneficiary." To-date, iMentor has matched and supported over 4,000 mentor-mentee pairs, partnering with over 30 schools and after-school programs in underserved communities.
100 Women in Hedge Funds annually presents two awards that have historically recognized under-the-radar achievements and leadership. The 2007 Effecting Change award honored many leaders across the hedge fund industry who serve as powerful examples of effective mentoring.
The 2007 Industry Leadership Award was awarded to Jane Mendillo, Chief Investment Officer, Wellesley College in recognition of her talent, ethics and passion, which help define the hedge fund industry's standard of excellence.
Since its first session in 2002, 100 Women in Hedge Funds has hosted more than 150 events globally, connected more than 150 senior women through their Peer Advisory Councils and raised in excess of $13 million for philanthropic causes in the areas of women's health, education and mentoring.
Many well-known leaders in the hedge fund industry attended the gala celebration, among them Tudor Investment Management, Williams Trading, Blue Ridge Capital, Highbridge Capital Management, Eton Park Capital Management, Moore Capital and Atticus Capital.
John Griffin, Founder and President of Blue Ridge Capital, who founded iMentor in 1999 remarked, "We are absolutely delighted to be this year's 100 Women in Hedge Funds beneficiary." To-date, iMentor has matched and supported over 4,000 mentor-mentee pairs, partnering with over 30 schools and after-school programs in underserved communities.
100 Women in Hedge Funds annually presents two awards that have historically recognized under-the-radar achievements and leadership. The 2007 Effecting Change award honored many leaders across the hedge fund industry who serve as powerful examples of effective mentoring.
The 2007 Industry Leadership Award was awarded to Jane Mendillo, Chief Investment Officer, Wellesley College in recognition of her talent, ethics and passion, which help define the hedge fund industry's standard of excellence.
Since its first session in 2002, 100 Women in Hedge Funds has hosted more than 150 events globally, connected more than 150 senior women through their Peer Advisory Councils and raised in excess of $13 million for philanthropic causes in the areas of women's health, education and mentoring.
15 Nov 2007
Germany as Europe's Most Attractive Destination For Renewable Energy Investors
Germany has emerged as Europe's most attractive destination for commercial investors in the renewable energy sector, while the UK has lost momentum due to a comparative lack of pace on policy matters, according to the latest "Ernst & Young Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Indices", which tracks and scores global investment in renewable energy.
The index, launched at the World Energy Congress in Rome, reveals that Germany has jumped from fifth to second place, displacing the UK, India and Spain, which jointly held this position last quarter.
It also suggests that although the credit crunch has left many investors overexposed to certain sectors, renewables projects still offer a relatively low-risk option for investors.
Although EU countries dominate the Country Attractiveness Indices, the US remains the most attractive destination overall for investment in renewables, a position it has held for two years.
Jonathan Johns, Head of Renewable Energy at Ernst & Young, says the US will continue to attract the lion's share of global investment particularly if changes to legislation continue.
The Ernst & Young Country Attractiveness Indices provide scores for national renewable energy markets, renewable energy infrastructures and their suitability for individual technologies. The indices provide scores out of 100 and are updated on a regular basis.
The index, launched at the World Energy Congress in Rome, reveals that Germany has jumped from fifth to second place, displacing the UK, India and Spain, which jointly held this position last quarter.
It also suggests that although the credit crunch has left many investors overexposed to certain sectors, renewables projects still offer a relatively low-risk option for investors.
Although EU countries dominate the Country Attractiveness Indices, the US remains the most attractive destination overall for investment in renewables, a position it has held for two years.
Jonathan Johns, Head of Renewable Energy at Ernst & Young, says the US will continue to attract the lion's share of global investment particularly if changes to legislation continue.
The Ernst & Young Country Attractiveness Indices provide scores for national renewable energy markets, renewable energy infrastructures and their suitability for individual technologies. The indices provide scores out of 100 and are updated on a regular basis.
BlackRock Launches Distressed Securities Funds
BlackRock, the biggest listed US asset manager, on Tuesday announced the launch of more distressed securities funds to take advantage of the current credit market troubles, according to Reuters.
Chairman and Chief Executive Laurence Fink said the firm would launch hedge funds investing in distressed mortgages and distressed real estate. These funds would raise "multibillion dollars". BlackRock has already raised a "very large" leveraged-loan fund and is now in the process of investing the money.
Just last week, BlackRock again earned first place in DALBAR’s 2007 Trends & Best Practices in the "Leading Mutual Fund Statements" category. DALBAR issues this award annually.
"At BlackRock, our goal is to produce a comprehensive investor statement tailored to
shareholder needs" said Anne Ackerley, managing director at BlackRock. "Receiving this award for three consecutive years demonstrates our successes and is a clear indication of our ability to deliver beyond expectations and surpass the industry standard."
BlackRock is one of the world’s largest publicly traded investment management firms. With a reported AUM of $1.3 trillion as of September 30, 2007.
Chairman and Chief Executive Laurence Fink said the firm would launch hedge funds investing in distressed mortgages and distressed real estate. These funds would raise "multibillion dollars". BlackRock has already raised a "very large" leveraged-loan fund and is now in the process of investing the money.
Just last week, BlackRock again earned first place in DALBAR’s 2007 Trends & Best Practices in the "Leading Mutual Fund Statements" category. DALBAR issues this award annually.
"At BlackRock, our goal is to produce a comprehensive investor statement tailored to
shareholder needs" said Anne Ackerley, managing director at BlackRock. "Receiving this award for three consecutive years demonstrates our successes and is a clear indication of our ability to deliver beyond expectations and surpass the industry standard."
BlackRock is one of the world’s largest publicly traded investment management firms. With a reported AUM of $1.3 trillion as of September 30, 2007.
13 Nov 2007
Hedge Funds More Proactive in Search for New Research
Hedge funds manage external research more proactively than long only managers, according to a study released by Integrity Research Associates. Hedge funds review their external research more frequently than long only investment managers, are three times more likely to seek assistance finding external research, and are much less confident that they have already found the best sources of external research.
“Our study confirms that hedge funds are more aggressively seeking out new sources of research than long only managers,” says Michael Mayhew, Integrity’s chairman and author of the study. “Long only managers are complacent about external research whereas hedge funds are continuously looking for what’s new and innovative.”
Conducted in October, 2007, the survey polled forty-three research directors at US based hedge funds and long only institutional investors. The survey focused on how institutional investors source and value external research. Highlights from the study include:
• Forty-two percent (42%) of hedge funds evaluate their portfolio of research providers at least monthly compared to five percent (5%) of long only managers.
• Hedge funds are three times more likely to use external sources to identify research, with forty-five percent (45%) of hedge fund research directors using outside sources compared to thirteen percent (13%) for long only directors of research.
• Thirty percent (30%) of hedge funds were either Not Too Confident or Somewhat Confident that they are using the best external research available compared to eighteen percent (18%) of long only managers.
“As long only managers introduce more alternative product like 130/30 funds, they are talking the talk, but our survey suggests that they are not yet walking the walk,” adds Mayhew.
“Our study confirms that hedge funds are more aggressively seeking out new sources of research than long only managers,” says Michael Mayhew, Integrity’s chairman and author of the study. “Long only managers are complacent about external research whereas hedge funds are continuously looking for what’s new and innovative.”
Conducted in October, 2007, the survey polled forty-three research directors at US based hedge funds and long only institutional investors. The survey focused on how institutional investors source and value external research. Highlights from the study include:
• Forty-two percent (42%) of hedge funds evaluate their portfolio of research providers at least monthly compared to five percent (5%) of long only managers.
• Hedge funds are three times more likely to use external sources to identify research, with forty-five percent (45%) of hedge fund research directors using outside sources compared to thirteen percent (13%) for long only directors of research.
• Thirty percent (30%) of hedge funds were either Not Too Confident or Somewhat Confident that they are using the best external research available compared to eighteen percent (18%) of long only managers.
“As long only managers introduce more alternative product like 130/30 funds, they are talking the talk, but our survey suggests that they are not yet walking the walk,” adds Mayhew.
Hedge Funds See Best Performance In 5 Years
According to the HFN Hedge Fund Aggregate Average, the second round of U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate reductions pushed hedge fund returns up +3.32% in October 2007.
Strategies which rebounded sharply following the U.S. Fed's actions in September were again beneficiaries in October. The HFN Emerging Markets Average was +5.01% in October and +22.22% YTD. Energy sector funds took advantage of oil prices closing in on $100/barrel.
The hedge fund’s excellent performance wasn't limited to commodity related strategies, several equity related strategies outperformed broad equity benchmarks. Long only strategies outperformed the S&P 500 by the largest margin in the last twenty months. Additionally, technology sector funds returned +5.07% in October while the healthcare sector and small/micro cap funds returned +5.07% and 3.43%, respectively.
Hedge funds influenced by market volatility through options strategies produced their best average performance in five years, and macro funds continue to benefit from strong trends in currency and commodity markets.
HedgeFund.net (HFN), a division of Channel Capital Group Inc, is a source for hedge fund news and information. Registered users include a wide range of institutional investors and high net worth individuals.
Strategies which rebounded sharply following the U.S. Fed's actions in September were again beneficiaries in October. The HFN Emerging Markets Average was +5.01% in October and +22.22% YTD. Energy sector funds took advantage of oil prices closing in on $100/barrel.
The hedge fund’s excellent performance wasn't limited to commodity related strategies, several equity related strategies outperformed broad equity benchmarks. Long only strategies outperformed the S&P 500 by the largest margin in the last twenty months. Additionally, technology sector funds returned +5.07% in October while the healthcare sector and small/micro cap funds returned +5.07% and 3.43%, respectively.
Hedge funds influenced by market volatility through options strategies produced their best average performance in five years, and macro funds continue to benefit from strong trends in currency and commodity markets.
HedgeFund.net (HFN), a division of Channel Capital Group Inc, is a source for hedge fund news and information. Registered users include a wide range of institutional investors and high net worth individuals.
7 Nov 2007
Hedge Funds in the Middle East Conference
The third Annual Conference for Hedge Funds in the Middle East, organized by Hedge Funds Review magazine, got underway on November 5 under the sponsorship of Investcorp, the alternative investment specialist.
The opening session was attended by His Excellency Mr Rasheed Muhammed Al-Maraj, the Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain. Attending the conference are leading investors from various Gulf nations, in addition to hedge fund managers from the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, Asia and the United States, who have been discussing the latest strategies for alternative investments.
Investcorp Managing Director Sewanyana Kironde welcomed the participants. He was followed by the co-heads of hedge funds at Investcorp, Ibrahim Gharghour and Deepak Gurnani, who presented a review of global strategies for hedge fund activity. Their presentation stressed the importance of studying risks and managing them wisely in order to attain balanced investments.
Investcorp has more than 10 years' experience in hedge funds. At present it manages $6.4bn in hedge fund assets, making it one of the biggest international investors in this area. Hedge funds are now being used in the portfolios of institutional investors and high net worth individuals as an alternative means of maximising returns and increasing wealth.
In collaboration with the conference organizers, Investcorp has designed this summit to facilitate discussion about the various hedge fund strategies, about the means of addressing geographic distribution and about Islamic Sharia compliance in the Middle East market, which is growing at a rapid pace.
The conference, which continues until Wednesday night, also featured a "Day at the Races" at the Bahrain International Circuit, and a banquet dinner.
The opening session was attended by His Excellency Mr Rasheed Muhammed Al-Maraj, the Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain. Attending the conference are leading investors from various Gulf nations, in addition to hedge fund managers from the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, Asia and the United States, who have been discussing the latest strategies for alternative investments.
Investcorp Managing Director Sewanyana Kironde welcomed the participants. He was followed by the co-heads of hedge funds at Investcorp, Ibrahim Gharghour and Deepak Gurnani, who presented a review of global strategies for hedge fund activity. Their presentation stressed the importance of studying risks and managing them wisely in order to attain balanced investments.
Investcorp has more than 10 years' experience in hedge funds. At present it manages $6.4bn in hedge fund assets, making it one of the biggest international investors in this area. Hedge funds are now being used in the portfolios of institutional investors and high net worth individuals as an alternative means of maximising returns and increasing wealth.
In collaboration with the conference organizers, Investcorp has designed this summit to facilitate discussion about the various hedge fund strategies, about the means of addressing geographic distribution and about Islamic Sharia compliance in the Middle East market, which is growing at a rapid pace.
The conference, which continues until Wednesday night, also featured a "Day at the Races" at the Bahrain International Circuit, and a banquet dinner.
$61 Million Shariah Fund Launch By KAMKO
KIPCO Asset Management Company ("KAMCO") today announced the launch of the Al Raya Investment Company KSC, with the private placement of 170 million shares. The fund will primarily target international investors in developed markets interested in Shariah compliant international asset management.
"Al Raya Investment Company aims to be the first and most comprehensive Islamic investment company in Kuwait and the GCC region with a clear focus on international Islamic asset management products and services," said Mr. Hazem Al-Braikan, Chairman of the Founders' Committee.
Al Raya is a private company that will be incorporated under Kuwaiti company law as a Kuwaiti closed shareholding company, and will be registered with the Central Bank of Kuwait as an Islamic Investment Company.
Primarily, the company will target international equities, asset management, alternative investment products, advisory services and portfolio management segments of the market.
Islamic finance represents a fast growing market segment. At the end of 2006, over 250 Islamic financial institutions operated in more than 75 countries, holding assets estimated at more than $265 billion with another $400 billion in financial investments.
It is estimated that within the next 10 years, 50 to 60% of the total savings of the world's 1.5 billion Muslims will be in the form of Shariah compliant products, and that the potential market for Islamic financial services to be in the area of $4 trillion.
"KAMCO is delighted to announce this new investment opportunity to its clients and investors in Kuwait and internationally," said Mrs. Intisar Al-Suwaidi, KAMCO Vice Chairman. "We strongly believe that this private placement offering will be of significant interest to selected and sophisticated investors."
"Al Raya Investment Company aims to be the first and most comprehensive Islamic investment company in Kuwait and the GCC region with a clear focus on international Islamic asset management products and services," said Mr. Hazem Al-Braikan, Chairman of the Founders' Committee.
Al Raya is a private company that will be incorporated under Kuwaiti company law as a Kuwaiti closed shareholding company, and will be registered with the Central Bank of Kuwait as an Islamic Investment Company.
Primarily, the company will target international equities, asset management, alternative investment products, advisory services and portfolio management segments of the market.
Islamic finance represents a fast growing market segment. At the end of 2006, over 250 Islamic financial institutions operated in more than 75 countries, holding assets estimated at more than $265 billion with another $400 billion in financial investments.
It is estimated that within the next 10 years, 50 to 60% of the total savings of the world's 1.5 billion Muslims will be in the form of Shariah compliant products, and that the potential market for Islamic financial services to be in the area of $4 trillion.
"KAMCO is delighted to announce this new investment opportunity to its clients and investors in Kuwait and internationally," said Mrs. Intisar Al-Suwaidi, KAMCO Vice Chairman. "We strongly believe that this private placement offering will be of significant interest to selected and sophisticated investors."
6 Nov 2007
BNP Paribas Adds Three Members to Their Hedge Fund Relationship Management Team
BNP Paribas announced today the expansion of its Hedge Fund Relationship team with the appointments of Conrad Johnson as a director in New York and Stephanie Wong as an associate director in Hong Kong.
Conrad joins BNP Paribas from J.P. Morgan Securities in New York where he worked in Fixed Income prime brokerage. In his new role, Conrad will assist his team in optimizing the firm's relationships across its various business lines with the world's leading Hedge Funds.
Prior to joining BNP Paribas, Stephanie was with HSBC managing Hedge Fund relationships in Asia. Her career started with JP Morgan in the Structured Finance CDO/CLO group in 2000 and later moved to Hedge Fund Credit function with JPM in Singapore.
Also announced was the relocation of Mark Walker to London from New York to further the global effort as Head of Hedge Fund Relationship Management for Europe. With over fifteen years' experience, Mark will help drive the bank's efforts in the dynamically growing European hedge fund market. Mark will also spearhead the Hedge Fund Capital Markets Solutions Group by drawing upon the vast capabilities of the firm to deliver capital introduction, and more recently DCM and ECM syndication and structuring solutions. Conrad, Stephanie and Mark all functionally report to Talbot Stark, Global Hedge Fund Relationship Manager.
Commenting on Conrad's appointment, Talbot Stark said, "Hedge Funds are a core client sector for BNP Paribas. Mark, Conrad and Stephanie will draw on our extensive footprint across Europe, the US and Asia and our superior capability in derivatives across asset classes, to set ourselves apart from our competitors by adding value for our Hedge Fund clients through the delivery of dynamic solutions."
The BNP Paribas Hedge Fund Relationship Management Team was formed in 2006 to co-ordinate client coverage across Fixed Income, Equity Derivatives and Commodities ensuring that BNP Paribas effectively covers its hedge fund clients and is constantly developing its business in close alignment with their needs.
BNP Paribas is a European leader in global banking and financial services and is one of the 5 strongest banks in the world according to Standard & Poor's. BNP Paribas also has a significant presence in the United States and strong positions in Asia and the emerging markets.
Conrad joins BNP Paribas from J.P. Morgan Securities in New York where he worked in Fixed Income prime brokerage. In his new role, Conrad will assist his team in optimizing the firm's relationships across its various business lines with the world's leading Hedge Funds.
Prior to joining BNP Paribas, Stephanie was with HSBC managing Hedge Fund relationships in Asia. Her career started with JP Morgan in the Structured Finance CDO/CLO group in 2000 and later moved to Hedge Fund Credit function with JPM in Singapore.
Also announced was the relocation of Mark Walker to London from New York to further the global effort as Head of Hedge Fund Relationship Management for Europe. With over fifteen years' experience, Mark will help drive the bank's efforts in the dynamically growing European hedge fund market. Mark will also spearhead the Hedge Fund Capital Markets Solutions Group by drawing upon the vast capabilities of the firm to deliver capital introduction, and more recently DCM and ECM syndication and structuring solutions. Conrad, Stephanie and Mark all functionally report to Talbot Stark, Global Hedge Fund Relationship Manager.
Commenting on Conrad's appointment, Talbot Stark said, "Hedge Funds are a core client sector for BNP Paribas. Mark, Conrad and Stephanie will draw on our extensive footprint across Europe, the US and Asia and our superior capability in derivatives across asset classes, to set ourselves apart from our competitors by adding value for our Hedge Fund clients through the delivery of dynamic solutions."
The BNP Paribas Hedge Fund Relationship Management Team was formed in 2006 to co-ordinate client coverage across Fixed Income, Equity Derivatives and Commodities ensuring that BNP Paribas effectively covers its hedge fund clients and is constantly developing its business in close alignment with their needs.
BNP Paribas is a European leader in global banking and financial services and is one of the 5 strongest banks in the world according to Standard & Poor's. BNP Paribas also has a significant presence in the United States and strong positions in Asia and the emerging markets.
2 Nov 2007
Sidley Austin Named Top Hedge Fund Firm
Institutional Investor’s Alpha Magazine has ranked Sidley Austin LLP the number one legal adviser to the hedge fund industry among onshore law firms for the second consecutive year.
Thomas A. Cole, chair of the firm’s Executive Committee said, “We are particularly gratified by the results of this year’s Alpha Awards because we have once again been chosen by our clients,” he explained. “We have been privileged to work with some of the most respected hedge funds and alternative asset managers and we are very proud of the performance of our team, which this ranking acknowledges.”
The Alpha Awards are calculated from the responses of nearly 1,000 hedge fund firms, representing roughly $1.4 trillion in assets under management. Additionally, this year Alpha introduced a new ranking showing which providers best serve hedge fund firms with assets $1 billion or more; Sidley was ranked first in this new category. Additionally, Sidley placed first in almost every sub-category, including “business planning,” “client service,” “hedge fund expertise” and “regulatory and compliance.”
Sidley’s hedge fund and investment management practice comprises approximately 95 lawyers in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Hong Kong and London. Sidley was also named Investment Funds Law Firm of the Year in the 2007 Asian Legal Business Awards.
Thomas A. Cole, chair of the firm’s Executive Committee said, “We are particularly gratified by the results of this year’s Alpha Awards because we have once again been chosen by our clients,” he explained. “We have been privileged to work with some of the most respected hedge funds and alternative asset managers and we are very proud of the performance of our team, which this ranking acknowledges.”
The Alpha Awards are calculated from the responses of nearly 1,000 hedge fund firms, representing roughly $1.4 trillion in assets under management. Additionally, this year Alpha introduced a new ranking showing which providers best serve hedge fund firms with assets $1 billion or more; Sidley was ranked first in this new category. Additionally, Sidley placed first in almost every sub-category, including “business planning,” “client service,” “hedge fund expertise” and “regulatory and compliance.”
Sidley’s hedge fund and investment management practice comprises approximately 95 lawyers in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Hong Kong and London. Sidley was also named Investment Funds Law Firm of the Year in the 2007 Asian Legal Business Awards.
1 Nov 2007
Prudential Launches 4 Sub-Funds In Hong Kong
Prudential Asset Management today announced its entrance into Hong Kong's retail funds market with the launch of its first four retail sub-funds, the M&G Global Basics Fund, M&G Global Leaders Fund, M&G Pan European Fund, and the M&G American Fund.
The launch signals the latest stage of development for Prudential's asset management business in Asia, which has operated in the Hong Kong market since 1994. The Hong Kong launch follows the sub-funds' previous introduction to retail investors in Singapore, Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Malaysia where they attracted significant interest with inflows exceeding $760 million over eight months to 31 August 2007.
"We are launching our retail presence in Hong Kong by introducing some of our core funds to the market." Guy Strapp, Regional Head of Investment Management said about the launch, "These funds have a history of consistent performance and will provide Hong Kong investors with access to global equity markets to help diversify investment portfolios."
Prudential Asset Management (Hong Kong) Limited is a subsidiary of Prudential plc (United Kingdom). Its insurance operations span 12 markets, Mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
With $66 billion in assets under management, it is the only foreign asset manager in the top 5 position in more than one Asian market.
The launch signals the latest stage of development for Prudential's asset management business in Asia, which has operated in the Hong Kong market since 1994. The Hong Kong launch follows the sub-funds' previous introduction to retail investors in Singapore, Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Malaysia where they attracted significant interest with inflows exceeding $760 million over eight months to 31 August 2007.
"We are launching our retail presence in Hong Kong by introducing some of our core funds to the market." Guy Strapp, Regional Head of Investment Management said about the launch, "These funds have a history of consistent performance and will provide Hong Kong investors with access to global equity markets to help diversify investment portfolios."
Prudential Asset Management (Hong Kong) Limited is a subsidiary of Prudential plc (United Kingdom). Its insurance operations span 12 markets, Mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
With $66 billion in assets under management, it is the only foreign asset manager in the top 5 position in more than one Asian market.
High Turnover Among Hedge Fund Employees
A survey conducted by Job Search Digest revealed insights into the world of hedge fund compensation. Most respondents, the survey shows, have less than two years with their firms, suggesting high employee turnover in the industry.
The high turnover extends to workers on both sides of the Atlantic. Though 50% of survey respondents had more than 10 years of professional experience, more than 60% of respondents reported being with their current firm for two years or less. This short tenure is reflected in a fraction of the professional sharing in the equity pie.
"The survey raises an interesting question," says David Kochanek, president of Job Search Digest, "Are the players unhappy because intelligent, well-educated hard charging 'Type A' people are never satisfied? Or, does the hedge fund industry have a problem."
With the very top hedge fund managers earning hundreds of millions of dollars, even those making a million a year wonder what they could be making if they jump to another firm." Kochanek added.
Production-based bonuses are an integral part of employees' compensation, the survey found, and range from 38% of base salary to more than 400% for top producers. The survey found the further you move up in the organization, the bigger that bonus percentage becomes.
When it comes to educational requirements, a bachelor's degree is the minimum for jobs in the field, but an advanced degree or master's in business administration isn't a requirement for many positions, the survey found. "Although MBA¹s are earning more on average, hedge fund players can be successful in the firm without an MBA or other advanced degree," said Kochanek.
The 2007 Hedge Fund Search Digest Compensation Survey captures information from industry players at all levels. The respondents are from more than 200 hedge funds firms, including Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley.
The high turnover extends to workers on both sides of the Atlantic. Though 50% of survey respondents had more than 10 years of professional experience, more than 60% of respondents reported being with their current firm for two years or less. This short tenure is reflected in a fraction of the professional sharing in the equity pie.
"The survey raises an interesting question," says David Kochanek, president of Job Search Digest, "Are the players unhappy because intelligent, well-educated hard charging 'Type A' people are never satisfied? Or, does the hedge fund industry have a problem."
With the very top hedge fund managers earning hundreds of millions of dollars, even those making a million a year wonder what they could be making if they jump to another firm." Kochanek added.
Production-based bonuses are an integral part of employees' compensation, the survey found, and range from 38% of base salary to more than 400% for top producers. The survey found the further you move up in the organization, the bigger that bonus percentage becomes.
When it comes to educational requirements, a bachelor's degree is the minimum for jobs in the field, but an advanced degree or master's in business administration isn't a requirement for many positions, the survey found. "Although MBA¹s are earning more on average, hedge fund players can be successful in the firm without an MBA or other advanced degree," said Kochanek.
The 2007 Hedge Fund Search Digest Compensation Survey captures information from industry players at all levels. The respondents are from more than 200 hedge funds firms, including Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley.
30 Oct 2007
GCC Economist Urges Consideration Of Asset Based Rather than Oil Based Economy
According to Dr Nasser Saidi, Chief Economist of the Dubai International Financial Centre, "Economies of GCC states should now be considered as asset-based ones rather than oil-based."
The 'Sovereign Reserve Management, Pension and Institutional Funds Congress 2007' was held in Doha, Qatar. During the keynote address Dr Saidi said that in the UAE for example, "asset revenue is more important than resources". The economist discussed at length sovereign wealth funds. These funds are foreign currency assets held by states over and above the reserves of their central banks.
"We have seen the emergence of GCC countries going into acquisitions. With oil prices up, government spending has gone up. This resulted in the emergence of bureaucracies in GCC countries and as welfare states."
Though sovereign wealth funds are fully-capitalized and have low leverage, accounting for $3.1trillion globally, hedge funds account for $1.4 trillion but are highly-leveraged. However, both these funds are dwarfed by the size of insurance funds which amount to $16-17 trillion and pension funds, which total $18 trillion globally.
"It is highly unlikely that sovereign funds will act in a cohesive way. Growth is driven by high commodity prices, not just oil. This has led to high current account surpluses," said Dr Saidi.
Saidi said if a country has an extra $20 billion on hand, questions would arise on how the money should be invested. "The money should not be put into the central bank's reserves but placed where the money would get high returns. Emerging economies have now turned from being net capital importers to net capital exporters. The money is mainly going to other emerging markets."
It is matter of time, anything between five to ten years, for China to start investing in oil-producing states. "This will be because of China's need for energy resources and the need to diversify its assets," Dr Saidi said.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) also known as the The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (CCASG) is a trade bloc involving the six Arab states of the Persian Gulf with many economic and social objectives.
The 'Sovereign Reserve Management, Pension and Institutional Funds Congress 2007' was held in Doha, Qatar. During the keynote address Dr Saidi said that in the UAE for example, "asset revenue is more important than resources". The economist discussed at length sovereign wealth funds. These funds are foreign currency assets held by states over and above the reserves of their central banks.
"We have seen the emergence of GCC countries going into acquisitions. With oil prices up, government spending has gone up. This resulted in the emergence of bureaucracies in GCC countries and as welfare states."
Though sovereign wealth funds are fully-capitalized and have low leverage, accounting for $3.1trillion globally, hedge funds account for $1.4 trillion but are highly-leveraged. However, both these funds are dwarfed by the size of insurance funds which amount to $16-17 trillion and pension funds, which total $18 trillion globally.
"It is highly unlikely that sovereign funds will act in a cohesive way. Growth is driven by high commodity prices, not just oil. This has led to high current account surpluses," said Dr Saidi.
Saidi said if a country has an extra $20 billion on hand, questions would arise on how the money should be invested. "The money should not be put into the central bank's reserves but placed where the money would get high returns. Emerging economies have now turned from being net capital importers to net capital exporters. The money is mainly going to other emerging markets."
It is matter of time, anything between five to ten years, for China to start investing in oil-producing states. "This will be because of China's need for energy resources and the need to diversify its assets," Dr Saidi said.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) also known as the The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (CCASG) is a trade bloc involving the six Arab states of the Persian Gulf with many economic and social objectives.
29 Oct 2007
Fund Of Resources-Hedge Fund Launch
The Gibraltar based Sirius Investment Management is launching the Sirius Investment Fund II, a natural resource and mining-focused fund of hedge funds, which will be open to new investment on 1 November.
It will invest predominantly in hedge funds that invest in very early stage mining plays and other natural resources, projects which are not dependent on fluctuations in commodity prices to generate returns, Sirius said.
It is particularly interested in projects which are moving from exploration to production, the stage with the greatest uplift in valuation. Larger companies with established production are more sensitive to the commodity price, Sirius added, so the fund will not invest in such opportunities. It targets 20% and hopes to raise $300m.
The Sirius Resource Fund, a resources special situations hybrid fund launched in April this year is broadly targeting iron ore, gold, diamonds, energy and copper plays, but expects to concentrate primarily on African emerging markets. Its special situations strategy will see investment targeted in pre-initial public offering companies as well as in small-cap listed equities and physical assets.
The fund has delivered 54.2% since inception, with an August return of 16.07% and has $50 million in assets under management.
It will invest predominantly in hedge funds that invest in very early stage mining plays and other natural resources, projects which are not dependent on fluctuations in commodity prices to generate returns, Sirius said.
It is particularly interested in projects which are moving from exploration to production, the stage with the greatest uplift in valuation. Larger companies with established production are more sensitive to the commodity price, Sirius added, so the fund will not invest in such opportunities. It targets 20% and hopes to raise $300m.
The Sirius Resource Fund, a resources special situations hybrid fund launched in April this year is broadly targeting iron ore, gold, diamonds, energy and copper plays, but expects to concentrate primarily on African emerging markets. Its special situations strategy will see investment targeted in pre-initial public offering companies as well as in small-cap listed equities and physical assets.
The fund has delivered 54.2% since inception, with an August return of 16.07% and has $50 million in assets under management.
Blackstone Appoints New Hilton Head
Hilton Hotels Corporation and Blackstone Group announced the completion of their merger last week and are now expected to name Host chief executive of Hotels & Resorts Inc Christopher Nassetta as president and CEO, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The Merger has been financed with $20.6 billion of mortgage and mezzanine debt financing and approximately $5.7 billion of equity invested by hedge funds affiliated with The Blackstone Group. As part of his new responsibilities, Nassetta will build up Hilton’s luxury lines, aiming to "marry" the hotel’s numerous lines, including Embassy Suites, Doubletree and Hampton Inn, with many of Blackstone's own hotels.
Acquisition financing was provided by Bear Stearns, Bank of America, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, Lehman Brothers, Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley. Hilton Hotels Corporation is the leading global hospitality company, with 2,896 properties totaling approximately 490,000 rooms in 76 countries and territories.
The Blackstone Group is a global alternative asset manager and provider of financial advisory services. Its alternative asset management businesses include the management of corporate private equity funds, real estate opportunity funds, funds of hedge funds, mezzanine funds, senior debt funds, proprietary hedge funds and closed-end mutual funds.
The Merger has been financed with $20.6 billion of mortgage and mezzanine debt financing and approximately $5.7 billion of equity invested by hedge funds affiliated with The Blackstone Group. As part of his new responsibilities, Nassetta will build up Hilton’s luxury lines, aiming to "marry" the hotel’s numerous lines, including Embassy Suites, Doubletree and Hampton Inn, with many of Blackstone's own hotels.
Acquisition financing was provided by Bear Stearns, Bank of America, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, Lehman Brothers, Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley. Hilton Hotels Corporation is the leading global hospitality company, with 2,896 properties totaling approximately 490,000 rooms in 76 countries and territories.
The Blackstone Group is a global alternative asset manager and provider of financial advisory services. Its alternative asset management businesses include the management of corporate private equity funds, real estate opportunity funds, funds of hedge funds, mezzanine funds, senior debt funds, proprietary hedge funds and closed-end mutual funds.
25 Oct 2007
UAE Investors To Increase Hedge Fund Holdings
Private investors in the United Arab Emirates plan to increase their holdings in alternative investments such as private equity, hedge funds and derivatives in the next three years, according to a new global report published by Barclays Wealth.
However, fewer than half of UAE investors polled expressed confidence in their knowledge of personal finance, hedge funds and private equity.
The report, 'Barclays Wealth Insights: Risk, Return and Reward', reveals that investors with at least $100,000 in investable assets plan to put more money into alternative investments over the next three years, as they seek more absolute returns.
The report reveals a trend amongst these investors of an increasing appetite for financial products which help reduce volatility, such as derivatives, private equity and hedge funds, particularly in the Middle East and Asia. At the same time, there is a move away from equities, which suggests investors have more of an appetite for returns that are stable rather than driven by market movements.
The survey, based on a global sample of 790 respondents that includes 100 individuals from the UAE, shows that 41% of UAE investors plan to invest in hedge funds in the next three years compared with the past three years (32%), according to the report.
Soha Nashaat, Managing Director and Head of Middle East at Barclays Wealth said, "Assets like hedge funds,... can all be used to manage risk, reduce volatility and stabilize results. Shariah-compliant products are of particular interest, as they are viewed in absolute return terms as well. The region has seen huge development in the Islamic finance sector in recent years and this is rapidly filtering through to the asset management arena, where considerable product development is now taking place."
However, fewer than half of UAE investors polled expressed confidence in their knowledge of personal finance, hedge funds and private equity.
The report, 'Barclays Wealth Insights: Risk, Return and Reward', reveals that investors with at least $100,000 in investable assets plan to put more money into alternative investments over the next three years, as they seek more absolute returns.
The report reveals a trend amongst these investors of an increasing appetite for financial products which help reduce volatility, such as derivatives, private equity and hedge funds, particularly in the Middle East and Asia. At the same time, there is a move away from equities, which suggests investors have more of an appetite for returns that are stable rather than driven by market movements.
The survey, based on a global sample of 790 respondents that includes 100 individuals from the UAE, shows that 41% of UAE investors plan to invest in hedge funds in the next three years compared with the past three years (32%), according to the report.
Soha Nashaat, Managing Director and Head of Middle East at Barclays Wealth said, "Assets like hedge funds,... can all be used to manage risk, reduce volatility and stabilize results. Shariah-compliant products are of particular interest, as they are viewed in absolute return terms as well. The region has seen huge development in the Islamic finance sector in recent years and this is rapidly filtering through to the asset management arena, where considerable product development is now taking place."
24 Oct 2007
Real Estate Entrepreneur Rod Khleif And Personal Philanthropy
The Florida real estate investor Rod Khleif has founded two non-profit charity organizations -Tiny Hands Foundation and A Better Choice Foundation.
The Tiny Hands Foundation was founded by Rod Khleif in the year 2001 with an intention to create an experience of joy for low-income children by providing a holiday meal for their entire family.
Through his basket brigade, implementing educational programs, researching cancer methodologies and love, Mr. Khleif intends to make a huge impact on the world. Through this foundation Rod Khleif has fed thousands of children around the holidays with giant baskets of food during the holidays for the past 6 years. Rod Khleif along with the “Tiny Hands Foundation” will feed 1,600 families on November 17, 2007 for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Rod Khleif also founded “A Better Choice Foundation” to support the search for alternative cures for cancer, emphasizing a non-traditional, holistic approach to a cancer patient’s physical and emotional well-being.
This foundation was formed to educate the public and doctors about the benefits of fighting cancer holistically. A Better Choice Foundation is in the process of assembling as many methodologies and practitioners as possible to form a collective voice, which will be presented to the public thus creating a massive impact.
The Tiny Hands Foundation was founded by Rod Khleif in the year 2001 with an intention to create an experience of joy for low-income children by providing a holiday meal for their entire family.
Through his basket brigade, implementing educational programs, researching cancer methodologies and love, Mr. Khleif intends to make a huge impact on the world. Through this foundation Rod Khleif has fed thousands of children around the holidays with giant baskets of food during the holidays for the past 6 years. Rod Khleif along with the “Tiny Hands Foundation” will feed 1,600 families on November 17, 2007 for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Rod Khleif also founded “A Better Choice Foundation” to support the search for alternative cures for cancer, emphasizing a non-traditional, holistic approach to a cancer patient’s physical and emotional well-being.
This foundation was formed to educate the public and doctors about the benefits of fighting cancer holistically. A Better Choice Foundation is in the process of assembling as many methodologies and practitioners as possible to form a collective voice, which will be presented to the public thus creating a massive impact.
Greenspan Concerned With Low-risk Long-term Rates
According to former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan, "Low risk-free long-term rates worldwide seem to be one factor driving investors to reach for higher returns, thereby lowering the compensation for bearing credit risk and many other financial risks over recent years", he said in a said in an interview published on Friday by the Federal Reserve board.
"The search for yield is particularly manifest in the massive inflows of funds to private equity firms and hedge funds. These entities have been able to raise significant resources from investors who are apparently seeking above-average risk-adjusted rates of return, which, of course, can be achieved by only a minority of investors."
Greenspan also expressed his concern over, "many new hedge fund entrepreneurs....embracing a strategy of pinpointing temporary market inefficiencies, the exploitation of which is expected to yield above-average rates of return."
Greenspan concluded with, "I trust such an episode would not induce us to lose sight of the very important contributions hedge funds and new financial products have made to financial stability by increasing market liquidity and spreading financial risk, and thereby enhancing economic flexibility and resilience."
"The search for yield is particularly manifest in the massive inflows of funds to private equity firms and hedge funds. These entities have been able to raise significant resources from investors who are apparently seeking above-average risk-adjusted rates of return, which, of course, can be achieved by only a minority of investors."
Greenspan also expressed his concern over, "many new hedge fund entrepreneurs....embracing a strategy of pinpointing temporary market inefficiencies, the exploitation of which is expected to yield above-average rates of return."
Greenspan concluded with, "I trust such an episode would not induce us to lose sight of the very important contributions hedge funds and new financial products have made to financial stability by increasing market liquidity and spreading financial risk, and thereby enhancing economic flexibility and resilience."
19 Oct 2007
Hedge Funds Go For Stability
GFT UK, one of Europe's leading suppliers of innovative IT solutions is seeing hedge funds beginning to adopt business housekeeping methods in an attempt to reduce risk and improve continuity.
Having seen the assets under management in global hedge funds reach $2.48 trillion in July this year the market was positively buoyant; that was until the summer’s credit crunch which has taken its toll and seen the funds stutter through a turbulent few months.
The growth spurt, followed by a downturn, has raised some business continuity issues for hedge funds. Market and personnel changes can be very damaging for such technology and process-light companies. When fund managers leave, so does their knowledge and competencies.
These companies’ traditional lack of technical infrastructure is perhaps beginning to change. GFT has recently received an increase in request for process reviews from hedge funds. It would seem that even in these traditionally finance-driven companies, infrastructure is beginning to play a vital role.
GFT has been approached by a leading hedge fund, keen get the procedures and processes of its European Equities Team documented. GFT was selected due to previous project work and a strong knowledge of internal operations.
Having seen the assets under management in global hedge funds reach $2.48 trillion in July this year the market was positively buoyant; that was until the summer’s credit crunch which has taken its toll and seen the funds stutter through a turbulent few months.
The growth spurt, followed by a downturn, has raised some business continuity issues for hedge funds. Market and personnel changes can be very damaging for such technology and process-light companies. When fund managers leave, so does their knowledge and competencies.
These companies’ traditional lack of technical infrastructure is perhaps beginning to change. GFT has recently received an increase in request for process reviews from hedge funds. It would seem that even in these traditionally finance-driven companies, infrastructure is beginning to play a vital role.
GFT has been approached by a leading hedge fund, keen get the procedures and processes of its European Equities Team documented. GFT was selected due to previous project work and a strong knowledge of internal operations.
18 Oct 2007
Hedge Fund Hires New Members To Allocation Committee
The Portland City Council and the Multnomah County Commission recently appointed 2 new members to the Portland Children's Investment Fund Allocation Committee. They are respectively: Alissa Keny-Guyer, a consultant for foundations and nonprofits; and Adrienne Livingston, executive director of the Black United Fund of Oregon.
Both Keny-Guyer and Livingston have spent much of their professional careers devoted to improving the lives of others, especially the youngest and most vulnerable in our society.
The Children's Investment Hedge Fund annually allocates about $10 million to programs throughout Portland in areas of early childhood, after school and mentoring and child abuse prevention and intervention. A five-member Allocation Committee meets publicly to make funding decisions for the Fund.
In 2002 Portland voters passed Measure 26-33 creating the Children’s Investment Fund. The Fund provides approximately $10 million a year for five years to support 65 programs in early childhood development, after-school and mentoring and child abuse prevention and intervention. Programs annually help more than 10,000 of the city’s neediest children and their families so youth enter kindergarten prepared to succeed, stay engaged in school and safe after school and families most at risk for abuse and neglect receive support and intervention services.
Both Keny-Guyer and Livingston have spent much of their professional careers devoted to improving the lives of others, especially the youngest and most vulnerable in our society.
The Children's Investment Hedge Fund annually allocates about $10 million to programs throughout Portland in areas of early childhood, after school and mentoring and child abuse prevention and intervention. A five-member Allocation Committee meets publicly to make funding decisions for the Fund.
In 2002 Portland voters passed Measure 26-33 creating the Children’s Investment Fund. The Fund provides approximately $10 million a year for five years to support 65 programs in early childhood development, after-school and mentoring and child abuse prevention and intervention. Programs annually help more than 10,000 of the city’s neediest children and their families so youth enter kindergarten prepared to succeed, stay engaged in school and safe after school and families most at risk for abuse and neglect receive support and intervention services.
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