Alternative Market Briefing

As US asset raisers look overseas, Mid-East investors anticipate raising hedge fund allocations – Capintro Partners

Monday, March 08, 2010

From Kirsten Bischoff, Opalesque New York:

US hedge fund marketing firms, and investor relations professionals have by and large, expressed the belief that the most lucrative fundraising opportunities in 2010 likely lay outside the US. According to a newly released survey, perhaps one of the most fertile asset raising grounds for hedge funds in the coming months will be the Middle East.

In a recent survey of MENA investors, UAE-based, alternatives investing placement specialist Capintro Partners, reports that 34% of respondents expressed intensions to increase hedge fund allocations during the year (with the majority of surveyed investors currently holding 10-15% of their portfolio in hedge funds).

Such an optimistic outlook for hedge fund asset-raising in this region is a stunning reversal over last year’s responses (in 2009 55% expected to lower hedge fund allocations), but in line with the industry inflows that have been gaining traction over the past few months.

What funds are in the sweet spot for these investors? According to the survey, the “perfect fund” would be one with a minimum of $500m in assets under management, 3+ years of strong performance track record, returns of Libor +400-600bps, low volatility, monthly liquidity, and monthly transparency on portfolio exposures.

Mid East-based investors also make it clear that whether it is through additional alloc......................

To view our full article Click here

Article link