In another sign of growth in Asia’s emerging hedge fund sector, Morgan Stanley is reportedly relaunching its annual Asia hedge fund event after a two-year break. The US bank will stage its Asian hedge fund capital introductions forum in Shanghai in June, according to anonymous sources close to the bank quoted by Bloomberg.
While the event primarily aims to showcase Asia-focused hedge funds to potential investors, securing an invitation would certainly be advantageous to any investment banker looking to move to the buy side. The comparatively small size of the region’s hedge fund sector – which only accounts for about 4% of global capital in the industry – often means that jobs can be secured by networking at such events, say headhunters.
Asian hedge funds are tipped to take on more people this year because of strong performances in 2014 and expected expansion in 2015. “Many funds are implementing growth plans early in 2015 – the recruitment market is buoyant,” Jamie Thorpe, head of fund management for Asia Pacific at search firm Selby Jennings, told us.
In 2014, Asia ex-Japan investing hedge funds outperformed their global peers and funds run by Singapore-based Quantedge Capital and Dymon Asia Capital were among the 10 best performing in the world. Meanwhile, the percentage of investors planning to allocate to Asia in the coming year rose to 30% from 19% in 2014, according to the Deutsche Bank Alternative Investment Survey, released this week. The Chinese and Indian markets will see the highest investment increases in the region, says Deutsche.
Meanwhile:
Deutsche says it wants to remain a universal bank. (Reuters)
Hong Kong ranks only 70th in new Mercer quality of living index, still way behind Singapore. (South China Morning Post)
When will the Hong Kong and Shenzhen exchanges be linked? At the “appropriate time”, says Premier Li. (South China Morning Post)
Singapore MP calls for labour laws to be “slightly more protective” of employees. (Channel News Asia)
US$750m raised in HKBN IPO, the largest listing in Hong Kong so far this year. (Wall Street Journal)
HSBC opens a Hong Kong branch early to cope with queues for its new HK$150 bank note. (South China Morning Post)
Are millionaires ruining the Singapore dream? (Yahoo)