AIMA Makes the Pitch for Hedge Funds
Posted by Colin Lambert. Last updated: October 15, 2021
In spite of, perhaps reinforcing, what has been a strong 12-18 months for hedge funds, the Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA) has teamed up with television news company ITN Productions, to raise awareness of alternative investments and the latest sector innovations that are benefitting investors, markets and supporting the global economic recovery.
In the face of unprecedented global disruption arising from the pandemic, assets under management for the alternative investment industry continues to break new records with funds under management standing at $15 trillion globally; approximately 15% of the world’s asset management industry.
AIMA says hedge funds are the face of alternative investments in public markets and the 12 months after the initial period of COVID-fuelled market disruption saw the industry report what it terms “solid returns” with leading hedge fund indices up over 32%. Strong performance has continued into this year with the industry up 13% as of the end of August according to analysis firm Prequin. AIMA says this performance has not gone unnoticed by investors who are reinforcing their interest in alternative investments, investing in both public and private markets as they seek diversification away from low-interest rate bonds and high-value equities.
Against this background, AIMA has teamed with ITN productions for Holding Strong – Alternative Investments in a Volatile Market which shows how the alternatives investment industry is growing in influence, and highlights its increasing value to investors, markets and the global economy.
The programme is produced in a news-style format featuring interviews with industry leaders, and features a series of sponsored editorial profiles filmed on location with AIMA’s global members and partners, including some of the most prominent names across the alternatives investment sector.
Among the themes it explores are the rise of responsible investing, with sponsors Apex Group and Abrdn quantifying how the ESG market continues to mature and become more defined, and explaining how investing responsibly in real assets to deliver positive outcomes can benefit a firm’s clients, society and the wider world.
Taking a global viewpoint, Reed Smith examines how the pandemic has accelerated the global focus on sustainability, and Esmo Asset Management highlights the complexities of applying ESG in emerging markets where each country and region is uniquely vulnerable to E, S and G factors.
Complementing these discussions, Haysmacintye addresses how the industry is fostering diversity and inclusion to attract the next generation of talent.
Elsewhere, Man Group CEO Luke Ellis talks about the group’s growth and resilience during what he described as a “challenging environment” in 2020 and in a similar vein, Citco offers an insight into the technologies that are driving the alternative investment industry forward, making it more transparent and accessible, while Securis Investment Partners details the latest innovations in the insurance-linked securities market in recent years.
“The alternative investment industry has doubled in size over the past 10 years with most projections stating it will grow further in size and influence,” says Jack Inglis, CEO of AIMA. “The benefits of investing in alternatives are increasingly clear across the world, providing investors with much-needed diversity in their investment options, benefitting them and the global economy. We’re delighted to be able to work with ITN productions to highlight the benefits of the alternative investment industry and showcase its crucial role in protecting savers and financing the economy.
Tom Kehoe, global head of research and communications at AIMA, adds, “AIMA is the global representative of the alternatives investment industry, and I am very pleased that we have been a part of this co-production to share real-life examples as to how the industry continues to grow in influence making a positive impact at a local and global level. Many thanks to all the programme’s participants who shared their stories with us.”
Meanwhile, Nina Harrison-Bell, head of ITN Productions Industry News, says, “We’re delighted to be producing a programme that raises awareness of alternative investments, de-mystifies the myth that alternative investments are exclusive to the mega-rich and recognises the sector’s role in aiding economic recovery.”