Collins Stewart is looking at launching an AIM-listed investment vehicle that will broaden access to RAB Capital's top-performing Special Situations Fund.

The stockbroker is working closely with RAB Capital, which is itself AIM-listed with USD 1.75 billion in AUM, on the details of the launch.

RAB Capital stated that it was looking at "the opportunity for an innovative new distribution channel" offering access to the performance of the Special Situations Fund, which has used its high risk 'no restrictions' mandate to reward investors with market-beating returns since January 2003.

ABN AMRO's Hoare Govett UK stockbroking arm has already successfully raised several tranches of capital for Dexion Capital's funds of hedge funds through UK listed vehicles (see article, this issue), and several other managers are now looking at launching similar listed vehicles.