Investment banking firm Duff & Phelps has appointed Alan Swersky as a director in the portfolio valuation service line and head of the firm’s operational and risk due diligence group, based in the New York office.  »

Edhec-Risk Institute is offering an Executive MSc in Risk and Investment Management for experienced practitioners. »

The Newedge Volatility Trading Index fell by an estimated 1.28 per cent in December, following an estimated drop of 0.47 per cent the previous month. »

Hedge funds rebounded from 2008 losses with a 24.14 per cent gain in 2009, according to the Barclay Hedge Fund Index compiled by BarclayHedge. »

Trading firm First New York Securities has launched EFX Prime Services to offer prime brokerage-related services to fund managers and active traders. »

Deutsche Börse Systems is developing an ultra low latency infrastructure from Frankfurt to Paris, Amsterdam, New York and Chicago. »

NYSE Technologies, the commercial technology unit of NYSE Euronext, has launched a new class of indications of interest solution for traders seeking faster liquidity discovery.  »

Nexar Capital Group, an alternative investment manager, has appointed Russell O’Brien as a managing director - institutional sales and consultant relations, North America. »

This year will see greater market discipline from investors and an increased focus on due diligence by providers and custodians, according to speakers at a seminar hosted by offshore law firm Walkers. »

Following a market sell-off in the second half of 2008, commodities recovered to deliver positive performance in 2009, according to Credit Suisse. »