The Hedge Fund Association (HFA) is launching a new chapter to advocate for hedge funds domiciled in Switzerland, Italy, Spain and Portugal and has named José Castellano, Managing Director of Pioneer Investments – an asset manager with USD230 billion assets under management (AUM) – as the Southern European Union (EU) Chapter Director.
“It is increasingly clear that the fate of the economy in southern Europe is powerfully linked with the world’s economy. As such, it only makes sense for the HFA to take steps to advocate for hedge funds domiciled within this critical area,” says David Friedland (pictured), President of the Hedge Fund Association and President of Magnum US Investments. “We are also extremely pleased to have José Castellano as the public face of the Hedge Fund Association in Southern Europe. His deep ties to the alternative investment industry there, as well as his years of experience, will prove invaluable in our on-going efforts to advance transparency and trust in alternative investments.”
According to Eurekahedge, 406 hedge funds are based in Italy, Spain and Switzerland with combined AUM of over USD68.3 billion. Additionally, Eurekahedge determined that 26 EU focused hedge funds with AUM of between USD2 and USD3 billion invest in Portugal.
“I am honoured to spearhead the southern European branch of the HFA’s global advocacy efforts on behalf of the alternative investment industry and hope that this new chapter can serve as a catalyst for this region’s alternatives industry,” added José Castellano, the newly appointed Director of the Southern EU Chapter and Managing Director for Pioneer Investments.
Castellano began his professional career at AB Asesores Bursatiles, a leading Investment bank in Spain, where he held several different positions. Later, he became an executive director at Morgan Stanley where he performed various sales and senior management roles in private banking and private equity. In 2001 he joined Pioneer Investments where he is currently responsible for the management of operations in the Iberian Penisula, offshore Americas and the Latin American markets. He also participates in several global committees, including the global distribution management committee. Castellano holds a General Business Administration and Finance degree from Saint Louis University in Missouri and an MBA in Finance from Universidad Antonio de Nebrija, Madrid. He also holds a Master’s Degree in communications technology and e-commerce from Instituto de Empresa, Madrid.
