Lyxor’s Managed Account Platform is the industry’s largest individual commingled managed account platform. With approximately 100 managers running a diverse range of hedge fund strategies, the Lyxor MAP is committed to providing its investors – fund-of-funds, pension funds, insurance companies – with access to a universe of best-in-class talent.  Total AUM on the single managed account business is approximately USD11billion (as of end 2012). As well as accessing managers on the commingled platform, investors are also able to leverage the Lyxor Dedicated Managed Account Platforms (D-MAPs), for bespoke segregated solutions. One of the reasons for Lyxor’s continued success is its

Independently owned Meridian Fund Services administers funds across all hedge fund structures and private equity funds. At present, Meridian administrates approximately USD14billion in assets. It services 85 clients across 216 funds, which collectively have more than 5,650 separate investors. According to CEO Tom Davis, with both the US and Europe introducing significant regulation, the offshore market finds itself “playing the role of facilitator. We’re studying what role an offshore jurisdiction can play in this new regulatory environment so that investible assets in one jurisdiction can tap into the investment expertise in another.” “Prior to 2008, we would first try to

Kenneth Heinz (pictured) is President of Chicago-based Hedge Fund Research. Since it was established in 1992, HFR has become the standard bearer for indexation and cutting edge analysis of hedge funds, from strategy performance through to capital inflows and broad market dynamics. Its HFR Database provides fund-level detail on historical performance and has in addition developed a sophisticated fund classification system. This enables users to perform benchmarking and determine relative fund performance within specific sectors and strategies. Currently, the firm produces over 100 indices. Its flagship HFRI Fund Weighted Composite Index is the most widely used hedge fund benchmark. In

The UCITS IV-compliant Dexia Long Short Credit fund launched in October 2009. The fund builds its long and short positions by screening for investment opportunities in the broad investment grade and high yield corporate bond markets of Europe and the US. The minimum high yield rating for net long credit exposure is B-.  Since inception, the fund has returned 11.56 per cent flat compared to 1.64 per cent for Eonia (as at Feb 2012). It has a historic Sharpe Ratio of 2.82. Last year, it delivered 3.98 per cent, and was able to keep volatility to within 60 to 70

In 1997, David Harding and two employees established Winton with approximately USD2million. Today, that figure stands at an incredible USD25.75billion. Before Winton, Harding was the H in AHL. Once AHL had been assumed into Man Group by 1994, Harding started Man Research before leaving in 1996. Winton Capital is now Europe’s largest CTA manager and the world’s fifth largest hedge fund firm. The firm’s flagship fund is the Winton Futures Fund. The portfolio is split roughly 20 per cent in equities, 20 per cent in fixed income, 20 per cent in currencies, with the remainder in commodities and interest rates

Mendon Capital Advisors is based in Rochester, New York. Founded in 1996 by Anton Schutz (pictured), the fund employs a long/short equity strategy with an event-driven slant, and focuses primarily on the US financial services sector.  Since inception, the fund has managed to generate annualised returns of 14.20 per cent, with an annualised risk-free rate of 0.10 per cent and a Sharpe Ratio of 4.00 (through January 2013). The long book typically holds between 40 and 60 positions, while the short book holds between 15 and 30 positions. Schutz spent 10 years at Chase Manhattan Bank before setting up Mendon.

The winners of the Hedgeweek Global Awards 2013, as voted for by our readers… Best Long/Short Fund Manager – Mendon Capital Advisors   Best Market Neutral Fund Manager – Insight Investment Management   Best Relative Value Fund Manager – Axa Investment Managers   Best Credit Fund Manager – MKP Capital   Best Distressed Securities Manager – Swiss Capital Alternative Investments AG, Zurich   Best Managed Futures CTA – Winton Capital   Best Fixed Income Fund Manager – Dexia Asset Management   Best Absolute Return Fund Manager – Bernheim, Dreyfus & Co   Best Global Macro Fund Manager – The Cambridge

With just under six weeks to go until the Guernsey Funds Forum 2013, Fiona Le Poidevin (pictured), Chief Executive of Guernsey Finance – the promotional agency for the Island’s finance industry – looks at what the event has in store this year. This year’s Guernsey Funds Forum in London will examine the future shape of the global funds industry and ask whether the return of investor confidence will change the dynamics of the sector. The event will be held at the Grange St Paul’s Hotel in London on 2 May and will culminate in a keynote debate featuring industry experts

Three veteran investment professionals have teamed up to form Witherspoon Asset Management, a Princeton-based investment adviser.   Witherspoon’s principals are Lee Gladden as chief executive, Thomas Kuntz as chief operating officer, and Tyler Vernon as managing director.   Both Gladden and Kuntz share a background from Commodities Corporation.   Witherspoon’s first offering is the Witherspoon Managed Futures Strategy Fund. The fund is designed for investors seeking non-correlated investments that also provide transparency and daily liquidity.   The firm’s approach to managed futures provides an alternative to funds already in the ’40 Act space. Witherspoon focuses on finding tactical specialists who