Paul Smith outlines the future of the global funds administration industry, and explains how HSBC is positioning itself for the ongoing shift to the mainstream.

Barclays Capital, the investment banking arm of Barclays Bank PLC, has signed up to receive order flow from Fidessa’s global connectivity network.

Brad Cole discusses the strategy and investment processes driving the Tellus Natural Resources Fund, focused on commodities and natural resources. HW: What is the background to your firm? BC: We have been active in the hedge fund and managed futures industry for more than eight years, primarily working through our sibling firm, Cole Partners, as a marketing agent for a variety of unique alternative investment products. We formed Cole Asset Management in 2004 as an investment adviser, in anticipation of developing our work on the asset management side of the business. We launched our first proprietary product, Tellus Natural Resources

Schroders acquisition of NewFinance Capital, the London-based funds of hedge funds manager, is now complete following receipt of FSA approval.

While seeking sources of capital, dealing with increased regulation and market expansion, US hedge funds’ search for alpha now carries a heftier price tag.  According to TABB Group’s second annual study on hedge funds, ‘Hedge Funds 2006: The Quest for Alpha in a Competitive World,’ released today, spending on prime brokerage has risen to USD 10 billion while investments in market data and technology exceed USD 1 billion. In addition, to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission and meet new regulatory requirements, funds have spent more than USD 500 million over the past five years, far exceeding the USD113

Hedge Fund Research has signed a deal under which Mercer IC and its clients will have access to extensive data on single strategy transparent hedge funds.

Richard Berger is leaving fund of hedge funds group Olympia to join Pioneer Alternative Investments (PAI) as Head of Research and Due Diligence. 

Utrecht-based Finles Capital Management has launched the Star Selector Fund, with investors only paying a performance fee.

EDHEC-Risk Advisory will be conducting a pan-European survey wit

Fund administrator Investment Data Services (IDS) has joined forces with insurance broker Glenrand MIB to provide affordable insurance cover to clients.