Cryptocurrency investing has not always gone hand-in-hand with ESG. Recent analysis suggests that these two major trends, which loom large over hedge funds and asset managers, are set for a head-on clash.

Regulation remains in sharp focus. Digital participants from across the financial markets spectrum are keen to dive in headfirst while others, partly due to a perceived supervisory gap, remain on the sidelines.

The hedge fund industry returned to inflows in January bringing in USD11.29 billion in new assets, 0.24 per cent of hedge fund industry assets, according to the Barclay Fund Flow Indicator published by BarclayHedge, a division of Backstop Solutions.

Until recently retail investors were at the forefront of digital asset investments. Since the pandemic, all types of investors, notably institutional investors who were somewhat initially reluctant, are steadily realising the potential of investing in cryptocurrency.

While the volatile nature of cryptocurrencies – coupled with the still-unfolding shape of regulation – has kept some investors on the sidelines, outsized returns offered by digital assets continue to draw in hedge fund managers.

If you have a background in traditional finance, you may be familiar with the concept of “capital markets”. According to Investopedia, “Capital markets are where savings and investments are channelled between suppliers – people or institutions with capital to lend or invest – and those in need.”   Basically, capital markets are the various branches of the financial ecosystem that people’s assets flow through each day.  If you’re interested in working with digital assets, you may be wondering how the concept of capital markets carries over into this emerging space. It’s important to understand how the ecosystem works if you

The hedge fund industry gave up a bit of ground in February, falling back -1.00 per cent for the month, according to the Barclay Hedge Fund Index compiled by BarclayHedge, a division of Backstop Solutions.