Dubai, Asharq Al-Awsat- Hedge funds are now firmly on the radar of even the most conservative of asset allocator, said Sandy Shipton, Head of Asset Management and Fund Registration, DIFC Authority at the 8th Annual Hedge Funds World, Asia 2005, conference in Hong Kong.

The event, which is considered one of the most important gatherings of the international alternative investment community, was chaired by Mr Shipton, who has a wealth of experience in financial services and asset management industry.

Dr Omar Bin Sulaiman, DG, DIFCA, commented,“Asset Management and Fund Registration is one of the six key sectors of activity at the Dubai International Financial Centre. Many regional companies and financial institutions outsource the management and administration of these funds to specialist providers outside the region. The DIFC offers a highly attractive opportunity for asset management firms and private banks to gather and manage this growing pool of assets closer to their client base.”

Mr Shipton pointed out,“Pension funds and long term investors are increasingly looking at the management of risk as their key objective, and this is where the hedge fund industry has been able to find its niche in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The estimated $1 trillion entrusted to our industry is testament to the central place we occupy in the investment landscape.”