The finalists for the first ever Hedge Funds World Awards, Middle East have been announced, with a mix of local and international firms competing for the top spot in six categories. The winners will be announced at a gala dinner at the Jumeirah Beach hotel in Dubai on 6 March.
The awards, sponsored by Man Investments, the world’s largest provider of hedge fund products, are designed to recognise and encourage excellence in the emerging Middle East Hedge Fund Industry. They coincide with the Hedge Fund Worlds Middle East Conference 2007, the region’s largest hedge fund event, which takes place in Dubai from 6-7 March.
Hedge funds have developed rapidly in the Middle East over the past few years, as regional economies have boomed on the back of strong oil prices and local regulators have moved to develop the region’s financial services industry.
Antoine Massad, the Chief Executive of Man Investments Middle East Ltd, said, “The number of local firms that are competing on an equal footing with large international financial services groups is a clear indication of the vibrancy and health of hedge funds in the Middle East.”
“When you consider that just a few years ago, Man Investments was the only international alternative investments product provider to have a presence in the region, it becomes clear that local regulators are doing an excellent job in attracting foreign firms and developing local ones,” he added.
The finalists are:
Newcomer of the Year
• Rasmala Investments
• Mena Capital
• Sextant Capital Management
• HFIM
• Frontier Capital
• Dexia AM
Service Provider of the Year
• Apex Fund Services
• Aspen Hedge
• Beauchamp HF Solutions
• Calyon Financial
• Citco
Institutional Hedge Fund Manager
• Argent Financial Group
• ABN Amro AM
• Investcorp
• New Finance Capital LLP
• National Investment Company
Most Innovative Project
• Argent Financial Group
• HFIM
• Maxam Capital
• RBC Hedge
Hedge Fund Distributor
• SuperFund
• Deal Management Consultants
• ABN Amro
Special Merit Award for Outstanding Industry Contribution
• Rasmala Investments
• National Investment Company
• Investcorp
About Man Investments
Man Investments, the Asset Management division of Man Group plc, is a global leader in the fast-growing alternative investments industry. It provides innovative products and tailor-made solutions to private and institutional investors. Through its core investment managers – AHL, Glenwood, Man Global Strategies and RMF – Man Investments has succeeded in developing leadership in hedge funds and has interests in other asset classes. Established in 1983, Man Investments has launched over 450 products, many of them with leading financial institutions. It manages over USD 60 billion and employs more than 1,300 people worldwide. Man Investments has key centres in London and Pfäffikon (Switzerland), and offices in Chicago, Hong Kong, the Middle East, Montevideo, Nassau, Sydney, Tokyo and Toronto. Further information on Man Investments can be found at www.maninvestments.com
About Man Group plc
Man Group plc is a leading global provider of alternative investment products and solutions as well as one of the world's largest futures brokers. The group employs over 4,000 people in 16 countries, with key centres in London, Pfäffikon (Switzerland), Chicago and New York. Man Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (EMG.L) and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 index. Further information on Man Group can be found at www.mangroupplc.com.
