Growth is the top strategic priority for 67% of hedge funds this year: EY survey

But managers are more bullish than investors

TORONTO, Dec. 5, 2013 /CNW/ - As the hedge fund industry matures, most managers are increasingly focused on growth, according to EY's seventh annual survey of the global hedge fund market. However, the survey shows that while managers want to grow through new products and distribution channels, investors aren't necessarily planning to increase their investments.

"Managers are bullish about their growth prospects, but investors don't seem to share that sentiment," says Joseph Micallef, Financial Services Partner and Canadian Asset Management Industry Tax Leader at EY. "Our survey found the majority of investors - 72% - expect to maintain their current allocation levels."

Exploring pathways to growth also finds that as investor and regulatory demands grow, managers are focusing relentlessly on operational efficiency and costs in the battle to maintain margins.

"Two in three managers reported an increase in revenues over the past year, as their performance improved and assets grew," says Micallef. "But, only half reported improvements in margins."

In fact, one in three managers surveyed said margins declined and another 10% noted margins remained unchanged as costs increased. Meanwhile, 58% of managers in North America noted that costs have increased.

Still, while managers and investors may be at odds when it comes to growth, they agree on the growing demand for customized solutions.

"We found that nearly two-thirds of investors either already invest or would like to invest in a customized product," says Micallef. "Managers in the US are ahead of the curve when it comes to offering customized solutions, with 75% either already offering, or planning to offer, customized solutions - and we expect this solution to grow in popularity here in Canada as well."

The survey also found customization was especially popular among funds of funds, with nearly 70% of funds of funds already investing in a customized solution and another 15% saying they would like to.

"All factors considered, the hedge fund industry is alive and well - albeit, the reasons for success vary," says Micallef. "While the largest funds are succeeding because of their size and scale and their ability and willingness to invest in the business, the smallest funds are succeeding by virtue of their simplicity."

About the survey
EY's 2013 global hedge fund and investor survey compares opinions from 100 hedge fund managers who collectively manage nearly US$850 billion and 65 institutional investors with over US$190 billion allocated to hedge funds. Topics covered in the survey include strategic priorities for hedge funds, changes in revenues and costs, technology, headcount, outsourcing and shadowing and the future of the hedge fund industry. For the full survey report, please visit www.ey.com/HedgeFundSurvey.

About EY
EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.

For more information, please visit ey.com/ca. Follow us on Twitter @EYCanada.

EY refers to the global organization and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.

SOURCE: EY (Ernst & Young)

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