ASIC redefines hedge funds


The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has changed the definition of ‘hedge fund' in a bid to tighten disclosure requirements for higher-risk schemes.
Beginning in February next year, the much-debated changes would mean a registered managed investment scheme would be differentiated from a hedge fund.
It follows long-held concerns from ASIC about investors misunderstanding the risks of certain hedge funds.
The changes would also mean that lower-risk schemes would not have to meet the rigorous disclosure obligations of more complex hedge funds, ASIC said.
"This will also benefit investors by more clearly differentiating hedge funds from other types of managed investment schemes so that they can better understand and assess these products," ASIC Commissioner Greg Tanzer said.
Recommended for you
Bentham Asset Management has become the latest fund manager to expand its distribution team as it reports increased interest in its credit strategies.
L1 Capital, which is in talks to merge with Platinum Asset Management, has indicated it will be voting against a deal to convert a Platinum LIC into an ETF.
Evidentia Group has hired a head of quantitative investments who joins the investment firm and managed account provider from AMP.
Fidelity International has worked in tandem with Australian wealth manager Emanuel Whybourne & Loehr to launch an actively managed global equities strategy aimed at financial advisers.