The Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA) and ITN Productions are collaborating to raise awareness of alternative investments and the latest sector innovations that are benefitting investors, markets and supporting the global economic recovery.
In the face of unprecedented global disruption arising from the Coronavirus pandemic, assets under management for the alternative investment industry continues to break new records with funds under management standing at $15 trillion globally; approximately 15 percent of the world’s asset management industry.
Hedge funds are the face of alternative investments in public markets. The 12 months after the initial period of COVID-fuelled market disruption saw the industry report solid returns with leading hedge fund indices up over 32 percent. Strong performance has continued into this year with the industry up 13 percent as of the end of August. This performance has not gone unnoticed by investors who are reinforcing their interest in alternative investments, investing in both public and private markets as they seek diversification away from low-interest rate bonds and high-value equities.
Anchored by ITN productions, ‘Holding Strong – Alternative Investments in a Volatile Market’ shows how the alternatives investment industry is growing in influence, highlighting its increasing value to investors, markets and the global economy.
ITN presenter Belle Donati is joined by Jack Inglis CEO of AIMA, the global representative for the alternative investment industry, to discuss how the alternative investment industry benefits investors and supports the global economy, where he sees the industry heading as well as AIMA’s quest to educate the broader industry on the importance of alternative investments.
Produced in a news-style format featuring interviews with industry leaders, the programme features a series of sponsored editorial profiles filmed on location with AIMA’s global members and partners, including some of the most prominent names across the alternatives investment sector.
Among the many themes this programme explores includes the rise of responsible investing, which is examined from several angles. Apex Group quantifies how the ESG market continues to mature and become more defined, while abrdn explains how it’s investing responsibly in real assets to deliver positive outcomes that benefit its clients, society and the wider world.
Taking a global viewpoint, Reed Smith examines how the pandemic has accelerated the global focus on sustainability, and Esmo Asset Management highlights the complexities of apply ESG in emerging markets where each country and region is uniquely vulnerable to E, S and G factors.
Complementing these discussions, haysmacintye addresses how the industry is fostering diversity and inclusion to attract the next generation of talent.
Elsewhere, Man Group CEO Luke Ellis talks about the group’s growth and resilience during what he described as a “challenging environment” in 2020. We find out where this resilience comes from and how it is manifesting across the industry. In a similar vein, Citco offers an insight into the technologies that are driving the alternative investment industry forward, making it more transparent and accessible, while Securis Investment Partners details the latest innovations in the insurance-linked securities market in recent years.
Jack Inglis, CEO of AIMA, said: “The alternative investment industry has doubled in size over the past 10 years with most projections stating it will grow further in size and influence. The benefits of investing in alternatives are increasingly clear across the world, providing investors with much-needed diversity in their investment options, benefitting them and the global economy. We’re delighted to be able to work with ITN productions to highlight the benefits of the alternative investment industry and showcase its crucial role in protecting savers and financing the economy."
