The Tribune

The Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB) participated in the annual Hedge Fund Brazil Forum in Rio de Janeiro on April 3-4. As a sponsor, BFSB was able to field a promotional exhibit during the 3-day event.

Described as Brazil’s premier public equity investor event, the Hedge Fund Brazil Forum is Latin America’s most specialised international meeting of hedge funds, long-only funds, Brazilian pension funds, Latin American pension funds, Latin American family offices and global endowments, foundations, sovereign wealth funds and pension funds.

The programme delivers due diligence for investors and managers alike on key questions such as hedge fund asset allocation among Brazilian as well as global pension funds; family offices and` fund of funds; hedge fund regulation in Brazil; key considerations in operational and manager due diligence; and economic and hedge fund strategy trends in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Colombia, Mexico, Chile and Peru.

BFSB chief executive, Aliya Allen, said: “Our sponsorship and participation in this conference is in line with the consistent interest and business opportunities we are seeing from Brazil. Brazilian multi-market funds are being transformed from inward looking, domestic focused to alpha-seeking investments abroad.

“Managers are trying to offer more globalised structures and strategies, so that clients have access to international diversification. Brazil is just a small part of this, and it is clear that the strategies will continue to incorporate international diversification utilising competitive jurisdictions like the Bahamas. “

Commenting on statistics released by the Securities Commission of the Bahamas, Ms Allen said the 25 per cent growth in SMART Funds was indicative of the growth potential the Bahamas has in the funds business, largely driven by demand in Latin America.

She added: “A few major BFSB projects this year will build upon this demand, including the new legislation we’ve been working on steadily since the middle of last year.”

Latin Markets is the world’s leading provider of Latin America-focused investment forums, regional summits and market intelligence. Its platform provides a comprehensive and fascinating perspective on the opportunities in this region.

The BFSB has partnered with Latin Markets for both wealth management and funds sector events over the years.