Major hedge fund conference coming to Bahrain

The inaugural session of the event will be attended by Mr. Rasheed Mohammed Al Maraj, Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain.

Taking place on 5-7th November at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Manama, this is the first hedge fund specific event to come to the Kingdom of Bahrain. Developed in close conjunction with event partners, Bahrain Financial Services Development (BFSD), part of the Economic Development Board, and global alternative asset manager Investcorp, the summit will attract major investors from across the GCC region, with leading fund managers from MENA, Europe, Asia and the US discussing innovative alternative investment strategies.

Areas to be addressed across the programme include a look at the recent legislative developments in the area, an overview of the current hedge funds market in the Middle East, panel discussions on emerging markets, advice on how to successfully set up and market a hedge fund in the region and case-studies on the most effective investment strategies. The three-day summit will also incorporate unparalleled networking opportunities including a unique 'race-day' at the Bahrain International Circuit and a Gala dinner with a celebrity chef flown in especially for the occasion.

Increasingly hedge funds are being utilised in the portfolios of institutional investors and high net worth individuals as an alternative means of maximising returns and increasing wealth. This summit will explore the various strategies that are used and how issues such as geographical location and Shariah compliancy are being overcome in the rapidly growing Middle East market.

"The hedge funds market in the Gulf region is set for a period of unprecedented growth." said Ms. Jane Dellar, Managing Director of BFSD. "The recent revision of the Collective Investment Undertakings by the CBB introduces an Exempt fund category, enabling hedge funds and other alternative investments. This is yet another prime example of Bahrain's dominance in leading the region's funds development."

Gary Long, Investcorp's Chief Operating Officer, said:

"It is very appropriate for Investcorp to sponsor this event. Not only is it taking place in Bahrain, where Investcorp has such strong ties, but we have a ten-year track record of investing in hedge funds and with $6.4 billion in assets under management, Investcorp is one of the leading global players in this asset class."