WHAT WE DO: Founded in 1995, by Dion Friedland, when global hedge fund assets were just approaching the $250 billion mark, The Hedge Fund Association™ (HFA) is a not-for-profit international group of industry professionals with a mission to provide a forum for thought leaders, innovators, practitioners and investors who are shaping the way business is conducted in the global hedge fund industry. With the maturity and institutionalization of the global hedge fund industry, the HFA advocates for the industry by giving voice to the issues affecting the industry through the education of investors, the media, regulators and legislators. Members of the HFA also serve the community at large through a commitment to philanthropy.

WHO WE ARE: Membership in the HFA includes hedge fund firms, global financial institutions with hedge fund offerings including retail and private banks, asset management firms and broker dealers, investors including funds of hedge funds, family offices, public and private pension funds, endowments and foundations, high net worth individuals, allocators, and the industry’s service providers including prime brokers, administrators, custodians, auditors, lawyers, risk managers, technologists and third party marketers.

Hedge funds refer to funds that can use one or more alternative investment strategies, including hedging against market downturns, investing in asset classes such as currencies or distressed securities, and utilizing return-enhancing tools such as leverage, derivatives, and arbitrage.

At a time when world stock markets appear to have reached excessive valuations and may be due for further correction, hedge funds provide a viable alternative to investors seeking capital appreciation as well as capital preservation in bear markets. The vast majority of hedge funds make consistency of return, rather than magnitude, their primary goal.