Andrew Baker, CEO of global hedge fund association, the Alternative Investment Management Association, (AIMA) said in a statement regarding Obama’s coming banking proposals, “We look forward to learning further details of the President’s banking proposals, because many of the specifics are not yet clear. Although the proposals could create welcome opportunities for the global hedge fund industry we are concerned about the possibility of liquidity in markets being reduced and the prime broker relationship being adversely affected.”

“The global hedge fund industry offers strong risk controls and has embraced transparency, both to investors and to the supervisory authorities.” Baker said. “There is an alignment of interests between investor and manager in our industry that promotes sustainable and successful investment. That is why major institutional investors such as pension funds are increasing their allocations to the industry and why the industry is once again receiving net inflows.”

“With the global hedge fund industry enjoying its best returns for a decade it can look forward to the future with confidence.” Baker concluded.

AIMA has more than 1,100 corporate members (with over 4,500 individual contacts) worldwide, based in over 40 countries. Members include leading hedge fund managers, fund of hedge funds managers, prime brokers, legal and accounting firms, fund administrators and independent fund directors.