The Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA), the leading global hedge fund and alternative investment industry association, announces the appointment of a Director of its Hong Kong branch and a Research Consultant in London.

Tim Kay has been appointed as a Director of AIMAs’ Hong Kong branch having held senior positions with MSCI, Baring Asset Management and BNP Paribas Asset Management as well as co-founding Peak Capital. He will be responsible for development of the branch as well as work closely with the regulatory authorities in the area. The Hong Kong branch also covers activities in China, Taiwan, South Korea and other countries in the region where hedge funds are active.

AIMA has also appointed Alban Brindle as Research Associate to work on building a research and analysis function. The appointment follows a long term consultancy contract with Reuters focusing on commercial strategy formulation. Fluent in five languages, he will enable AIMA to compile and distributes key data to regulatory bodies as well as the media and AIMA members.

Commenting on his new position, Tim Kay said, “Asia is widely expected to a major growth region for hedge funds over the coming years. It is therefore important that AIMA build up its resources and influence in the area. I’m delighted to join them at such an exciting time and look forward to meeting our existing members as well as potential new ones.”

A similar sentiment was echoed by Alban Brindle who commented, “There has been exponential growth in hedge funds in recent years and there is generally no principal source of global information. I hope the work that AIMA and I will do, will bring some clarity to this and that we can provide members, regulators and the press with sound information. I’m looking forward to working with AIMA’s rapidly expanding team.”

AIMA’s Executive Director, Florence Lombard added, “These new appointments reflect the ongoing expansion and positioning of the hedge fund industry. They will allow us to continue to develop our range of services to the global hedge fund industry. We are pleased to welcome two highly experienced professionals to the AIMA team.”