New York (HedgeCo.net) – In an industry that is perceived as celebrating the accomplishments of males, it is often overlooked how many successful women are working in key roles with funds, investors and service providers.
This survey of 50 Leading Women in Hedge Funds 2011, sponsored by Ernst & Young LLP, shows how women are making an increasing contribution to the industry’s development and success.
This is shown in portfolio management, operations leadership and high quality service provision. Traditionally hedge fund businesses have been male dominated. But for women, the hedge fund industry does offer scope for optimism.Its appetite for innovation and the relative youth of hedge fund employees means change is a constant.
In early 2010 just 3% of global hedge fund assets of $1.5 trillion were estimated to be managed by women. Today we think that estimate greatly understates the true and growing extent of women’s role in hedge funds. Now with assets up to $2 trillion the amount of money women are running is at least $100 billion (including allocators),based solely on the 30 portfolio managers included in the 2011 survey.
Using a wider definition of “running” a hedge fund to include the crucial chief operating officer role, nine COOs identified in the survey have responsibility for over $100 billion of assets. In sum, that means members of 50 Leading Women in Hedge Funds 2011 have responsibility for over $200 billion or 10% of industry assets.
In compiling the survey, data and opinions were gathered from interviews with industry participants, both men and women, based in Asia, the US and Europe.
“The 50 Leading Women in Hedge Funds 2011 survey is not exhaustive but it definitely shows the role of women in hedge funds is expanding,” said Bill McIntosh, Editor of The Hedge Fund Journal.”This is an industry that is innovative and changing rapidly, in short, an ideal environment for talented women to tap new opportunities.”
“We are proud to sponsor the 50 Leading Women in Hedge Funds 2011 survey as it reflects both our commitment to the hedge fund industry and our support for ensuring that women have the opportunity to fulfil their potential.” said Art Tully, partner and Co-leader of Ernst & Young LLP’s Global Hedge Fund Practice.
Michael Serota, partner and Global Hedge Fund Practice Co-leader – Tax, Ernst & Young LLP added, “Ernst & Young LLP is committed to promoting women’s leadership and success. We congratulate the women that made the list this year, and we look forward to working with them and their colleagues for many years to come.”
