The pandemic has been a catalyst for innovation across the alternative investment industry as it responded to the challenges caused by COVID-19, and one area in particular which had to adapt is investor relations.

In the world of alternative investments, complexity isn’t a novel trend. The rise of hedge funds was followed by an explosion of illiquid strategies including private equity, infrastructure and real estate.

Over the last 12 months, hedge funds in Asia have been allocating increasing sums into “side pockets” – ring-fenced assets within strategies which are typically used to purchase illiquid investments such as pre-IPO companies.

Jay Peller, Head of Fund Services, Citco Fund Services (USA) Inc, is featured in the September edition of the AIMA Journal, discussing changes to the way asset servicing works as a result of the pandemic.