Most investors worldwide are familiar with the concept of a Hedge Fund. They are a private Investment fund that generally invests in a diverse range of assets and employs a variety of strategies aimed at protecting funds during downturns and maximising returns in uptrends.

Fund Management

Typical investors in Hedge Funds usually include large institutions such as Fund Managers, Private Banks, Family Offices combined with the ultra-high net worth individuals who are few and far between. The estimated size of the global hedge fund industry currently stands around $ 1.91 Trillion according to the Financial Times at the end of Jan 2011.Typically Hedge Funds haven’t always been subject to the same regulations as many other investments, and hence, are not marketed in the same way. Criticisms of the Hedge Fund industry have largely surrounded the lack of obligation for them to disclose their activities to third parties. It is hard therefore for regulators to know how they achieve their returns and manage client money.

Typical Hedge Funds will charge investors both a Management Fee (calculated as a percentage of the funds NAV) and a Performance Fee (charged at a percentage of the portfolios profits).Despite the success of the Hedge Funds in past years the inability for Retail Clients to be involved has left a big gap in the market that many firms have been reluctant to fill.

At PIA firstcapital we have established a Managed Account Futures programme that draws inspiration from the setup and versatility of hedge fund strategies, while also under the full scope of FSA regulation. The difference being that they are specifically made available to Individual Investors who have had a lack of access to these money management professionals in the past.

PIA firstcapital invests over short periods of time on a daily basis meaning they take no exposure to overnight movements allowing them to manage their risk very closely. The managed programme also targets absolute returns so they aim to generate profits in any market conditions, giving investors a real alternative to the traditional long only asset classes commonly invested in, such as Shares and Bonds.

PIA firstcapital prides itself on giving investors the chance to invest in a product that is also highly transparent. Performance figures are available on their website (updated monthly at www.pia-firstcapital.com) and the programme is setup in a way to leave the investor fully in control of their funds, with no entry or exit fees charged. While statements are also issued monthly, clients have access to their account at all times and can view the position of their investment whenever they wish. Should an investor wish to withdraw their funds at any time they can do so with relative ease, quickly, and with no costs of withdrawal.