With more than $400 billion flowing into hedge funds each year, portfolio and risk managers are under continual pressure to manage increasing capital allocations and deliver superior risk-adjusted returns. At the same time, investors are looking for greater transparency and more detailed understanding of risk factors—even choosing to withhold investments if they have concerns about the fund’s ability to manage those risks.

To build a greater understanding of the hedge fund market, and its challenges, needs, and aspirations, Beacon Platform Inc. commissioned independent research company Pure Profile to interview 200 investment management and hedge fund executives worldwide.

One study queried 100 executives at pension funds, family offices, and insurance asset managers. The other study queried 100 senior hedge fund executives in the US, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, Hong Kong, and Singapore, who are collectively responsible for $901 billion assets under management. The research was conducted in the second half of 2024 using an online methodology.

This report summarizes the findings, from the opinions of institutional investors and increasing importance of risk visibility, to the benefits of advanced technologies and pitfalls of continued reliance on spreadsheets. 

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