The hedge fund industry boomed in the 1990s, and the value of assets managed by hedge funds worldwide grew steadily until 2007. The value fell markedly the following year because of the financial crisis and did not recover until 2013. In 2023, the value of assets under management (AUM) of hedge funds reached over five trillion U.S. dollars.
Which firms dominate the hedge fund industry?
The biggest hedge funds in the market typically attain their size by combining exceptional results, a solid track record, and efficient risk management tactics. In 2023, Field Street Capital Management was the biggest hedge fund company, with nearly 298 billion U.S. dollars of assets under management. Some other prominent global hedge funds by AUM include Citadel, Bridgewater Associates, Mariner Investment Group LLC, etc. These industry giants often boast a diverse range of investment strategies and maintain a global presence, which allows them to capitalize on opportunities across diverse sectors and assets.
Hedge Funds: What’s changing?
Hedge funds constantly tweak their investment strategies to keep up with market shifts. The cryptocurrency market introduces a novel asset class that is distinct from traditional financial markets. Therefore, the primary reason behind hedge funds investing in digital assets was to diversify their portfolios. The escalating interest in cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology prompted hedge funds to explore new prospects and risks associated with digital assets. In 2021, the average assets under management of crypto hedge funds more than doubled from the previous year, rising from 24 to 59 million U.S. dollars.