ASK expands Alternative Investment offerings to Hedge Solutions

Bureau,Odishabarta

Launches a new vertical, ASK Hedge Solutions helmed by Vaibhav Sanghavi

October16,2023 | Mumbai:ASK Asset and Wealth Management groupannounced the expansion of its Alternative Investment offerings withhedge funds through a new vertical, ASK Hedge Solutions. This strategic move aims to give clients an opportunity to diversify their investments in‘Risk Adjusted Return’funds for augmenting long term wealth creation.

ASK Hedge Solutions will be helmed by hedge fund veteran,Vaibhav Sanghavi, the former Co-CEO of Avendus Capital Public Markets Alternate Strategies. Vaibhav has over two decades of experienceand is one of the few fund managers to have successfully launched and managed a hedge fund under the Alternative Investment Funds (AIF) guidelines.

Alternatives have gained significant importance in asset allocation to diversify portfolio returns. ASK plans to offer a range of meticulously crafted hedge fund strategies like Long/Short funds that align with clients’ investment goals and risk tolerancein the current financial year.Classified under Category III AIFs, Long/Short funds are known for their potential to generate alpha and provide a hedge against market volatility and have become increasingly popular among investors seeking sophisticated investment options. Family Offices, Corporate Treasuries, Trusts, UHNI, and HNI investors who are looking for diversificationsolutions for their portfolio would be ideal investors.

Sunil Rohokale, Managing Director& CEO, ASK Group said, “ASK has always been the bellwether of asset and wealth management. We understand that compounding our investors’ portfolio returns in the long terminvolves capitalizing on diverse investment opportunities, including hedging against market risks. In India, the opportunity for alternates is untapped and has immense potential for growth, with the total market size poised to grow beyond USD 50 billion.Our rigorous due diligence, combined with our expertise and strong research ensures that our hedge fund strategies will be designed to mitigate risk while aiming for consistent, risk-adjusted returns.By broadening our product suite, we will deliver best-in-classsolutions to domestic and offshore investors.”

“We extend a warm welcome to Vaibhav Sanghavi, who will play a pivotal role in nurturing and propelling this vertical forward. His 2 decades of expertise in establishing and growing businesses of this nature will enhance ASK’s capabilities and drive performance.” he added.

Vaibhav Sanghavi, CEO, ASK Hedge Solutionssaid, “I am honoured to be joining ASK at this exciting time and be a part of its growth strategy. ASK’s commitment to continuously adapt to the evolving market dynamics and diversify into the hedge solutions business is very encouraging. I am looking forward to building this multi-product, multi-geography business targeting a massive opportunity lying ahead. With an approach of keeping investors and stakeholders at the centre, we aim to offer innovative products and strategies, across platforms, focussing on generating ‘Risk Adjusted Returns’.”

ASK Group is a portfolio company of Blackstone, the world’s largest alternative asset manager. ASKhas recently launched its maiden Private Credit Fund.