Market volatility may boost hedge fund allocations among the country's institutional investors. A recent Korea Post Insurance mandate reflect rising demand for the asset class.
The Singapore-based boutique is looking to invest directly into private markets on behalf of its clients and on the public side has started using Mercer's fund-of-hedge-funds platform.
The Shanghai-based wealth manager is doing due diligence on asset managers for the two strategies, one focused on private equity and the other on real estate.
The Scientists and Engineers Mutual Aid Association has issued a multi-million request for proposals to global fund of hedge fund managers, to be finalised this year.
The asset manager is set to launch a liquid fund-of-hedge-fund product in Korea. Sources say Singapore is next, with Hong Kong and Taiwan also on the list of target markets.
Some 40% of Asian institutions plan to invest in hedge funds, but global and large-sized strategies are most likely to see the biggest inflows, a Preqin survey indicates.
Swiss firm Syz & Co has shut an Asian fund of hedge funds with significant exposure to China, while Australia's QIC is winding down its regional quant strategy.
Fund of hedge funds plan to increase or maintain their Asian allocations, although poor-performing managers are likely to see outflows, says Eurekahedge.
The new platform is focused on alternatives funds across Asia, with China its main long-term target, and will ultimately service traditional fund clients.