Increasing interest from investors to allocate more capital into women owned and managed funds, coupled with public support from industry leaders, is spurring optimism for women in Alternative Investments, according to KPMG‘s 2016 Global Women in Alternative Investments Report: The Time is Now: Real Change, Real Impact, Seize the Moment.
KPMG surveyed and interviewed nearly 800 women professionals and industry leaders within the Alternative Investments sector, across hedge funds, private equity, venture capital and real estate in North America, U.K., Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America. The majority of survey respondents believe North America offers the greatest opportunities for women in alternatives, with the UK and the remainder of Europe ranking second and third.
“This year’s report uncovered a number of positive trends as firms, investors and industry organizations are taking some bold new steps to help move the needle,” said Jim Suglia, Alternative Investments national practice leader for KPMG LLP. “We strongly believe that with continued attention to these issues, the industry will keep pushing the boundaries to secure the future success of women in alternatives.”
The survey found that many respondents remain optimistic, with 28 percent planning to launch or manage a new fund in the next five years. Twenty-six percent of women-owned and managed funds expect to grow their fund to over $1 billion in assets under management (AUM).
“With more women in investment-decision making roles, the industry will gain on a huge source of talent and insights in an area that is core to its success – returns,” said Camille Asaro, audit partner in KPMG’s Alternative Investments practice and co-author of this year’s report.
The majority of this year’s survey respondents (79 percent) also believe it is still more difficult for women fund managers to succeed in the alternative investments industry. The majority also believe that it is harder for women-owned and managed funds to attract capital.
You can download the report in the following link.