When the Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA) first opened a branch in Canada 15 years ago, the hedge fund sector in this country was just starting and still small. The way firms were set up and products marketed was very different to today. Indeed, as we mark our crystal anniversary in Canada, it is thrilling to look back and see how far the industry has truly come in this country and to see where it is headed.

Back in 2003, AIMA had ‘only’ 38 corporate members in Canada and many alternative asset management firms were providers of niche products to wealthy high net worth (HNW) clients. Today, with over 160 corporate members, most of our members in Canada are also serving institutional clients and a truly retail client base is continuing to emerge. […]