The hedge fund industry is evolving, and so are the people driving its next chapter. As barriers to entry shift and investor expectations grow more complex, emerging managers face both immense opportunity and heightened scrutiny. 

Recognising this, AIMA continues to commit to its EMEA Next Generation Manager (NGM) initiative, a platform designed to support and amplify the voices of early-stage hedge fund and alternative investment managers with less than US$1bn in AUM. Through events, targeted resources, and a working group, the initiative assists these managers in navigating a rapidly changing environment. 

AIMA Next Generation Manager Forum 

At the heart of the NGM initiative is the AIMA Next Generation Manager Forum, a flagship conference designed specifically for early-stage managers. Held annually in London, the forum provides a dedicated space for next-gen fund leaders to explore real-world challenges and opportunities. The agenda features panels, operational deep-dives, regulatory updates, and peer-to-peer breakouts, all tailored to the realities of running a growing fund with limited resources.

Beyond content, the forum fosters invaluable networking. It connects managers with allocators, experienced industry professionals, and service providers in a collaborative environment that emphasises practical learning and relationship-building. 

AIMA also hosts a series of annual events in APAC, Acorns of APAC, which is part of its initiative to support the growth of the fund management industry in the region, and the forums are designed to cover important considerations new managers may have. 

Next generation manager group 

Complementing the forum is the AIMA Next Generation Manager Group, a dynamic set of over 50 individuals that shapes the broader direction of the initiative. Comprised of emerging managers, and AIMA staff, the group provides ongoing input into the needs and priorities of the emerging manager community.

The group meets quarterly, typically hosted by one of AIMA’s service provider members. These sessions create a collaborative forum where managers can share challenges, exchange ideas, and learn from one another. Past discussions have covered topics such as cybersecurity, regulatory developments, hiring trends, and capital introduction services, all tailored to the needs of next generation managers.

A parallel peer group for investment managers in the US meets monthly to share insights and ensure the initiative reflects the unique needs of managers across regions. 

Thought leadership and insight

AIMA’s thought leadership for emerging managers is another pillar of the NGM initiative, providing practical, actionable insights.

Central to this research is AIMA’s partnership with Marex on the biennial emerging manager survey. The latest edition broadened its scope to include firms managing up to US$1 billion in AUM, allowing for a more comprehensive comparison. The report examines fund fees, average headcount, operational and breakeven costs, and the time required to secure new investments. It is divided into two sections: one highlighting insight from managers’ flagship funds and the other focusing on firm-level findings, with time-series analysis included where relevant.

Crucially, AIMA’s thought leadership is rooted in collaboration and developed with input from NGM members and industry partners. It reflects lived experience, not just theory, and is geared toward long-term sustainability and success.

Conclusion 

The AIMA EMEA Next Generation Manager initiative is more than a program; it’s a platform to encourage change. By supporting emerging managers through forums, working groups, and actionable insights, AIMA is helping to build a stronger, more inclusive, and innovative alternative investment industry for the next generation of leaders.

If you are interested in joining AIMA’s EMEA Next Generation Manager initiative, please contact Jordan Hogan via [email protected].
 

AIMA’s thought leadership is rooted in collaboration and developed with input from NGM members and industry partners.

It reflects lived experience, not just theory, and is geared toward long-term sustainability and success.