Alternatives expert to chair AIMA Australia Education Committee

Craig Stanford

The Alternative Investment Management Association’s (AIMA) Australian National Group has welcomed Craig Stanford, Ibbotson Associates Australia’s Head of Alternative Investments, as Education Committee Chair and Executive Committee Member.

Michael Gallagher, General Manager of AIMA’s Australian National Group, said the appointment is key to extending the global hedge fund industry association’s education to the financial planning, accounting and SMSF channels.

“We are thrilled that Craig has agreed to chair the Education Committee and apply his alternative investing knowledge and experience to improve understanding of hedge funds in Australia,” Mr Gallagher said.

“Education has always been a core AIMA offering and we look forward to working with Craig to improve clarity and understanding of hedge funds in the market as investors increasingly consider their inclusion in portfolios.”

Mr Stanford has over 20 years’ investment management experience, including five with Ibbotson Associates Australia, where he oversees the investment group’s alternative investments.

He will look to grow Education Committee representation to ensure relevance and reach. Several other members of AIMA’s local Executive Committee, charged with improving industry best practice and aiding regulatory reform, will initially join him on the Education Committee.

AIMA’s 2015 education program will focus on differentiating the different types of strategies collectively termed hedge funds, and how they can complement traditional exposures. AIMA aims to offer continued education points for professional participation later in the year.