Hedge Funds Rock is the flagship event during Sydney Alternative Investment Week (SAIW) and by association La Trobe Financial will play a key role in the week-long event schedule, showcasing innovation and excellence in alternative investments.

SAIW features a stellar line-up of events, including forums on Private Credit, M&A Transactions, Hedge Funds Rock, and the Family Office IN Day, bringing together investment leaders to discuss emerging trends, innovative products and an opportunity for industry collaboration.

Since its inception in 2002, Hedge Funds Rock has raised more than $5 million for the Alternative Future Foundation’s charitable initiatives, making a tangible impact on communities in need.

Chris Paton, Chief Investment Officer, at La Trobe Financial expressed excitement about the partnership saying, “La Trobe Financial is pleased to partner with Hedge Funds Rock & The Alternative Investment Awards. This collaboration presents a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the growth of Australia’s alternative investment sector while supporting impactful initiatives. We’re looking forward to an exciting three years ahead.”

Michael Gallagher, Chairman of the Alternative Future Foundation added, “We are delighted to welcome La Trobe Financial as our Major Sponsor Partner of Hedge Funds Rock. Their support will amplify the impact of Sydney Alternative Investment Week, which has become a cornerstone event for the alternative investment community. This three-year partnership will allow us to enhance the experience for attendees and increase access to market leading insights. Together, we will continue to raise vital funds for charitable causes and promote the importance of alternative investments.”

The Alternative Future Foundation extends its gratitude to La Trobe Financial for their commitment to the alternative investment community.

Sydney Alternative Investment Week will take place the week of 22 September  2025.

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Shane Finemore

Nobel Gulati, CEO of Two Sigma Advisers and Shane Finemore, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer of Manikay Partners will provide keynote addresses at the Forum that has become an internationally renowned event for the hedge fund community.

Two Sigma Advisers is a pioneer in blending computer-driven, model-based trading systems with culture and research to unearth value.  Manikay Partners, also New York based, was founded in 2008 by Shane Finemore, regarded as one of Australia’s most successful investment manager exports. Finemore will join AIMA Australia Chair Paul Chadwick for the Forum’s Fireside chat, known for its unique candour and rare insights.

The Forum will tackle the issues and challenges that continue to reshape investment management from all angles, including fundamental drivers, rising levels of technology, growing ability to isolate alpha from market beta, regulatory change, shifting demographics, the importance of culture and an ever-growing focus on ESG within portfolios.

AIMA Australia General Manager Michael Gallagher said the growth of the Forum, in scope, influence and size, has been aligned with a substantial increase in AIMA’s local membership, which he attributes to the convergence of traditional and alternative investment managers.

“Our membership in Australia has doubled in the last four years which signals a healthy industry, and more so, a growing recognition of the need to work together to best plan for the future, given the speed at which it is coming,” Gallagher said.

“Markets are at an inflection point where many emerging segments haven’t been tested in a hawkish economic environment, so it’s critical that we apply lessons learned and forge ahead with enlightened policies and portfolios that anticipate potential market consequences.

“AIMA has stepped up its education program and engagement activities in recent years to glean deeper insights from a wider range of managers and investors, strengthening its voice as sector globalisation continues.

“We introduced a new Super Trustees Forum in 2017 to address the information needs of trustees who are adopting integrated approaches to portfolios that are more concerned with outcomes than asset silos and terminology.”

The AIMA Australia Annual Forum will take place on Wednesday 12 September at The Westin Hotel in Sydney as the main event of what the industry calls ‘Hedge Fund Week’, which features other industry initiatives, including the annual awards and charity event, Hedge Funds Rock.

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Gallagher was chosen to fill the role previously held by Brett Ireland who has decided to focus solely on a full-time role elsewhere within the financial services industry.

Gallagher has over twenty years experience in the finance industry including more than ten years in alternative investment management. Most recently he was CEO of Kima Capital Management, the Australian and Hong Kong based fund manager he co-founded. Prior to Kima, he was Head of Australasian Equities for Rand Merchant Bank, overseeing the Asian proprietary trading, fund of funds, ETFs and structured products divisions.

He has also held senior equity proprietary trading, derivatives, structuring and supervisory roles at Rand Merchant Bank and Macquarie Bank in Australia, South Africa and the UK.

AIMA Australia Chairman, Paul Chadwick, said Mr Gallagher is extremely well positioned to represent Australian hedge funds and their contribution to the financial services sector.

“Michael brings deep knowledge of the sector, understanding of the strategic and operational challenges of running a hedge fund and the passion to make Australia a vibrant hub for hedge funds and investors,” Chadwick said.

“His insights will greatly benefit members and our dialogue with investors, government representatives and regulators,” he said, while also commending Brett Ireland for his contribution to growing AIMA’s relevance and credibility in recent years.

“Michael will coordinate with AIMA’s various groups and stakeholders including its Executive Committee, Regulatory Committee and Education Committee, both locally and regionally to refine and implement the association’s strategic plans.”

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