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SAVE THE DATE: The 16th annual HedgeNews Africa Symposium is scheduled for March 6, 2025 at the Vineyard Hotel in Cape Town.
Find full coverage of the 2024 Symposium in our April print edition – or visit our digital bookshelf.
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November: Marc Ostwald, chief economist and global strategist at ADM Investor Services International, is leading the line-up at the 16th annual HedgeNews Africa Symposium, to be held on March 6 at the Vineyard Hotel in Cape Town.
Based in London, Ostwald has 38 years’ experience in the markets and a strong reputation for analysing and forecasting the impact of macro and microeconomic trends on a broad range of asset classes and, where necessary, challenging market psychology and consensus views.
Otswald’s focus on facilitating critical and lateral thinking will enrich an agenda that has become known for its originality, offering unique insights and thought-provoking perspectives from leading minds in the alternative asset management space, including fund managers, investors and their service providers.
Also confirmed for the 2025 agenda is RMB economist Keabetswe Mojapelo, on the outlook for South Africa, as well as Portia Mashengete from the PIC, offering an institutional investor perspective on hedge funds.
The day’s agenda includes the highly anticipated BlackRock MasterClass, now in its seventh year, as well as a new session sponsored by Maia Technology, which will examine how leading-edge innovation is shaping the specialist investment manager landscape of the future.
The Symposium will include other pertinent keynote conversations and panel discussions, designed to offer valuable insights for investors and allocators, and bringing unparalleled access to leading fund managers and allocators in this part of the world.
Besides being an important showcase for the South African hedge fund industry, the Symposium offers a vital annual opportunity for peer-to-peer review, helping the industry explore crucial issues that will shape its growth in years to come.
The programme will be accredited with CPD points.
Symposium topics include:
- What to expect from hedge funds in 2025
- AI and alternative asset management
- Strategy focus: long/short, fixed income,
private debt, commodities and quant - Domestic and global investor perspectives
- Hedge funds and their role in broader portfolios
- Global outlook and impact on asset classes
Booking Rates
• Standard booking rate: $600/R9,700
• 15% discount for hedge fund managers and investors $510/R8,245
• 25% discount for HedgeNews Africa subscribers $450/R7,275
Only one discount applies
*ZAR rates are exclusive of VAT
**Applicable to standard booking rate only
Not-for-profit hedge fund investors, pension fund trustees and financial advisers are eligible for discounted rates. Please email events@hedgenewsafrica.com for information.
Download the Symposium booking form here, or alternatively, you can email your booking query to events@hedgenewsafrica.com.
For accommodation at the Vineyard Hotel or alternative options, please click here.
The HedgeNews Africa Symposium 2025 programme will be accredited with CPD points by the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa.
Programme
INVESTMENT IDEAS IN AN UNCERTAIN WORLD
8h15-9h00 The way the world works: A journey of discovery Marc Ostwald, chief economist & global strategist, ADM Investor Services International, challenges prevailing market psychology and consensus views as he looks at the economic, technological, environmental and geopolitical forces that are shaping the future of investment.
9h00-9h45 Harnessing the power of cycles Panellists explore global themes in a fast-moving world, examining any potential impact on their individual approach to the markets.
9h45-10h15 Economic update South Africa: reform and recover
RMB economist Keabetswe Mojapelo.
10h15 -11h00 TEA, COFFEE AND REFRESHMENTS
11h00-11h30 MAIN ROOM: Navigating climate risks As climate change accelerates, it presents both economic challenges and new investment opportunities. From energy and agriculture to metals and natural resources, climate-related risks—such as extreme weather events, regulatory changes, and shifting consumer demands—are reshaping supply chains and market dynamics. Fund managers explore the risks and rewards.
OR
STREAM SESSION: Blackrock Masterclass Building more resilient portfolios: How hedge funds and other liquid alternatives can be a source of strength for investors within multi-asset portfolios.
11h30-12h15 MAIN ROOM: To infinity and beyond: the future of cryptocurrencies and blockchain innovation. Are cryptocurrencies going to the moon, or are they going nowhere at all? Panellists explore the evolving landscape of blockchain technology, examining how innovations are reshaping the financial ecosystem and bringing new investment opportunities.
OR
STREAM SESSION: The specialist alternative manager: survival of the fittest South Africa’s complex economic environment and the global geopolitical landscape is impacting alternative investment firms and their operations. Panellists examine AI and leading-edge innovation to shape the future specialist investment manager landscape.
12h15-13h00 A prime brokers’ perspective: Industry trends, standards and positioning. A behind the scenes view of how hedge funds, both local and global, are playing the South African markets.
13h00-14h00 LUNCH IN EXHIBITION ROOM
13h30-14h00 BOARDROOM lunch session: Hedge fund electronic trading solutions, hosted by Absa & RMB.
14h00-14h30 Institutional investor viewpoint Portia Mashengete, Public Investment Corporation.
14h30-15h10 From the front lines I: South African hedge fund managers share on-the-ground insights across asset classes, offering a unique perspective on market dynamics, and how they are positioning their portfolios for both growth and resilience.
OR
STREAM SESSION: Leveraging convexity: Overlaying trend-following and tail-risk hedging to enhance global equity returns. Bruno Schwalbach, Ironclad Asset Management.
15h10-15h50 From the front lines II: South African hedge fund managers share on-the-ground insights across asset classes, offering a unique perspective on market dynamics, and how they are positioning their portfolios for both growth and resilience.
15h50-16h20 Foreign investor viewpoint: In a wide emerging market universe, why do South African hedge funds deserve investor attention? Marcus Storr, Feri in conversation
16h20-17h00 The problems we solve: why hedge funds are so vital in building future-proof portfolios.In a rapidly changing market, hedge funds play a crucial role in managing risk and delivering long-term value. This session will explore how hedge funds address complex financial challenges and why they are indispensable for creating resilient, future-ready strategies.
*This programme is provisional and subject to change at the organiser’s discretion.
Speakers
Confirmed 2025 speakers include:
Marc Ostwald, ADM Investor Services International
Keabetswe Mojapelo, RMB
Andre Le Roux, Apex
Portia Mashengete, PIC
Cobus Potgieter, SouthernCross Capital
Stephán Engelbrecht, Mazi NextGen
Meghan Colarusso, BlackRock
Marcus Storr, FERI
Clarissa van der Westhuyzen, Fairtree
Senzo Langa, Alexander Forbes
Niki Natarajan, In Ink (London)
Matthew Pouncett, Laurium Capital
Neil Wilson, HedgeNews Africa
Mauritz van den Worm, Polar Star Management
Mark Witten, Portal Asset Management
Chris Edwards, Absa CIB
Joe Bassett, AG Capital
Andreas Tindlund, Abax Investments
Kobus Esterhuysen, Peresec
Given Phaladi, Regive Capital
Nersan Naidoo, MidSquare
Shane Watkins, All Weather Capital
Elmien Wagenaar, THINK.CAPITAL
Kagiso Mathole, Momentum Investments
Naleni Govender, Enko Capital
Kearabilwe Nonyana, Scope Prime
Bruno Schwalbach, Ironclad Asset Management
Sean Emery, RainFin
Jacques Conradie, Peregrine Capital
Craig French, Visio
Bernard Griesel, Steyn Capital Management
Thato Kola, Matrix Fund Managers
Vincent Anthonyrajah, Differential Capital
Peter Wille, Cuthman Capital
Pooja Tanna, Perpetua
Jonathan du Toit, OysterCatcher Investments
Carmen Nel, Terebinth
Jason Welz, Jaltech
Tatenda Chapinduka, Independent Alternatives
Matthew Rattray, RMB Morgan Stanley
Jacques du Plessis, Graphite
Jean Pierre Verster, Protea Capital Management
Who Attends?
The Symposium attracts the top hedge fund managers, investors and service providers focusing on the African region.
Our programme is created by an editorial team who track the industry year round, giving us the edge in creating a topical and timely agenda that covers the real issues in the market.
We facilitate executive-level discussions with company decision-makers on our impressive speaker list, contributing via panel sessions and keynote speeches.
The one-day forum is held in a closed-door environment with no other media present, allowing participants the freedom to engage in in-depth discussions as well as interactive Q&A sessions.
For a full list of companies that attended the 2023 HedgeNews Africa Symposium, please email events@hedgenewsafrica.com
Sponsors and Exhibits
The HedgeNews Africa Symposium offers an important opportunity for sponsors to showcase their products and services before a high-level audience.
We partner with top-tier industry players who are dedicated to building their brand at the highest levels while interacting with their target audience in a productive and informative environment.
The Symposium offers a premier sponsorship opportunity for:
• Prime brokers
• Investment banks
• Brokerage firms
• Accounting firms
• Lawyers
• Administrators
• Fund companies
If you are looking to enter the exciting African market or if your company offers access to untapped opportunities on the continent or the more developed South African space, you should consider partnering with us.
To discuss partnering with us further or if you would like to receive our marketing pack with more details, please contact Lindsay Mitchell.
Email: lindsay.mitchell@hedgenewsafrica.com
Contact Us
Email: events@hedgenewsafrica.com
FAQ
Q. You have several discounts on offer. Can I have more than one discount applied to my booking?
Only one discount can be applied per booking.
Q. Is the Symposium for one day only?
Yes it is.
Q. Can I share my ticket with a colleague?
If you would like to share your ticket with a colleague you must apply in writing to us via email. A decision will be made at our discretion.
Q. Do I have to fill in a booking form or can I register over the telephone or by email?
We must receive a completed booking form.
Q. Does a ticket to the Symposium include a dinner seat at the HedgeNews Africa Awards Dinner?
No, a ticket to the Symposium does not include attendance at the HedgeNews Africa Awards. These tickets are sold separately.
Q. Is the HedgeNews Africa Awards Dinner always on the same day of the Symposium?
Yes. It is hosted in the evening.
Q. Can I pay for my booking by credit card?
Yes. You can pay by credit card. We will send you an email with the details of how to proceed.
Q. Can I cancel my booking and get a refund?
Tickets are non-refundable and may be transferred only at the organiser’s discretion. Please note a ticket to the Symposium does not include attendance at the HedgeNews Africa Awards.
Q. Can I have a delegate list?
It is our policy not to release delegate lists. However, you can view a list of companies that attended the Symposium last year here.
Q. Can I claim CPD credits for this event?
Yes, you can. The Symposium programme is approved by the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa (FPI).
Attendee Feedback
“It was a great pleasure to contribute to a wonderful and very informative conference.” – Marc Ostwald, ADM International
“Thank you for a great event. Everything was seamless from the organisation to the execution.” – Fred Kairuz, RMB
“Thank you for hosting such incredible events, both the Symposium and the Awards Dinner. The functions were a resounding success, and we thoroughly enjoyed our time there. These events offer invaluable opportunities to network with industry peers and gain insights that are greatly beneficial to our work. Your warm hospitality made the experience truly memorable.” – Justin Klassen, Cuthman Capital