Freedom Asset Management Launches New Fund with Support from Charles Russell Speechlys
In an impactful stride toward consolidating its presence in Asia, Freedom Asset Management (Asia) Limited has collaborated with Charles Russell Speechlys for the establishment of the Freedom Dragon Funds I OFC, which includes its inaugural venture, the CQF Sub-Fund. This move not only underscores Freedom’s strategic growth initiatives but also highlights the increasing significance of Hong Kong as a premier financial hub.
The newly formed Freedom Dragon Funds I OFC is carefully structured as a private umbrella open-ended fund company with variable share capital, which ensures limited liability while maintaining segregated accountability across its various sub-funds. This structure provides a resilient framework, allowing for greater flexibility in investment decisions, and aligns with the regulatory guidelines set forth by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (SFC). The Fund is duly registered with the SFC and operates under the governing principles of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571), which underscores its adherence to strict regulatory compliance.
Central to this initiative is the CQF Sub-Fund, which operates as a fund-of-funds focused on channeling capital into select hedge funds within the People’s Republic of China (PRC). These hedge funds are characterized by their implementation of fundamental long/short strategies concentrated on publicly listed equities. This strategic allocation aims to optimize returns while managing risk, positioning the CQF Sub-Fund as a notable player in the competitive landscape of asset management.
Freedom Asset Management (Asia) Limited, acting as the Manager for the Fund, is a regulated entity under the auspices of the SFC. It is licensed to engage in Type 9 (asset management) regulated activities and has secured a Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor (QFII) license from the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC). The firm is part of the larger Freedom Asset Management group, which operates with notable credibility, overseeing regulated investment management enterprises in Guernsey, Abu Dhabi, and Hong Kong. The Freedom Group boasts a diversified portfolio, managing approximately USD 1 billion in assets across 16 distinctive fund products. Its offerings include innovative investment solutions tailored for private clients, family offices, and institutions primarily based in Europe and the Middle East.
Since its inception in 2019, the Freedom Group has forged a strategic alliance with Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners, a segment of the Abu Dhabi Sovereign Wealth Fund, Mubadala Capital, further amplifying its influence and reach in the investment landscape. This partnership not only enhances its operational capabilities but also signifies its commitment to leveraging relationships that drive mutual growth.
Gaven Cheong, a Partner with Charles Russell Speechlys and a key figure in the Financial Services Regulation & Funds team, commented on the fruitful collaboration: “We were delighted to have been able to support the Manager and the wider Freedom Group on this new launch. Hong Kong is an obvious landing point for the Freedom Group’s expansion into the Greater China and APAC region, and its particular decision to structure this first Asian fund as an OFC speaks to its trust and confidence in Hong Kong’s world-class financial, regulatory and capital raising infrastructure.”
Reflecting on the collaboration, Adrian Harris, Co-Founder and CEO of the Freedom Group, expressed gratitude for the professional support: “It was a pleasure working with Gaven and his Investment Funds and Regulatory team. Their responsiveness, sound technical support, and commercial acumen allowed for a smooth and efficient pathway to launch.”
This successful launch highlights not only the potential of the Freedom Dragon Funds I OFC but also reaffirms Hong Kong’s pivotal role as a nexus for investment solutions in Asia. As the market continues to evolve, fund managers and investment entities that prioritize strategic collaborations and regulatory compliance stand to gain a competitive edge in the rapidly changing financial landscape.
As the investment sector witnesses evolving dynamics and opportunities, the initiatives taken by Freedom Asset Management and its strong partnership with Charles Russell Speechlys are emblematic of the broader trends in global finance—where adaptability, strategic foresight, and robust regulatory adherence remain paramount.
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