Barclays Capital and HFR Asset Management have announced the launch of a managed accounts relationship. The combined effort brings together HFR Group’s managed account platform and client tools with Barclays Capital’s extensive distribution, structuring and fund-linked product expertise.

Under the arrangement, Barclays Capital will be able to offer its clients risk management and financing solutions linked to managed accounts on the HFR platform through a variety of bespoke delivery mechanisms including UCITS funds, certificates, notes, swaps and unit trusts. With more than 1,000 hedge fund strategies available, the HFR platform provides access to leading hedge fund managers while mitigating some of the risks associated with direct investing. The agreement builds on Barclays’ expertise in alternative investments and the services it provides to asset managers across securities, derivatives and structured solutions.

“As investors increasingly focus on the importance of transparency and liquidity, this relationship with HFR enables us to offer customized solutions to institutional investors with the full benefits of one of the leading platforms,” said Art Mbanefo, Head of Equities and Funds Structured Markets. “By combining our structuring expertise and client relationships with HFR’s robust infrastructure and industry benchmarks, we are able to offer a broad range of managed account solutions.”

“HFR has experienced considerable growth given the demand for transparency and liquidity offered by managed accounts. The launch of this new initiative is a natural extension of our existing, long standing relationship with Barclays Capital. We are delighted to offer Barclays Capital’s clients the advantages of managed accounts,” said Joe Nicholas, HFR founder.