Hedge fund managers do not utilise social media, according to MHP Hedge Funds and Social Media Survey 2011.

The survey, which incorporated 77 hedge fund managers globally, found that 8% of those included do not have a corporate website and only 1% utilise twitter, however 23% have an active presence on linkedin.

Martin Forrest, director of asset management and author of the MHP Survey 2011, said “The findings did not surprise us. Historically, hedge fund managers have deliberately kept a low profile and managed their reputations accordingly. They are also concerned about the regulatory implications of social media. As such, adoption of social media is extremely low.”

Only MAN Investments has an active twitter feed. Although none of the other managers actively use twitter, 4% have secured their corporate name as a Twitter account to protect their brand/intellectual property (IP) but have not been active and not tweeted.

Facebook is the least used form of social media. No hedge fund manager surveyed has an active Facebook page including a ‘wall.’ Although, 66% have a passive presence, 34% have no presence at all.

“Hedge fund managers should start using social media more actively as additional channels through which to communicate and build lasting relationships with their stakeholders and to develop the reputation of their firms,” said Forrest. “Taking control of their content, by becoming the best provider of it, is important. Hedge fund managers should also look at social media initiatives in the wider asset management community for inspiration.”