There was a palpable air of excitement at the 5th Amsterdam Investor Forum, hosted by ABN AMRO AMRO Clearing at the bank's headquarters on 17 February 2016. This was the biggest event yet with approximately 280 attendees, of whom 42 per cent were institutional investors and FoHFs, 40 per cent were single hedge fund managers, and 18 per cent were service providers including hedge fund consultants. 

During the course of the day, a wide range of engaging panel discussions provided insights on some of the key trends and issues shaping Europe's hedge fund industry. And judging by the level of networking over canapés and cocktails at the end of the day, investor interest in hedge funds remains firmly upbeat. 


In his opening address, Gildas Le Treut, Global Director Prime, ABN AMRO Clearing, asked what new trends and turmoil would emerge in 2016 on the back of an eventful 2015. 


"We saw pressure on the Euro, a potential Grexit, geopolitical tension with the Ukraine situation, negative interest rates, China Black MondayºTuesdayºWednesday, and regulatory pressure on the entire industry. There's no doubt, in my opinion, that 2016 will likewise bring new challenges and opportunities," said Le Treut. 


Delphine Amzallag (pictured), European Head of Relationship Management Prime, ABN AMRO Clearing, added: "This year's Amsterdam Investor Forum covered many diverse topics that affect and challenge us every day. We were pleased to see it so well attended and delighted to foster so many lively discussions and passionate debates. It was a meeting place for questions to get answered and opinions to be shared." 


Over the coming pages, the following key themes from the Forum will be detailed:


• A global macroeconomic outlook;
• Investor considerations in a low yield environment; 
• Investment strategy perspectives; 
• The regulatory cycle.