Credit Suisse is expanding its global Hedge Fund Advisory service, which was initially launched in the UK in 2005 to serve ultra high net worth private banking clients and family offices,

Credit Suisse is expanding its global Hedge Fund Advisory service, which was initially launched in the UK in 2005 to serve ultra high net worth private banking clients and family offices, to additionally serve the Bank's private banking clients around the world.

Craig Lewis will lead the new global team. He will be based in London and report to Steve Smith, Head of Funds and Alternative Solutions. Lewis said: 'When you have such a strong hedge fund franchise, whether in the areas of manager selection, index strategies, or hedge fund incubation, it makes sense to share this with as many clients as possible, both on an advisory as well as discretionary basis. Our confidence in Credit Suisse's ability to continue to excel in this area comes not just from the firm's formidable resources and management commitment, but also the experience and professionalism of our key industry experts such as Ed Robertiello, Eleonore Dachicourt, Salvatore Cordaro and Christof Schmidhuber, who I am fortunate to be joining.'

The Hedge Fund Advisory service, a joint initiative between Credit Suisse's Private Banking and Asset Management businesses, will provide clients with access to some of the world's leading hedge funds and strategies. It will also feature comprehensive due diligence and bespoke fund and strategy advice that takes into consideration the individual risk/return requirements and preferences of each client.

The Asset Management business of Credit Suisse, with its resources and expertise in hedge funds, will develop and deliver the Hedge Fund Advisory services to clients of the Private Bank. Credit Suisse has over GBP 62 billion in assets under management in alternative investments.

Steve Smith, Head of Funds and Alternative Solutions said: 'The client base and attitude towards hedge funds is changing, and client demand for access and advice relating to hedge funds is expanding rapidly.  Both institutions and private clients are looking for advisory services and customized solutions, and Credit Suisse is now able to offer this service to high net worth clients globally.  I am delighted that Craig will be heading this team, as he has a wealth of experience, not only in building investment platforms but also in Private Banking, our key partner in this "One-Bank" initiative.'