Advice 'essential' for retail FAIFs - F&C

The regulator yesterday proposed allowing retail consumers access to retail funds of hedge funds and other alternative investments, increasing the likelihood the products could be included in portfolios by the end of the year. However, the FSA also appeared to suggest such products should only be distributed with financial advice. Francois Barthelemy, head of fund of hedge funds at F&C, agrees with that sentiment, saying the complicated style of the investments would require additional advice. “There is certainly a place for hedge funds in the portfolios of retail investors,” he says. “...