LSE targets hedge funds

Specialist market launched for hedge funds and private-equity vehicles

The London Stock Exchange announced last week it is to launch a new market for hedge funds and private-equity vehicles. The Specialist Fund Market (SFM) is designed to provide an alternative to the heavily regulated Main Market and the less-prestigious AIM index. The LSE says the new market will meet demand from both issuers and professional investors for a regulated London market that can provide the flexibility specialist vehicles want. But how successful is this venture likely to be? Steven Whittaker, financial markets partner at law firm Simmons & Simmons, pointed out that the Specia...