Marketing strategies for Malta to become a hedge fund hub : opportunities and challenges

Abstract

The dissertation was inspired by the promising financial services sector in Malta and in particular the hedge fund industry. The growth of the hedge fund sector is strong and steady. The study looks at the business concept of managing this growth to ensure that the hedge industry in Malta develops into an internationally recognised hub that can compete with other international highly reputable jurisdictions. As an exploratory study, the dissertation was able to develop due to the secondary and primary data collected. Extensive research from trade journals written by industry insiders formed the basis of the study. As for primary research, interviews were conducted with different companies in the hedge fund sector. The primary research was supportive to the secondary research. It allowed for a clear understanding of where the Maltese hedge fund sector is currently. Academic literature relating to marketing and strategy was integrated with an understanding of business hubs. An analyses of the hedge fund industry locally, as well as of other competing jurisdictions and international financial centres was carried out. The development of a hub in a location needs a concentration of business activity. Although Malta has become a strong and reputable hedge fund jurisdiction, more visibility is needed. The link between hub development in Malta involves the management of business activity and the supporting infrastructure as well as the advancement of the local hedge fund scene on an international level. Finally the Maltese identity must also become more evident. The study concludes with a number of recommendations and a proposed marketing strategy model. The aim behind this is to outline the building blocks that such a strategy would need to further Malta's position in the