The first half of 2025 has delivered a turbulent but opportunity-rich environment for hedge funds across APAC. With diverging monetary policies, China’s slow recovery, and shifting geopolitical dynamics, fund performance has become increasingly tied to one critical factor: access to the right talent.
From Singapore and Hong Kong to Sydney, firms aren’t just managing volatility — they’re competing to hire the specialists who can turn macro uncertainty into alpha.
Here are the key forces shaping hedge fund performance and hiring across the region this year.
Unlike previous cycles, APAC central banks are no longer moving in lockstep with the US Federal Reserve.
BoJ continues ultra-low rates
RBA is signalling the first steps toward cuts
PBoC is easing to stimulate growth
This divergence is generating cross-border volatility, increasing the need for macro traders, quantitative strategists, and risk managers who can interpret rate differentials and exploit dislocations across currencies, bonds, and derivatives.
Funds are actively seeking candidates who can build cross-regional models — particularly those with experience in Japan, Australia, and China policy mechanics.
Despite market headwinds, one challenge has remained constant: specialist talent is scarce.
Across major hubs, we’re seeing intense competition for the same core profiles:
Senior quant researchers & portfolio managers
Macro economists with global policy expertise
Risk and treasury professionals
Total compensation for experienced individuals now frequently ranges between USD $200K–$400K+, reflecting the premium placed on proven performers.
In 2025, employer reputation, decision-making speed, and culture have become just as important as compensation in winning top-tier hires.
China’s ongoing property market pressures and slower growth have injected both caution and opportunity into regional strategies.
Yet some funds are thriving:
Quantedge delivered +8.3% in August
Dymon Asia is +8% year-to-date
This divergence has increased demand for equity analysts and macro specialists with deep China exposure, especially those able to interpret PBoC interventions and sector-level risk.
Geopolitical and trade dynamics - from US–China technology restrictions to tensions in the South China Sea - are forcing hedge funds to rethink portfolio construction.
Firms are hiring analysts who can combine:
Sector knowledge (e.g. semiconductors, defence, supply chains)
Geopolitical forecasting
Scenario-based risk modelling
Geopolitical fluency has become a differentiator - not just an added bonus.
Regulatory intensity is increasing across all major markets:
MAS (Singapore): tighter liquidity & AML oversight
HKMA (Hong Kong): enhanced derivatives reporting
AUSTRAC (Australia): stricter transaction monitoring
Simultaneously, nearly 1 in 4 global investors are considering switching managers in 2025 due to performance or risk concerns.
As a result, hedge funds are investing heavily in compliance, operational risk, and investor relations talent, understanding that operational resilience is now a core investment criteria.
Global hedge fund AUM reached $4.5 trillion in 2024, and allocators continue to view APAC as a key diversification play.
However, performance across the region is uneven, leading to heavier competition in strategic hubs:
Hong Kong remains the most active hiring market
Singapore attracts systematic and multi-strat funds
Sydney retains strength in macro and commodities strategies
Funds that can marry strong performance with elite talent pipelines are securing the largest capital inflows.
2025 has proven that it isn’t strategy alone that drives returns — it’s people. The hedge funds outperforming this year are those investing early in specialist talent, from quantitative research to macro risk.
At Tribus, we partner with hedge funds, prop trading firms, and multi-strats across APAC to secure the professionals who make the difference between volatility and opportunity.
If you’re building a team — or exploring your next move — we’d be happy to connect.
Greg Moore is the Founder of Tribus, specialising in recruitment for hedge funds, proprietary trading firms, and quantitative investment teams across the APAC region.
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