Aura Group (‘Aura’) has announced the appointment of industry veteran, Damien Hatfield, as its new Executive Director, Aura Alternative Assets. Damien will be responsible for launching several funds over the next 18 months.

“I am excited to be working with this dynamic group to bring more choice in alternative investments to the local investor market and assist in further expanding Aura’s international footprint.”

“The local market is transforming into a global center as the Australian superannuation pension market is one of the largest in the world. This large asset base deserves the best alternative investment ideas available and that need attracted me to Aura’s innovative approach and fund products” said Damien Hatfield.

Damien has worked with many of the early hedge fund entrants and alternative investment managers in Australia and overseas. In the early years he was responsible for setting up a Hedge Funds-of-Funds operation at Colonial First State and was the Head of Hedge Funds at Pengana Capital responsible for launching Pengana Managers. He subsequently joined Ascalon representing their suite of managers and introduced third party distribution to the business. Damien represented a number of global and domestic managers including Ramius, Kapstream, Mariner Group, and Caliburn Capital (UK). Over the last two decades Damien has raised in excess of $4 billion in AUM.

His pioneering work in growing this sector saw him inducted into the Australian Hedge Fund Industry Hall of Fame.

Damien was the founding Chairman of the Australian Chapter of the UK-based Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA).

“Damien’s deep experience in alternative assets and strong investor relationships will be invaluable as Aura drives its growth in funds under management and expands its portfolio of fund managers and products” said Aura Group co-founder and Managing Director Eric Chan.

About Aura Group

Aura Group is a global financial services business focused on wealth management, funds management and corporate advisory capabilities with offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Singapore, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City.