The evolution of hedge fund performance: From enhancer to diversifier

How is the role of hedge funds evolving? In this episode of Making Sense, John Schlegel, head of the Global Data Assets and Alpha Group for Prime Financial Services, sits down with Kumar Panja, head of the Capital Advisory Group for EMEA, to unpack what they’re seeing across hedge funds in 2026. From regional outperformance to the strategies attracting fresh capital, they explore how institutional allocators increasingly frame hedge funds as portfolio diversifiers, not simply return enhancers. They look at the debate around leverage and crowding, as well as the growing trend toward “investor innovation” using portfolio leverage and custom baskets to manage exposures. They also touch on how current macro dynamics relate to hedge fund positioning.

This episode was recorded on October 1, 2026.

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