The CEO of the Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA), Jack Inglis, emphasized that China's market remains indispensable due to its vast scale, continuous innovation, and dynamic nature. Speaking at the China Asset Management Forum 2025 in Hong Kong, Inglis reaffirmed AIMA's unwavering commitment to China despite market fluctuations.

**Deepening Engagement in China** Inglis revealed that AIMA expanded into mainland China around 12 years ago at the request of its Hong Kong members. The association established a close partnership with the Asset Management Association of China (AMAC), becoming the first international organization to sign a memorandum of understanding with AMAC. Over the years, AIMA has hosted seven forums globally to promote China's asset management industry.

Inglis noted that AIMA increasingly supports Chinese managers expanding overseas, particularly in Hong Kong. He highlighted China's skilled talent pool and evolving private fund sector, which is aligning with international operational standards—a key area where AIMA adds value.

**Institutionalization as a Pillar of Success** AIMA, representing over 2,000 members across 60+ countries, focuses on hedge funds, private equity, real estate, and digital assets. Inglis stressed that institutional-grade operations and compliance frameworks are critical for long-term success, especially as assets under management grow.

AIMA provides resources like due diligence questionnaires, valuation guidelines, and cybersecurity updates to help members meet global investor and regulatory expectations. Inglis cited valuation alignment, operational management, and cybersecurity as top priorities for sound practices.

**Capital Flows Favor Alternatives** Amid macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties, investors are shifting toward alternative assets like hedge funds, particularly strategies with low public-market correlation (e.g., quantitative market-neutral and global macro). EY projects the global alternatives industry could grow from $22 trillion to $30 trillion by 2030.

**Alternatives Enter the Mainstream** From its origins in hedge funds 35 years ago, AIMA now spans private credit, infrastructure, and more. Institutional allocations to alternatives—reaching ~30% for some North American pensions—reflect their mainstream status. Despite strong equity performances in markets like Japan and the U.S., alternatives serve as vital diversifiers.

**Sustainable Growth in Private Credit** AIMA’s Deputy CEO Jiří Król highlighted private credit’s rapid expansion, with projections of a $7 trillion market. The Alternative Credit Council (ACC) advocates for regulatory easing and product innovation, such as replicating U.S. BDC models globally. Król dismissed bubble concerns, citing attractive returns for insurers and growing retail participation.

The trend is further evidenced by traditional asset managers acquiring private credit firms, solidifying alternatives' role in diversified portfolios.