Linda Mack of Mack International Leads Panel at Middle Eastern Family Office Symposium in Dubai, UAE

Linda Mack, Founder and President of Chicago-based Mack International, led a panel at the November 12-13 Middle Eastern Family Office Symposium produced by Opal Financial Group. The forum, held in Dubai, UAE, attracted high-net-worth individuals and family offices, private investors and asset managers from around the world.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) November 19, 2012 – Linda Mack, founder and president of Mack International, a premier retained executive search strategic family office consulting firm, led a panel discussion on November 12 during the Middle Eastern Family Office Symposium. More than 160 executives attended the event, held at the Park Hyatt Dubai, Dubai, UAE.

The Symposium, part of Opal Financial Group’s Private Wealth Series, is a premier event for high-net-worth individuals and family offices. Private investors and asset managers from around the globe gathered for two days of engaging discussions on the latest investment trends. The conference explored the challenges and opportunities associated with investing in emerging markets, alternative investments, real estate, global credit and fixed income markets along with numerous other asset types.

Linda C. Mack moderated the panel titled “Hedge Fund Selection – Style selection criteria– how to decide what works best for your family office.” The panelists were Silvia Flesia, Managing Director, IGA International Gulf Advisors, Jean-Marc Brisy Head of Alternatives, Even Keel Advisors LTD, and Dr. Steen Elhern, Managing Director, Ferguson Partners Family Office (MFO).

“Panelists described the criteria they use to successfully identify and select managers to meet investor needs and risk/return objectives, including the importance of benchmarks and how to use them effectively,” Mack explained. “While identifying and selecting successful managers with strong performance track records is important, panelists also described the due diligence processes that have enabled them to effectively identify and assess new, potential “star” managers,” said Mack. “The panel also discussed how they apply qualitative and quantitative risk assessment to hedge funds in a portfolio.”

Brisy shared a summary of overall trends and performance of hedge funds during the 2007-2011 period. In looking at the evolution of assets under management for various strategies during this timeframe, he noted, the clear winners in terms of inflows have been Macro and CTA strategies. The summary generated an active exchange of perspectives among the panelists regarding trends and specific strategies.

The Opal Financial Group Middle Eastern Family Office Symposium also featured sessions on government taxation and regulation, building and preserving family wealth, investment styles and strategies, corporate governance and family offices, opportunities associated with investing in emerging markets, alternative investments, real estate, global credit and fixed income markets along with numerous other asset types.

Mack International, LLC, headquartered in Chicago, is a global retained executive search and consulting firm serving clients in the family office/wealth management industry on a national and international basis. For more information, visit www.mackinternational.com or call 800.976.0015.