Cheyne Capital hires top MS trader to lead equity expansion

The move comes a few weeks after the firm recruited Chris Goekjian, the head of fund of funds group AltEdge and the former CEO of Credit Suisse Financial Products, as its new chief investment officer in a move that signalled the firm's desire to expand its range of investment products.

Jorge Giampaoli is joining the firm as partner and portfolio manager of the new Cheyne Equity Macro Fund - a new launch for Cheyne that will follow a short-term, liquid, macro-based equity trading strategy.

Giampaoli, a 39-year-old Argentinian, joins from Morgan Stanley where he worked for the past eight years - most recently in charge of propriety trading for European equities.

Said Goekjian: "This is an exciting step for Cheyne to be taking - broadening its equities offerings as well as providing extremely liquid strategies to fit with current investor demand."

Co-founder and chief executive Lourie added: "We are very happy to have attracted such a high-quality and successful trader to Cheyne. This is an important strategic addition to our diversified investment proposition at this time of change in the industry."

Since its launch by Lourie and Fiertz - both of whom also formerly worked at Morgan Stanley - back in 2000, originally as a convertible bond specialist, Cheyne has developed into one of the most innovative and diversified alternative asset managers in Europe.

Much of its focus in recent years has been on corporate credit and derivative-related strategies, although the firm also runs a number of equity-focused and special situation strategies.

Cheyne launched its first fund in 2000 and now manages net assets of more than $6 billion across a diversified range of products. The group currently employs approximately 170 people with its primary offices being located in London, New York, and Bermuda

Cheyne Capital is one of Europe's leading alternative asset managers. Cheyne Capital Management (UK) LLP is authorised and regulated by the UK FSA and, along with other parts of the group, is a registered investment adviser with the US SEC.