Private Equity

Blackstone Winner
For its dominance in the private equity space with $100 billion in assets under management—and for continually showing excellence in real estate under Jack Gray.

Pantheon
For its “dedicated and established” efforts in primary, secondary, and co-investment programs in private equity, infrastructure, and real assets—and its pioneering approach to ESG risk management “both pre- and post-investment.”

Hedge Funds

AQR
For continued excellence in hedge funds, as well as increasing dominance in liquid alternative strategies for institutional clients–and for Founder Cliff Asness’ active participation in industry discussions on factor-timing.

Marshall Wace Winner
For being an early mover in using ‘big data.’ “Marshall Wace has been doing it for over a decade in their proprietary systematic investment process,” one nominator says. Also for staying “true to their origins,” with continued development in more traditional equity long/short strategies.

Two Sigma
For its continued development of big data- and technology-focused products and hiring allocator talent such as Karyn Williams (formerly of Farmers Insurance). It’s “also innovative in pushing the client-service model forward,” says a nominator.

Real Assets

Pantheon Winner
For raising nearly $1 billion in committed capital in its real assets strategy—and expanding its team accordingly with natural resources experts. Also for its continued work in “tailor-made” strategic partnerships with institutional clients.

TIAA
For appropriately creating a standalone real assets platform to expand its efforts in global real estate, agriculture, timber, infrastructure, and energy—and adopt a more nimble investment approach.