Singapore's central bank is consulting hedge fund executives on ways to tighten the regulatory regime for the state's burgeoning alternative investment industry.
The informal talks reflect the Monetary Authority of Singapore's determination to demonstrate effective oversight of the financial services industry in the light of political concerns in Europe and the US about the role of lightly regulated sectors in the global financial crisis.
Industry executives believe the informal talks will be followed by a formal consultation paper paving the way for fresh legislation governing the exempt sector, which accounts for the vast majority of Singapore hedge funds.