ASK Hedge Solutions, part of the Blackstone-backed ASK Asset & Wealth Management Group, has announced the launch of its second fund - the ASK Index Plus Fund, a Category III Alternative Investment Fund (AIF). This first-of-its-kind offering combines factor-based long-only equity exposure with an actively managed quant-based long-short strategy aimed at delivering superior risk-adjusted returns for sophisticated investors.

With a minimum subscription of Rs 1 crore, the ASK Index Plus Fund offers a unique opportunity for investors to optimise their large-cap equity allocations with better downside mitigation. 

The fund offers a dual advantage of participating in the fastest-growing Indian economy through an index with an overlay of dynamic alpha generation. The long-only portfolio is focused on momentum and low-volatility stocks of NSE-managed factor indices coupled with an actively managed trend following a quant-based long-short strategy using Index derivatives. The ASK Index Plus Fund eliminates emotional biases with the rule-based framework, setting a new standard for modern portfolio management in India.

Commenting on the new fund launch, Vaibhav Sanghavi, CEO of ASK Hedge Solutions, said, “The ASK Index Plus Fund is one of a kind in the Indian investment landscape, making it a unique offering which combines systematic factor-based investing with an actively managed quant long-short strategy under a Category III AIF structure.