KPMG has brought its hedge fund, real estate and infrastructure businesses together in an 'Alternative Investment Group'. Tony Rocker, the head of the new unit, said that the alternative investment market is at a turning point. 'The demand for assets and investment opportunities means the barriers between traditionally separate sectors are breaking down. Hedge funds and private equity groups are increasingly looking at investing in physical assets such as real estate and infrastructure. Both these sectors are experiencing tremendous inflows of capital from institutional investors seeking investment performance'.

KPMG has brought its hedge fund, real estate and infrastructure businesses together in an 'Alternative Investment Group'. Tony Rocker, the head of the new unit, said that the alternative investment market is at a turning point. 'The demand for assets and investment opportunities means the barriers between traditionally separate sectors are breaking down. Hedge funds and private equity groups are increasingly looking at investing in physical assets such as real estate and infrastructure. Both these sectors are experiencing tremendous inflows of capital from institutional investors seeking investment performance'.

Noting that the real estate and infrastructure sectors are massive inflows of capital from institutional investors seeking investment performance, Rocker said KPMG expects to quadruple its business in this area within three years. 'In infrastructure in particular, demand for assets outstrips supply. While we see the potential for a minor price correction in the more mature markets, new growth opportunities exist in the US, Canada and Europe to fuel demand and the definition of infrastructure is being stretched ever further to create investment grade product.'

The newly formed unit includes staff from KPMG’s corporate finance, tax, transaction services, audit and advisory practices.