Cantor Fitzgerald has agreed to acquire O’Connor, UBS Asset Management’s single-manager hedge fund, private credit, and commodities platform, managing $11bn across six strategies. 

The transaction, expected to close in Q4 2025, marks a major strategic move for Cantor Fitzgerald Asset Management (CFAM) as it deepens its capabilities in differentiated alternative investments.

Under the deal, O’Connor’s investment and support teams will transition to CFAM, where the business will operate as a distinct platform reporting to William Ferri, Global Head of CFAM. Ferri, a founding member of O’Connor, brings deep familiarity with the business from his 25-year tenure at UBS. O’Connor is currently led by Global Head Blake Hiltabrand.

Brandon Lutnick, Chairman of Cantor Fitzgerald, described the acquisition as “transformational” for CFAM, underscoring the firm’s commitment to scaling in high-growth alternatives. “With our leadership team’s deep familiarity with O’Connor, we are well-positioned to build on the business’s strong foundation and drive its next phase of growth,” he said.

UBS AM will continue offering O’Connor’s capabilities to institutional, high-net-worth, and wealth management clients, subject to due diligence and oversight. Post-transaction, UBS AM will manage approximately $440bn in alternative assets across its global alternatives, real assets, and credit investments businesses.

UBS AM President Aleksandar Ivanovic said the sale aligns with the firm’s strategy to focus on areas where it can achieve scale and maximise investor value. “We remain committed to delivering differentiated alternatives capabilities that drive results,” he added.

CFAM currently manages $14.8bn across interval funds, ETFs, and non-traded REITs. The acquisition of O’Connor positions CFAM as a stronger player in the hedge fund space, with a particular focus on relative value strategies and risk management.

Source: CityWire

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