London-based hedge fund manager Trafalgar Capital Management has set up a joint venture in the Australasian market as part of its strategy to grow the business in the region.

The joint venture, Trafalgar Copley, was formed with New Zealand-based David Copley, who is currently First New Zealand Capital (FNZC) head of securities.

The new company will be headed up by Copley as managing director and chief investment officer and Trafalgar Capital chief executive Chris Aarons.

Trafalgar Copley plans to launch equity long/short and credit products into Australia and New Zealand later this year.

"Chris and I are looking forward to working together on this exciting and innovative project," Copley said.

He said hedge fund products were poised to grow further in the New Zealand market given new legislative changes.

"Later this year, New Zealand intends to make significant legislative changes, which we believe are extremely exciting for the development of, and local investment in, hedge fund products," he said.

Trafalgar Copley has also established a global advisory board. The board will include New York-based Andrew Edelmann, head of private banking Merrill Lynch; Rodney Jones, a former managing director of Soros Funds Management in Hong Kong; and Rod Campbell, chief executive of a New Zealand family office.

Former Australian opposition leader and Australian ambassador to the USA Andrew Peacock will also be part of the panel.