The financial diplomat

Bruce McGuire, the head of the Connecticut Hedge Fund Association, fosters greater cooperation between the asset management and hedge fund sectors in the United States and China

As president and founder of Connecticut Hedge Fund Association (CTHFA), a Greenwich-based association that represents the world's second largest hedge fund center, Bruce McGuire has been playing a key role in developing China's asset management industry.

Chinese authorities have of late been increasing their efforts in developing and supporting the industry in a bid to spur local economic growth and attract financial talent. But with the country's hedge fund scene still in a nascent stage, professionals from the sector have been eager to learn from foreign experts such as McGuire.

Back in 2011 when Chinese authorities were looking to build the country's first investment management commercial park, McGuire was the one who helped organize a trip that brought a delegation from Shanghai's Fengxian district to Greenwich, Connecticut, to learn more about the industry.

The American's name has since been making its way around circles interested in developing investment management hubs in China and he has also helped delegations from other Chinese cities such as Beijing and Shanghai with their visits to CTHFA too.

Founded in 2004 in Greenwich, a vibrant hub in the United States that is home to some 380 hedge funds with combined assets worth $350 billion, CTHFA has evolved from a group of Goldman Sachs Asset Management alumni members looking to network to an organization with around 3,000 members.

What makes the association appealing to members is the synergy it creates by bringing members together to push forward development of alternative investment approaches through quarterly symposiums which serve as an educational forum and a networking opportunity for professionals, said McGuire.

In addition, asset management professionals are attracted by the town's proximity to financial hubs in New York and its high yet affordable standard of living.