US-based financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald has agreed to acquire the O’Connor alternatives investment platform from Swiss lender UBS for an undisclosed price.
This acquisition involves approximately $11bn in hedge funds, private credit, and commodities assets. It aims to enhance Cantor Fitzgerald’s asset management capabilities and support growth across its core business areas.
Once the transaction is finalised, O’Connor will be integrated into Cantor Fitzgerald Asset Management (CFAM) as a separate entity.
The investment and support teams from O’Connor will join CFAM, reporting to William Ferri, global head of CFAM and former UBS executive.
Ferri said: “Acquiring the O’Connor business is a transformative opportunity for CFAM to deliver world-class hedge fund, private credit, and commodities investments to clients globally.
“We believe our knowledge of and experience with O’Connor uniquely positions us to grow this business, focusing on attracting and retaining investment talent, investing in a flexible, unconstrained operating platform, and delivering attractive risk adjusted outcomes and best-in-class client service.”
UBS O’Connor, with over 25 years of experience, specialises in managing assets for institutional and ultra-high-net-worth clients with a focus on hedge fund, private credit, and commodities strategies. The acquisition includes six investment strategies currently managed by O’Connor.
As part of the agreement, CFAM and UBS Asset Management will establish a long-term commercial relationship. O’Connor’s offerings will continue to be available to UBS Global Wealth Management clients after completing customary due diligence.
UBS expects to see an immaterial gain upon the transaction’s conclusion.
UBS asset management president Aleksandar Ivanovic “Our priority has been to select a buyer with complementary capabilities, culture and leadership team.
“We believe that Cantor Fitzgerald is strongly placed to take the O’Connor business forward.”
The initial closing is anticipated in Q4 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
