The launch of the Aberdeen Alternative Strategies Fund comes as part of Aberdeen's drive to build and diversify its solutions business. The fund is designed to provide returns that are not dependent on traditional asset markets, targeting positive diversification and improved risk-adjusted returns.

“Alternative investment strategies are becoming increasingly central to client portfolios and moving into the mainstream. This is why we have seen such strong demand for this fund,” said Aberdeen's global head of alternatives, Andrew McCaffery.

“Many investors are constrained by complexity, liquidity, transparency and regulation. It is this kind of investor that will look to solutions like the Aberdeen Alternative Strategies Fund to help diversify their portfolios.”

Aberdeen's 18-strong hedge funds team built the portfolio and selected alternative investment managers will run mandates within the fund. The hedge fund team is led by Russell Barlow, who reports directly to McCaffery.

The company said following the completion of the recently announced acquisitions of Arden Asset Management and Flag Capital Management, its alternatives platform will have assets under management of over $30 billion.