05.29.2025

Cantor Fitzgerald Buys UBS’s O’Connor Alts Platform

05.29.2025
Cantor Fitzgerald Buys UBS’s O’Connor Alts Platform
  • O’Connor will add approximately $11 billion AUM in hedge funds, private credit, and commodities to Cantor Fitzgerald’s Asset Management platform
  • Acquisition underscores Cantor Fitzgerald’s commitment to accelerating growth across its core businesses

Cantor Fitzgerald, a leading global financial services firm, announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire UBS’s O’Connor alternatives investment platform, which includes hedge funds, private credit and commodities, with approximately $11 billion in invested assets. This acquisition will significantly bolster Cantor Fitzgerald’s Asset Management (“CFAM”) capabilities and supports the Company’s broader growth efforts across its core businesses, including Cantor, its premier global investment bank.

Upon closing, the investment and support teams will move to Cantor Fitzgerald, and O’Connor will operate as a distinct alternatives business within CFAM. O’Connor will report to William (“Bill”) Ferri, Global Head of CFAM, who was a 25-year veteran of UBS and founding member of its O’Connor business. As part of the agreement, CFAM and UBS AM will establish a long-term commercial arrangement. O’Connor capabilities will continue to be offered to UBS Global Wealth Management clients, subject to customary due diligence and monitoring, as well as to institutional and high net worth clients globally.

“The acquisition of O’Connor is transformational for our asset management business and demonstrates our commitment to investing in attractive growth businesses,” said Brandon Lutnick, Chairman of Cantor Fitzgerald. “With our leadership team’s deep familiarity with O’Connor, we are well-positioned to build upon the business’s strong foundation and drive its next phase of growth.”

“We see this as a high-conviction investment in our future—a bold step forward as we expand our reach and double down on delivering meaningful impact and services to our clients,” said Kyle Lutnick, Executive Vice Chairman of Cantor Fitzgerald.

“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,” said Bill Ferri, Head of Cantor Fitzgerald Asset Management. “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 is a leading alternatives platform with a storied brand and more than 25 years of institutional trading experience, managing assets for institutional and ultra-high-net-worth clients. Specializing in hedge fund, private credit, and commodities strategies, O’Connor emphasizes relative value investing and risk management.

“Our priority has been to select a buyer with complementary capabilities, culture and leadership team,” said Aleksandar Ivanovic, President UBS Asset Management. “We believe that Cantor Fitzgerald is strongly placed to take the O’Connor business forward.”

“This marks a pivotal new chapter for our business,” said Blake Hiltabrand, Global Head of O’Connor. “As a cornerstone of Cantor Fitzgerald’s alternative investment platform, the O’Connor team is excited about the opportunity to invest in and expand our capabilities while staying true to our roots as fundamental investors.”

The initial close of the transaction is expected during the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Cantor Fitzgerald and UBS will work closely together to ensure a seamless transition for O’Connor professionals and clients.

Source: Cantor Fitzgerald

Cantor’s Bitcoin Financing Business Fully Operational; Executes Initial Trades Throughout May

Cantor, a premier investment bank, announced its Bitcoin Financing Business has successfully executed its first transactions. The business, which expects to make available up to $2 billion of financing in its initial phase, provides leverage to institutional investors who hold Bitcoin, bringing scale, structure, and sophistication to the digital asset industry.

“Early on, Cantor recognized the transformative impact digital asset financial services would have on the global economy,” said Brandon Lutnick, Chairman of Cantor Fitzgerald. “This achievement highlights how the combination of Cantor’s deep expertise and entrepreneurial spirit creates a distinct advantage on Wall Street and further solidifies our position as a leading investment bank for crypto and digital asset clients.”

“These transactions mark a milestone for Cantor and the traditional finance industry, and demonstrate how innovative institutional expertise can unlock capital and deliver sophisticated financing solutions for institutional Bitcoin investors,” said Christian Wall, Co-Chief Executive Office and Global Head of Fixed Income at Cantor. “Institutions holding Bitcoin are looking to broaden their access to diverse funding sources, and we are excited to support their liquidity needs to help them drive long term growth and success.”

Cantor’s Bitcoin Financing Business was built to meet rigorous security, transparency, and reliability standards. Cantor partnered with digital asset custodians, Anchorage Digital and Copper.co, to safeguard client assets with their proven security architecture.

Source: Cantor Fitzgerald

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