Operational Due Diligence: Castle Hall Alternatives continues expansion, partners with the province of Nova Scotia to create up to 50 new positions

HALIFAX, March 22 /PRNewswire/ - Castle Hall Alternatives, the hedge fund industry's leading provider of operational due diligence, is expanding its business and plans to create up to 50 new positions in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

"Castle Hall offers investors a truly independent and unconflicted due diligence solution" said Chris Addy, Castle Hall's CEO. "As we look forward, we are delighted to partner with the Province of Nova Scotia to access an experienced and stable pool of accounting and investment talent to support our ongoing growth".

The province, through Nova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI), is working with Castle Hall Alternatives to provide a six-year payroll rebate to a maximum of $1,422,900, earned as the company creates positions. The province's assistance will help Castle Hall offset the costs associated with quickly expanding operations.

In addition, the company will receive up to $150,000 through the Department of Economic and Rural Development for training. Castle Hall Alternatives supports employee professional development both internally and through external accounting and investment qualifications and academic programs.

"We're proud to be investing in a company that sees the importance of training and fostering new graduates and young professionals in our province," said Bill Estabrooks, Acting Minister for Economic and Rural Development.

"Castle Hall's expansion builds on the financial services sector's impact by adding diversity and growth," said Stephen Lund, President and CEO of Nova Scotia Business, Inc. "There are few markets where an individual can work for a world leader in due diligence - and Nova Scotia is now one of them."

Managing Directors Gillian Scott and Lori Barton, both Chartered Accountants and CFA Charterholders, lead Castle Hall's presence in Nova Scotia. Both returned to the province after extensive careers in international finance outside Canada.

Lori Barton, previously Director, Hedge Fund Operational Due Diligence at Merrill Lynch in London, said "It is exciting to see the growth of the financial services sector in Nova Scotia. It is rewarding to be able to return and work with an international business serving some of the world's leading, institutional investors."

Nova Scotia is already home to a number of leading hedge fund administrators and, through its university program, produces a deep pool of graduates in accounting, finance and business each year. It was this talent base, along with province's reputation as a nexus for hedge fund operational expertise that attracted Castle Hall.

"We see a great strategic benefit in growing our business in Nova Scotia" said Mrs. Scott. "Castle Hall reviews several hundred hedge funds per year, driving our need for skilled and flexible employees. Investors are looking to partner with companies that can offer a stable team of knowledgeable professionals, and that talent pool is available to us in Nova Scotia."

Castle Hall Alternatives helps leading institutional investors, fund of funds, family offices and endowments identify and manage hedge fund operational risk. Castle Hall's team draws on more than 30 years of direct due diligence experience and is the industry's largest, dedicated provider of operational due diligence. More information is available at www.castlehallalternatives.com

Nova Scotia Business, Inc. is Nova Scotia's private-sector-led business development agency. NSBI is the investment attraction arm of the province and helps businesses in Nova Scotia meet growth potential through advisory services, trade development, financing and venture capital. Please visit www.novascotiabusiness.com/castlehall for more information.

SOURCE Nova Scotia Business Inc.