This Morning, Representatives of the Hedge Fund Association (IHFA) Opened Trading on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange

This morning (November 11, 2026), the CEO and board members of the Israel Hedge Fund Association (IHFA) opened trading on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE) in a opening  bell ceremony marking the the Association's 13th Annual International Conference.

More than 100 hedge fund managers from Israel and abroad attended the ceremony, including CEOs and founders of some of the largest and most influential hedge funds in the world. Their participation reflects the importance of the linkage between the Israeli investment industry and the international financial community. Alongside senior industry figures, new immigrants from the investment field who chose to join the Israeli industry also took part.

The ceremony was accompanied by Agam Berger, a former hostage in captivity, playing the violin in a moving moment that carried a message of unity, hope and faith in a better future.

After the ceremony, the 13th Annual International Conference of the Association opened at the TASE conference center, with hundreds of representatives from the hedge fund industry and from the Israeli and international capital markets. Participants included managers of local and international hedge funds, institutional investors from Israel and abroad, representatives of multi-family offices, law and accounting firms, local and foreign banks, investment houses, trustees, administrators and other professionals in the industry.

The conference was opened by Bank of Israel Governor Prof. Amir Yaron, with a lecture on "The Israeli Economy – Challenges and Opportunities".

Natalie Raz, CEO of the Israel Hedge Fund Association, said: "The hedge fund industry in Israel continues to develop, innovate and create value, even in a complex economic and security reality. Today, about 260 hedge funds operate in Israel, managing together about NIS 65 billion. The industry relies on professional human capital, knowledge and experience, and is an important part of the development of the Israeli capital market.

We see great importance in deepening ties and cooperation with the global hedge fund industry. The participation at the conference of managers of leading funds from around the world, alongside professionals who chose to immigrate to Israel and join the local industry, reflects the growing connection between Israel and the world's investment centers, and the confidence in the ability of the Israeli hedge fund industry to continue to develop, renew itself and grow.

Hedge funds bring to the capital market expertise, managerial flexibility and diverse investment strategies. They contribute to the development of an advanced capital market, to encouraging innovation and to job creation. I believe that the continued development of the industry is of great importance for strengthening the Israeli capital market and expanding financial activity in Israel.

We are proud of the Israeli hedge fund industry and of the people who lead it. We will continue to work in cooperation with the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange and with all parties in the capital market to advance initiatives that will strengthen the industry and contribute to the growth and resilience of the Israeli economy."

Ittai Ben Zeev, TASE : "The current period requires, more than ever, deepening the cooperation between TASE and the hedge fund industry. The funds are key partners in developing the Israeli capital market and connecting it to international markets, thanks to the expertise, diverse investment strategies and connections they bring with them. Over the past year, the TASE has become more attractive to international investors, among other things following the successful transition to trading Monday through Friday, in line with the standard accepted in global markets. Deepening the relationship with hedge funds in Israel and abroad is an essential part of expanding the participation of international investors in the local capital market, broadening the investor base and deepening liquidity. We view the hedge fund industry as a long-term partner, and we will continue to work together to strengthen the Israeli capital market and deepen its connection to international markets."

In the photo: Natalie Raz, CEO of the Israel Hedge FundAssociation; Max Krapel and Lior Segev, representing the Association's board members; Agam Berger, a former hostage in captivity; Ittai Ben Zeev, CEO of the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, and members of the Association's board.

 

Credit: Erez Uzir, free of charge.