Anson Funds, a privately held alternative asset management company established in 2003, has navigated the global investment landscape with a focus on generating absolute returns through diverse strategies, including an increasing emphasis on shareholder activism.1 Understanding the key figures and the management structure of the firm provides crucial insight into its operational framework and the driving forces behind its investment decisions. While the recent Bloomberg Activism Forum highlighted the role of Sagar Gupta, Portfolio Manager leading the activism strategy, a broader view reveals a team of experienced individuals at the helm.2
At the apex of Anson Funds' management structure sits Moez Kassam, the Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer.3 Kassam is widely recognized as a leading figure in the Canadian financial sector, known for his often unconventional thinking and a multi-strategy approach to investment.4 As CIO, he holds ultimate responsibility for the firm's investment strategy, trading activities, and overall investment performance across its various funds.5 His vision and investment philosophy have been instrumental in shaping Anson Funds' trajectory and its reputation for delivering strong returns while maintaining a focus on low volatility and correlation to broader market indices.
Another key figure in the leadership team is Amin Nathoo, who serves as the Chief Executive Officer. In his role as CEO, Nathoo is responsible for the overall strategy, direction, and management of the business, alongside his involvement in investment strategy and performance. His academic background, holding an MBA with a focus on Finance from the Rotman School of Management and a Bachelor of Mathematics in Computer Science from the University of Waterloo, coupled with his CFA charter, underscores a strong foundation in both quantitative analysis and business management. Nathoo’s position highlights the firm's commitment to a robust operational framework alongside its investment expertise.
The investment team is further bolstered by experienced Portfolio Managers who oversee specific strategies.6 Michael Missaghie is the Portfolio Manager responsible for the Arch Anson Tactical Real Estate Fund.7 His deep understanding of global real estate equities and extensive management contacts within the sector are crucial for navigating the specific dynamics of REIT investing and implementing the fund's strategies, which include shorting overvalued REITs and taking an activist role in certain situations within the real estate sector.8
Salman Malik serves as a Portfolio Manager overseeing the Tactical Longs strategy within the Anson North Star Tactical Equity Fund.9 His extensive experience in finance and investment management, gained from his previous role at Barometer Asset Management, is vital for the fund’s long-biased approach, which focuses on identifying high-quality issuers with strong fundamentals and the potential for multiple expansion based on macroeconomic and market signals.
The recent focus on shareholder activism is spearheaded by Sagar Gupta, who joined Anson Funds in late 2023 as Portfolio Manager leading the activism strategy.10 His prior experience as the Head of TMT at Legion Partners, a dedicated activist investment firm, and his board experience with Momentive Global (SurveyMonkey) bring a specialized skillset to Anson’s engagement with portfolio companies. Gupta’s role, highlighted by his invitation to the Bloomberg Activism Forum, signifies a strategic emphasis on leveraging activism to unlock value within Anson’s investments.
Supporting these key figures is a team of Investment Analysts who contribute to the firm’s research and due diligence processes. Individuals like Janek Boski, Dean Capland, Nitish Dang, Thomas Park, and Josh Rosenblatt play crucial roles in identifying investment opportunities and providing in-depth analysis across various sectors and strategies.11 Their diverse academic backgrounds and experiences contribute to the robust research framework that underpins Anson Funds’ investment decisions.
In terms of structure, Anson Funds operates with a clear division of responsibilities, with Moez Kassam setting the overall investment direction, Amin Nathoo managing the business operations, and specialized Portfolio Managers leading specific investment strategies. The integration of a dedicated activism strategy, led by Sagar Gupta, represents a significant evolution in the firm’s approach to value creation. The collaborative efforts of the Portfolio Managers and the Investment Analyst team ensure a comprehensive and well-informed investment process across Anson Funds’ diverse portfolio.
The management structure of Anson Funds reflects a commitment to both top-down strategic direction and bottom-up fundamental research. The experience and expertise of its key figures, ranging from the Co-Founder and CIO to the specialized Portfolio Managers and the dedicated activism lead, underscore the firm’s multi-faceted approach to navigating the global investment landscape and delivering value to its investors. As Anson Funds continues to evolve, the leadership and collaborative structure of its management team will remain critical to its ongoing success and impact on the global financial markets.