Colliers International, Hong Kong

GFI Colliers, the joint venture between GFI Group and Colliers International, announced today that it has brokered the first long-dated Asian OTC property derivative option in Hong Kong.  The trade, between Goldman Sachs and Lehman Brothers Global Real Estate Group, was based on The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island Residential Price Index (HKU-HRPI).  This index, created with derivatives in mind, tracks general residential price movement on Hong Kong Island.

Guy Saidenberg, Managing Director and Head of Asia Exotics Trading, Goldman Sachs, said, "This trade is the first long-dated risk transfer through Hong Kong property derivatives and highlights Goldman Sachs commitment to this asset class in the region."

Mark Gabbay, Managing Director and Co-Head of Lehman Brothers Global Real Estate Group in Hong Kong said, "We're pleased to have executed this tailored option trade which is the first of its kind in the region.  We view this as a key transaction in our risk management strategy for the real estate asset class which provides a relatively quick and cost efficient way to manage exposure.  We look forward to also working with other counterparties to further expand the product applications."

"This trade demonstrates the value of property derivatives in managing risk for traditional property investors.  This is a significant deal, which highlights the versatility of a product in uncertain times in global real estate returns," said Stephen Moore, Head of GFI Colliers in Hong Kong.  "It is also a testament to the reliability of the Hong Kong University indices and how accurately they reflect market movement."
 
Property derivatives are bi-lateral financial contracts based on direct property indices.  They allow investors instantaneous access to direct property returns, mimicking the purchase of commercial or residential property.  Furthermore, they are a risk management tool, hedging the market return of property while maintaining ownership of the asset, a key feature for many portfolio managers.

Property derivative options are contracts that entitle not obligate the holder to buy or sell a property derivative contract and hence the property indices, at a future date.

About GFI Colliers

GFI Colliers is a Hong Kong  property derivatives joint venture between Colliers International and GFI Group Inc (www.gfigroup.com). GFI Group is a leading inter-dealer broker specializing in over-the-counter derivative products and related securities. The venture provides broking services to banks, funds and property companies. A Hong Kong residential property index, created by Professor K W Chau of University of Hong Kong's Real Estate and Construction Department and based on repeat sales, supports the market.

Contact Information

Mr. Stephen Moore
Head – Asia Pacific Property Derivatives
GFI Colliers
Tel: 2822 0760
steve.moore@gficolliers.com

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