Should I stay in a boutique or move to a large fund?
I have graduated from college for 3 years and am working in a boutique US$150m equity hedge fund in Asia with good performance (our fund was nominated in several prominent HF awards). I have the chance to join one of the largest hedge fund group in the region as a research analyst. I told my boss and he offered me a small portfolio to manage plus a compensation matched to the larger firm. Below are the pros and cons of joining the larger fund, hope to get your advice also:
Pros
Broader Asian coverage to include other countries, while my current coverage is just one country.
Travel and relocation opportunities to other offices
Stronger brand name (One of top 5 HF group by AUM in Asia vs a boutique which is not well known)
More multicultural environment (maybe a plus for b-school application)
Cons
Would take a long time to have the chance to manage portfolio (while I can manage a small one now if I stay)
More freedom in terms of idea generation (my boss is open to different strategies), while the bigger fund has more rigid strategy and mindset