Singapore-based systematic hedge fund Quantedge is emerging as one of the industry’s strongest performers in 2026, combining market-leading returns with an unconventional talent strategy that focuses on recruiting graduates rather than experienced portfolio managers, according to a report by eFinancial Careers. Rather than competing in the increasingly expensive market for established portfolio managers, Quantedge has built its investment team by recruiting almost exclusively from universities. Zainul-Abidin said Quantedge views hiring as a long-term investment, aiming to provide employees with careers that can span decades rather than focusing on short-term performance. Employees are eventually able to invest in Quantedge’s funds themselves, allowing them to benefit directly from the firm’s long-term performance, although withdrawals are subject to restrictions designed to encourage long-term capital growth. The firm’s investment process is built around broad diversification, trading roughly 300 global markets across asset classes, including around 50 commodity markets.