The NIR Group -- an alternative investment firm that manages a variety of strategies including direct equity investments, commodities, structured finance, and real estate -- has opened an office in Singapore headed by Shoham Cohen.

Cohen, managing director for Asian operations, is responsible for business development in the region. He reports to Corey Ribotsky, US-based NIR managing member and head portfolio manager. 

There are numerous opportunities in Asia, says Cohen, as the investment community is looking for alternative investments that are truly non-correlated and provide consistent absolute returns.

Cohen, who has been based in Asia for nearly eight years, will help NIR identify strategic investment partners throughout Asia, particularly in Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan.

Prior to joining NIR, Cohen was managing director at the Superfund Group, a managed futures manager. NIR says that while at the Superfund Group, he was responsible for business development and expansion in Asia. He established that firm's headquarters in Hong Kong and also opened offices in Singapore, Tokyo and Sydney. Prior to Superfund, he was director of innovation Fund, a fund of hedge funds based in the Cayman Islands.