Athens a new hub for hedge funds: After Chris Rokos, Easy Englander's American Millennium also in Greece

At the same time, the wave of fund managers leaving the United Kingdom for destinations such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Switzerland and now Athens, is fueled by the increase in taxation and the abolition of the non-dom status by the British government, causing intense political confrontations in London. Moreover, Greece’s security guarantees and stability act as a buffer against other regions with geopolitical uncertainty.

According to Bloomberg, Millennium Management is preparing to open its first office in Athens, boosting the city’s credentials as an emerging hub for hedge funds, following news that Chris Rokos is leaving the UK for Greece.

Easy Englander’s multi-strategy fund is in talks with Greek authorities about the new branch and its staffing, people with knowledge of the plans said. Raul Chopra, a London-based portfolio manager, is among the executives considering the move, the sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the plans are private. A Millennium spokesman declined to comment.

The plans come as Athens launches a charm offensive in an attempt to lure wealthy UK hedge fund founders from Mayfair to the Aegean. Greek Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis’ next trip to London is likely to include meetings with brokers and investors to discuss potential moves, among other priorities, according to sources with knowledge of the trip.