Raymond James Ltd., the Canadian division of Raymond James Financial, has launched its Canadian Alts Desk, a new platform designed to support the rising demand for alternative equity strategies in Canada. The initiative marks a significant expansion of the firm’s institutional equity capabilities as more asset managers incorporate hedge fund, liquid alternative, and nontraditional strategies into their portfolios. 

The Canadian Alts Desk aims to provide differentiated equity coverage and market intelligence tailored specifically to Alternative and Liquid Alt managers—an area where investor interest has accelerated. 

The desk will be led by Chris Porraccio, Managing Director and Head of Alternative Equity Strategies at Raymond James Ltd. Porraccio brings extensive experience advising hedge funds and alternative managers trading Canadian equities, with previous roles spanning institutional equity sales, facilitation trading, and risk management across Bay Street. 

“With elevated market valuations and growing correlation between stocks and bonds, alternative investments are increasingly being recognized in Canada for their ability to deliver superior risk adjusted returns,” said Porraccio.   

The new platform is expected to strengthen Raymond James’ institutional presence in Canada.