London-based hedge fund RAB Capital opened its first overseas office today, and made clear it has big ambitions for its new outpost.

On the eve of the opening of its Hong Kong office, RAB director of business development and distribution Rod Barker told Bloomberg News that the firm may double its Asian assets within a year, seeking to capitalize on China’s voracious demand for natural resources, RAB’s specialty.

The US$7.1 billion firm manages about US$1 billion in Asian assets, including a new US$50 million Asian fixed-income fund that debuted in July.

In addition to the new office, RAB has acquired a pair of asset managers focused on the region, including hedge fund Northwest Investment Management. Barker said the firm would consider further purchases in the future.