Talking Points:
- U.A.E rises as sectoral hub: Since the pandemic, the Middle East, especially Abu Dhabi and Dubai, has attracted significant hedge fund interest, with 62% identifying them as top "challenger" hubs due to their proximity to allocators.
- Global wealthy on the move: Wealth flows into the U.A.E. are strong, with a forecasted net gain of 6,700 millionaires in 2024 (Henley Private Wealth Migration Dashboard).
- Geopolitical and regulatory risk: These risks were noted by 56% in Hedgeweek's survey as the top challenge to emerging hubs but may favor established centers like the Nordics or Singapore with longer hedge fund histories.
- US remains dominant: Despite the rise of “challenger hubs” in the post-pandemic era, the U.S. remains the global hedge fund capital, hosting most of the largest firms and all top multi-PM platforms driving sector growth.
Speakers:
Will Wainewright, Head of Hedge Fund Research, Hedgeweek (moderator)
Max Hayden, Global Head of Prime Brokerage,
IG Prime
Chudé Chidi-Ofong, Managing Director,
Montague Square Advisors
Clare Curtis, Chief Executive Officer,
ACA Effecta