This panel will explore the growth of private credit in the Middle East, from direct lending and asset-backed finance to distressed and special situations, examining regional deployment, borrower demand and what Middle Eastern institutional investors are seeking from private credit globally.

Against a shifting global macroeconomic backdrop, industry leaders will examine the evolution of the multi-manager model, the intensifying competition for investment talent, the growing impact of AI on investment processes, and the strategic opportunities driving expansion into the Middle East.

This keynote will assess the evolving global investment landscape, considering the role of hedge funds and private markets in portfolio construction, examining key manager selection criteria, and highlighting emerging opportunities across high-growth markets, including the GCC.

Session A - Managin Compliance & Regulatory

Session B - 

• Talent, Employment & Workforce Strategies
• GCC Fund Management Landscape and Opportunities beyond the UAE
• The Growth of Tokenized Markets

This fireside conversation will explore the regulatory and market developments influencing the region’s financial ecosystem, from fund manager licensing and the rise of tokenisation and digital assets to the strategies being deployed to attract world-class talent. The discussion will also examine how Gulf financial centres are positioning themselves for long-term competitiveness and global relevance.

This panel will explore emerging allocation trends, the growing importance of operational due diligence, the role of ESG and sustainability in investment decision-making, opportunities with emerging managers, and the continued demand for private credit across institutional portfolios.

This panel will explore the outlook for direct lending, the growing appeal of asset-backed finance, and the opportunities emerging in distressed and special situations strategies. Speakers will also examine private credit deployment across the Middle East and discuss how non-bank lenders are meeting evolving borrower demand.

Open to allocators and asset managers only, this exclusive lunch is host to investor-led roundtable sessions. The roundtables will provide a structured opportunity where investment professionals can engage in candid discussions on allocation priorities, emerging trends, manager selection criteria, and evolving market opportunities.

Join us for a final networking lunch in a casual setting with fellow delegates