MEIMA Pulse: January 2025 Edition

January marks a fresh start for the Middle East Investment Management Association (MEIMA), with forward-looking trends and impactful takeaways from the close of 2024 setting the stage for an exciting year ahead.

MEIMA 2025 Trends

Our Hedge Fund and Sustainability Committee Chairs share their predictions for the year, offering key insights into what lies ahead for the region’s financial landscape.

Simon Gwyther, Hedge Funds Committee Chair

The hedge fund sector in the GCC is poised for significant growth in 2025. We expect international firms that entered the region in the last 2-3 years will scale their operations, particularly equity-based strategies as the opportunity set presented by GCC equity markets becomes increasingly attractive through the launch of a number of stock lending programs by local institutions and enhanced trading technology. The more developed hedge fund ecosystem will also likely facilitate greater prospects for the local hiring of investment talent.??

?International hedge funds are also likely to prioritize developing local operational infrastructure, with many focusing on technology, compliance, risk management, and operations. Meanwhile, the hedge fund community should continue to engage with regulators, exchanges, and trading counterparties to optimize the operating environment and opportunities presented by the region.

Tanja Ferri, Sustainable Investing Committee Chair

The sustainable investing landscape is undergoing a pivotal shift. Fatigue and apprehension surrounding ESG and related initiatives have prompted asset managers globally to reassess their approaches on responsible investing. In the GCC, climate-related initiatives, particularly carbon funds and energy transition opportunities, are expected to grow and dominate sustainable investment themes in 2025.

Collaboration and education will take center stage for the committee, with post-COP29 discussions driving further allocator and manager engagement. Diversity and inclusion will also gain traction, with the committee focusing on advocacy and partnerships.?

MEIMA Sustainable Investing Committee Partners with Women in Alternatives

MEIMA’s Sustainable Investing Committee is proud to collaborate with the Women in Alternatives event in Dubai on May 8, 2025. This initiative is designed to foster greater inclusivity in the investment landscape by connecting female investors conducting allocations and due diligence with female General Partners (GPs) who are raising funds and executing deals.

By supporting this partnership, MEIMA aims to promote diversity within the alternative investment sector and create opportunities for more equitable capital allocation. The event will serve as a key platform for knowledge-sharing, networking, and meaningful engagement in the financial community.

Looking Ahead: FT Future of Asset Management Middle East 2025

MEIMA Chairman David Rothon will join a high-profile panel discussion at the Future of Asset Management Middle East conference on February 18-19, 2025, at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal. Hosted by the Financial Times in collaboration with MandateWire, this flagship event is set to gather leading executives from asset management firms, sovereign wealth funds, and family offices.

The conference will explore growth opportunities amidst global economic shifts, with key themes including emerging investment hotspots, private markets, and alternative investments in the GCC. Featured speakers include Michail Samawi (CEO, Emirates NBD Asset Management), Faisal Sarkhou (CEO, Kamco Invest), and Faisal Al-Hama (CEO, NBK Wealth). Attendees can register now using code MEIMA to save 25% on their pass: Register Here.

A Look Back at ADFW 2024

MEIMA concluded 2024 on a high note at Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) with a power-packed roundtable that set the tone for the year ahead. Industry leaders shared their perspectives on navigating a rapidly shifting financial framework, while regulators addressed evolving priorities shaping the UAE’s asset management ecosystem.

AI innovations took center stage, with real-world applications from firms like Emerge9, FinaMaze, and United Fintech showcasing the transformative potential of technology in the sector. Key speakers included Andrew Dalton (MEIMA Innovation Committee Chair), John Abbott (Emerge9), and Bryan Stirewalt (EY). From regulatory clarity to AI-driven efficiencies, the discussions underscored MEIMA’s role in advancing thought leadership and innovation in the Middle East.

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