Dubai: DIFC, HFM partner to launch region’s first hedge fund event in May

Image: DIFC/ WAM

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial hub in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia has inked an exclusive partnership with HFM, the hedge fund arm of global data intelligence firm With Intelligence. The partnership will enable the launch of the region’s first exclusive hedge fund event on May 15.

The invitation-only event focusing on the hedge fund sector will provide insightful content sessions, interactive roundtables, and integrated networking activities.   

The HFM Summit will be held in DIFC and will see hedge funds from across the world gather in Dubai.

The agenda has been developed by industry practitioners to ensure market relevance.

Topics include markets and regulations, talent and culture, AI and digital assets, investor preferences, different business models, and using new technology.

DIFC is seeing an influx of hedge funds

The event comes after DFSA announced the authorisation of several globally renowned hedge funds in Q4 2023, such as Asia Research & Capital Management, Brevan Howard, Lighthouse Partners, Merlyn Advisors, Noventa Capital Management and Qube Research & Technologies.

Firms such as Blue Owl Capital and Walleye Capital also recently completed their registrations.  

The centre is seeing a further deepening of the ecosystem, including hedge funds with a range of investment strategies, additional prime brokers, technology startups and partners keen to help develop the industry.  

Salmaan Jaffery, chief business development officer, DIFC Authority, said: “As DIFC becomes a global hedge fund and alternative asset class centre, we will continue to seek collaboration with partners such as With Intelligence on conferences such as HFM Middle East Summit. The event showcases the opportunities for global hedge managers to successfully operate in the region’s largest financial centre.”  

Stephanie Taylor, head of Event Content, With Intelligence commented:” The launch of this event coincides with an exciting time of growth in the sector and Dubai as the hedge fund hub in the region.  

“The new HFM Middle East Summit is an opportunity for us to increase our brand presence in the Middle East and provide support for our clients as they explore international expansion into the region.”