Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) conducted the 2023 edition of Asset Abu Dhabi. This pillar conference hosted a selective group of investment market leadership, who gathered in an event at ADFW to examine the changing investment strategies of hedge funds, private equity firms, venture capital giants, and family offices in global markets. The event aimed to explore the potential returns offered by emerging asset classes and investment opportunities, discuss approaches to address inflationary pressures, and provide insights into the future and prospects of regional and global economies during the ongoing transition period.
Read more: ADFW 2023: Interview with Hasan Fardan Al Fardan, CEO of Al Fardan Exchange
Theme partners
In collaboration with theme partners Mubadala and BTG Pactual, the 2023 edition of Asset Abu Dhabi featured an impressive roster of influential leaders in the global private market. The conference attracted thousands of senior investors from over 100 countries, representing the investment and financial industry. Collectively, these participants managed assets totaling more than $30 trillion. The event drew the participation of esteemed financial institutions such as Morgan Stanley, BNY Mellon, Goldman Sachs, Brevan Howard, and Franklin Templeton, among other prominent names in the industry.
Notable opening session
Asset Abu Dhabi commenced with a notable opening session featuring Ruchir Sharma, chairman of Rockefeller International. Sharma delivered an informative analysis of crucial political, economic, technological, and social indicators that influence the future trajectory of nations. Exploring the realm of wealth management, Jenny Johnson, president and CEO of Franklin Templeton, provided valuable insights into the role of technology in the growth of asset classes, sustainable investing, and the interpretation of evolving global markets.
New economic order
Asset Abu Dhabi and ADFW place significant emphasis on understanding the emergence of the Falcon Economy. They aim to delve into the factors fueling the continuous growth of the UAE and other regional economies, while also shedding light on government plans, policies, and initiatives geared towards achieving long-term economic visions. Additionally, Asset Abu Dhabi extensively deliberated on the core theme of ADFW 2023 – ‘Investing in the Transition Era’. The conference facilitated discussions on the profound impact of technological advancements, monetary shifts, and energy transitions, which are shaping a new economic landscape.
Other key sessions
Asset Abu Dhabi featured a range of important sessions, including a distinctive discussion titled ‘The Keys to Managing Money & Risk’ with George Osborne, former U.K. chancellor, and Alan Howard, founder of Brevan Howard. This conversation delved into the essential aspects of effectively managing finances and mitigating risks in the investment landscape. Additionally, a special roundtable centered around the theme ‘Forecast to 2030’ brought together the Chairman of Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing, along with executives from Goldman Sachs, Circle, and Tikehau Capital.
Global collection of asset managers
Salem Mohammed Al Darei, CEO of ADGM Authority said, “With ADGM as a home to a global collection of asset managers, Abu Dhabi Finance Week continues to be a pivotal platform for them through Asset Abu Dhabi to share insights and chart the course for the ever-evolving world of investment. The 2023 edition of Asset Abu Dhabi not only offers a unique opportunity to analyse the rapidly shifting investment landscape but also showcases the next era of digital assets and provides invaluable guidance on the prospects of regional and global economies within the transition era. With a stellar lineup of global private market leaders and senior investors representing a staggering USD 30 trillion in assets under management, Asset Abu Dhabi exemplifies ADGM’s commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation in the financial industry.”
Major announcement
During Asset Abu Dhabi, a significant announcement was made regarding the introduction of Numou, an SME financing platform developed in collaboration with ADGM and financing partners including RAKBANK, Commercial Bank International, Al Maryah Community Bank, CredibleX, and Khalifa Fund. Numou has been designed to streamline the loan application and credit assessment process, providing seamless financing solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This platform aims to simplify the financing journey for SMEs, making it more accessible and efficient.
Renowned companies
Prominent players in the asset management sector, including HYCAP Group and M2, made significant announcements regarding their presence and achievements within ADGM and the region. HYCAP Group, a renowned UK-based asset management company with a primary focus on clean hydrogen, revealed the opening of an office in ADGM as part of its strategic expansion in the region. This move demonstrates their commitment to supporting sustainable energy initiatives. Conversely, M2 announced a major milestone of being recognized by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of ADGM as a fully-regulated Multilateral Trading Facility (MTF) and Custodian. This recognition enables M2 to onboard both UAE residents and institutional clients onto their platform.
Destination of choice
In recent years, Abu Dhabi has emerged as a preferred destination for global asset and fund management entities, witnessing a substantial increase in their numbers. ADGM, as an international financial center, has also experienced remarkable growth in the asset management sector. This is evident from the presence of renowned global names in the industry, which have contributed to a significant 52 percent growth in assets under management (AUM) during Q3, as compared to the corresponding period in the previous year.
Two other special events
In addition to the panel discussions covering key topics and strategic conversations, Asset Abu Dhabi conference featured two other noteworthy events. The International Family Office Congress 2023, organized in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Chamber, Abu Dhabi IPO Fund, and Emirates Family Office Association, provided a platform for discussions specifically focused on family offices. Simultaneously, the conference also hosted the Turnaround, Restructuring & Insolvency (T.R.I.) Forum 2023.
Financial powerhouse
The International Family Office Congress showcased the immense value proposition of Abu Dhabi as a financial powerhouse and a cosmopolitan city that offers an exceptional quality of life for individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds. This makes it an ideal destination for family businesses. The congress provided valuable insights into the global family office industry, which is estimated to be worth approximately $500 billion. Attendees had the opportunity to engage in a fireside chat with Mishal Kanoo, the chairman of Kanoo Group, who is one of the most influential business figures in the Arab world. He shared his journey of transforming the group from a humble trading and shipping enterprise into a modern diversified industrial conglomerate. The congress also featured esteemed individuals such as the Duke of Roxburghe – Captain Charles Robert George Innes-Ker, Christian Angermayer, and Paul Desmarais III, who contributed to various sessions.
Series of topics
The T.R.I. Forum 2023 delved into a range of compelling topics, including the global debt outlook, the future of distressed assets, investment factors and strategies across different jurisdictions, and the increasing capital flow from the West to the East. The forum provided a platform to discuss the challenges and opportunities that restructuring professionals are likely to encounter in the face of uncertain economic conditions and evolving regulatory landscapes.
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