Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW), the flagship event hosted by ADGM, recently hosted the 2024 edition of Asset Abu Dhabi. The forum, organized with theme partners ADCB, Mubadala, and PGIM Global Asset Management, discussed several topics including investing in the next decade of technology, opportunities in private equity and credit, and investing in cities of the future.
Asset Abu Dhabi gathered asset allocators and asset managers, investment bankers, venture capitalists, private equities, family offices and other institutional investors, which collectively manage over $42.5 trillion in assets, to share their perspectives and offer insights into some of the world’s biggest hedge funds.
“Through this platform, we are highlighting the next frontier of technology and investment opportunities and providing critical perspectives on regional and global economic prospects that will transform the next decade of investments in an evolving world order,” stated H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, chairman of ADGM and the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED).
Industry leaders share key insights
During Asset Abu Dhabi, Ray Dalio, founder and CIO mentor at Bridgewater Associates, delivered an insightful session on the principles of a changing world order that set the tone for the discussions during the day. His thought-provoking keynote address delved into some of the most turbulent economic and political periods to reveal why the future is likely to be different from those in recent history.
With AUM levels in the asset management industry rising to almost $120 trillion in 2023 and multi-trillion-dollar managers holding around 61 percent of the total industry assets, the session on The Market View of Trillion Dollar Asset Managers provided insights into the market view from the top with asset management experts Aleksandar Ivanovic, president of UBS Asset Management; David Hunt, president and CEO of PGIM; and Bill Huffman, CEO at Nuveen.
Other prominent names in the financial investment space such as Robert Smith, founder, chairman and CEO at Vista Equity Partners, and Aron Landy, CEO at Brevan Howard, also provided notable discussions and keynote speeches at Asset Abu Dhabi. Topics included an update on the falcon economy, how to spot and grow a world-class opportunity, the big picture of real estate, and a brief guide on Abu Dhabi’s top sovereign funds.
UAE-China Investment Forum
In parallel to Asset Abu Dhabi, ADFW 2024 celebrated 40 years of bilateral relations between the UAE and China with the inaugural special edition of the UAE-China Investment Forum in collaboration with HSBC.
The event explored the opportunities for mutual trade and prosperity with some very special guests. The discussion on ‘Why Are Chinese Markets an Exciting Investment Opportunity for the Region?’ explored opportunities in China, such as e-commerce, cutting-edge tech, and the game-changing Belt and Road Initiative, and how UAE investors can tap into these trends to promote mutual prosperity.
ADFW 2024 sees signing of 14 agreements
ADFW 2024 witnessed the signing of 14 memorandums of understanding and strategic agreements so far. ADGM signed some of the major agreements with notable names including the Istanbul Financial Center, Beijing Financial Street Services Bureau and Polygon.
Another agreement signed between Circle and Lulu Financial Holdings was also a highlight at the event. Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) also signed agreements with leading entities PGIM, EXIM Bank and MasterCard.
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Fintech Abu Dhabi and ADSFF to take center stage
In addition to Asset Abu Dhabi, ADFW 2024 hosted several other special events on day two including RESOLVE, the UBS Investor Forum, the International Family Office Congress and T.R.I. (Turnaround Restructuring & Insolvency) Summit, Spears Summit – Private Wealth Forum and the Future of Talent Summit.
Focusing on the growth of the family office sector in Abu Dhabi, the International Family Office Congress gathered stewards of family businesses as part of this strategic platform to discuss how family businesses plan for continuity and growth. Sessions debated topics such as how to think, invest and operate with insights from experts on macroeconomics, technology, risk management, and investment.
A panel discussion on An Education in Partnerships & Progress explored how family businesses can maximize their value by collaborating with global asset managers and leveraging merger and acquisition opportunities. It featured the next phase of the success story of GEMS Education and offered a deep dive into optimizing strategies, tackling new markets, refining portfolios, and unlocking long-term growth potential in partnership with Brookfield.
ADFW’s event series continues for another two days with flagship events such as Fintech Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum (ADSFF) that will bring together the industry’s best to its international stage.
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