Middle East is key emerging market

After a challenging two years, the Middle East is once again positioning itself as a key emerging market into 2011. The Gulf Cooperation Council countries have an estimated investment pool of US2.6tn and onshore assets in the region of US100bn.

Investors who have never ventured from the established surrounds of Europe and North America may now turn towards new frontiers as they seek to maintain high levels of return. The Middle East Fund Forum showcases fund selectors, portfolio managers and investors who will debate and map out a new environment for wealth management in the region.

RBC Dexia in the agenda

Panel discussion on Middle East fund distribution and two-way regional asset growth

Nick Emmins – Director, Sales and Relationship Management, head of platform strategy

The Middle East has a young and potentially bold fund management industry. The sovereign wealth funds of Dubai, Qatar and Saudi Arabia remain acquisitive, while economies such as Abu Dhabi continue to grow with large-scale infrastructure developments. At the same time fresh managers are emerging in the region alongside the increasing number large multinational companies that are now choosing to set up offices there.

The Royal Bank of Canada has a 35-year presence in the region and in February RBC Dexia Investor Services opened an office at the Dubai International Finance Centre that is authorized and regulated by the DFSA. The new DIFC office will arrange custody and fund administration services to governments and established money managers across MENA. It will also look to arrange service for the burgeoning growth of start-up funds.

Nick Emmins, head of platform strategy at RBC Dexia, will be hosting a panel session on optimal fund distribution strategies for the Middle East. The debate will focus on how the Middle East can attract the attention of foreign allocation managers, as well as the possible implications of the UCITS IV legislation. Could it now be easier for pooled funds to be established by local managers? Will the management company passport release further opportunities to enterprising regional fund managers?

October 4, 2010
2:15 pm
View Nick Emmins’ bio

Meet our people

The following RBC Dexia delegates will be attending this event and look forward to meeting you:

Nick Emmins - Director, Sales and Relationship Management, head of platform strategy
Richard Hale - Head, Sales and Distribution, UK, Ireland and Middle East
Rob Lowe - Director, Business Development, Middle East and Africa

Thinking ahead

Our innovative range of RBC Dexia industry guides provides insight and analysis of the latest trends, challenges and opportunities designed to help you refine your business strategies and realize your ambitions.

To download our latest market guides and insights, follow the links below.

Our latest industry guides and publications include:

Target 2011: Preparing for the new UCITS IV implementation measures

Adapting to market change: Alternative Poll Results

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