Dubai
23 April 2026
Dubai's transformation into a sophisticated financial centre has created unprecedented opportunities in securities finance. This opening panel examines Dubai's competitive advantages, regulatory framework evolution, and strategic positioning within global securities finance networks. Expert speakers will discuss DIFC's role in attracting international participants, the growth of local institutional investor base, and infrastructure developments supporting complex securities finance transactions. Key topics include Dubai's connectivity to Asian and European markets, the emerging role of family offices, and how regional geopolitical stability has enhanced Dubai's appeal as a securities finance hub.
Moderator
TBC
Panellists
TBC
Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 has catalysed unprecedented capital market development, creating substantial securities finance opportunities. This panel explores the Kingdom's evolving regulatory landscape, the growth of domestic institutional investors, and international participation in Saudi markets. Speakers will examine the impact of MSCI inclusion, the rise of local asset management industry, and emerging securities lending programs. Discussion will cover PIF's expanding global portfolio, the development of local hedge fund industry, and how Saudi Arabia's economic diversification is driving securities finance innovation across the region.
Moderator
TBC
Panellists
TBC
The Middle East's hedge fund ecosystem has evolved significantly, with sovereign wealth funds increasingly sophisticated in their alternative investment strategies and securities finance operations. This panel examines how regional hedge funds are integrating with institutional investors, the growing importance of securities lending and repo markets, and the development of prime brokerage infrastructure across the Gulf. Expert speakers will discuss sovereign wealth fund approaches to hedge fund partnerships, the emergence of local prime services, and how Middle Eastern funds are accessing global securities finance markets. Key topics include institutional allocation strategies, Islamic finance compatibility with securities lending, cross-border collateral management, regulatory frameworks across Gulf financial centres, and the technology infrastructure supporting complex securities finance operations from regional bases.
Moderator
TBC
Panellists
TBC
Global repo markets continue to expand as institutions seek efficient funding and collateral management solutions, with the Middle East emerging as an increasingly important participant in international liquidity networks. This panel examines how regional markets are integrating into global repo infrastructure, the development of local repo market frameworks across the Gulf, and the growing sophistication of Middle Eastern institutions in accessing worldwide funding markets. Speakers will discuss cross-border repo activity between the region and major financial centres, the evolution of Sharia-compliant repo structures for international markets, and how regional central banks are developing repo facilities that connect with global liquidity systems. Key focus areas include collateral mobility between Middle Eastern and international markets, the role of sovereign wealth funds and regional banks in global repo markets, tri-party repo infrastructure development, and regulatory frameworks enabling seamless cross-border repo transactions while accommodating Islamic finance requirements.
Moderator
TBC
Panellists
TBC
Sophisticated collateral management has become essential as regional markets integrate with global finance networks. This panel explores advanced collateral optimization strategies, technological innovations transforming collateral workflows, and cross-border collateral mobility. Expert speakers will examine regulatory developments affecting collateral efficiency, the implementation of collateral management platforms, and emerging trends in collateral transformation. Discussion will cover Islamic finance collateral considerations, the role of central securities depositories, regulatory capital optimization, and how regional institutions are leveraging technology to compete globally in collateral-intensive businesses.
Moderator
TBC
Panellists
TBC
Regulatory framework development is critical for supporting sophisticated securities finance activities across diverse MENA jurisdictions. This panel examines netting law evolution, close-out netting enforceability, and regulatory harmonisation efforts across the region. Expert speakers will discuss recent legislative developments, cross-border legal challenges, and regulatory cooperation initiatives. Key topics include Islamic finance compatibility with international netting standards, dispute resolution mechanisms, insolvency law reforms, and how regional regulators are balancing international best practices with local legal traditions to create robust securities finance frameworks.
Moderator
Regional Legal Counsel, International Law Firm
Panellists
TBC