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
Matthew Rodwell
Latham & Watkins, Senior Associate, Financial Regulatory, FinTech and Payments
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
Roy Zimmerhansl
Partner, Capital Markets, WTS Hansuke
Panellists
Andrew Stephen
Executive Director, Buy-Side Trading Services Sales, J.P. Morgan
Madhur Bhandari
Head of Saudi Arabia, Securities Services, HSBC Saudi Arabia
Matt Chessum
Executive Director, Equity & Analytic Products, S&P Global Market Intelligence
Farrah Mahmood
Head of Advocacy, Public Policy & Regulatory Strategy, ISLA
Ross Bowman
Global Head of Client Management Securities Lending & Repo, BNP Paribas
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 post-trade infrastructure development for repo settlement and lifecycle management, the expanding role of sovereign wealth funds and regional banks in global repo markets, tri-party repo automation and operational workflows, and regulatory frameworks enabling seamless cross-border repo transactions while accommodating Islamic finance requirements.
Moderator
Sanaa Clausse BenAbdelhadi
Senior Director, Head of Business Development, International Capital Market Association (ICMA)
Panellists
Charlie Badran
Head of AXA Financing, BNPP Asset Management
Ruth Ferris
MUFG
Roy Zimmerhansl
Partner, Capital Markets, WTS Hansuke
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
Matthieu Baudoin
Head of Product Management, Securities 麻豆影视传媒 Trading & Collateral, FIS
Marton Szigeti
Global Head, Banking, Funding and Financing, Clearstream
As the Middle East expands its capital markets and attracts international participation, efficient post-trade infrastructure becomes essential for sustainable growth. This panel examines the complete securities finance operation lifecycle鈥攆rom execution through settlement, collateral management, and reporting. Distinguished experts explore lessons from mature global markets, discussing how automation through partnerships with infrastructure leaders enables transparency and resilience. Key topics include regulatory frameworks fostering investor confidence, transitioning from manual to automated processes, data standardization challenges, and future innovations including distributed ledger technology, tokenized collateral, and AI-driven solutions positioning GCC markets for cross-border flows and T+1 settlement.
Moderator
Alistair Griffiths
Panellists
Rob Frost
Pirum
Darren Crowther
Broadridge
Michele Filippini
Executive Director, EMEA Product Management, J.P. Morgan
Ernst Dolce
CEO, Banqora
Neelan Pavan
Technical Product Manager, MarketAxess