Dubai
29 October 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
Sanaa Clausse BenAbdelhadi
Industry Expert
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
The UAE鈥檚 capital markets are evolving rapidly, supported by a growing range of investment, trading and financing tools. This panel explores how securities lending, repo, ETFs and derivatives work together to support liquidity, hedging, funding, collateral management and market making. Speakers will consider how these connected markets can deepen liquidity, broaden investor access and help buy- and sell-side participants manage risk and deploy capital more efficiently.
Moderator
Roy Zimmerhansl
Partner, Capital Markets, WTS Hansuke
Panellists
Charlie Badran
Head of AXA Financing, BNPP Asset Management
Sophisticated collateral management has become essential as regional markets integrate with global finance networks. This panel explores advanced collateral optimisation strategies, technological innovations transforming collateral workflows, cross-border collateral mobility, and the growing role of digital assets and tokenisation in reshaping how collateral is sourced, moved, and deployed.
Expert speakers will examine regulatory developments affecting collateral efficiency, the implementation of collateral management platforms, and emerging trends in collateral transformation, including the use of distributed ledger technology (DLT) to enable real-time settlement and more dynamic collateral mobilisation.
Discussion will cover Islamic finance collateral considerations, the role of central securities depositories in a digitising market, regulatory capital optimisation, and how regional institutions are leveraging technology 鈥� including tokenised securities and digital collateral rails 鈥� to compete globally in collateral-intensive businesses. Panellists will also explore how Dubai and the wider Middle East are positioning themselves as hubs for digital asset innovation, and what this means for the future architecture of collateral management in the region.
ModeratorAs 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