Earlier this month, we hosted our IQ-EQ Dubai Series panel event at Capital Club Dubai in the heart of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The occasion brought together industry leaders and strategic thinkers for an evening of insight and dialogue on the fast-evolving private markets landscape in the Middle East and Africa (MEA).
MEA is undergoing a profound transformation marked by sector consolidation, rising investor confidence and increasing sophistication. Investment links between the Middle East and Africa are strengthening, driven by family businesses, sovereign wealth funds and innovative banking partnerships.
We were delighted to welcome MCB, one of Africa’s largest banks and a key player in the region, as our main partner for this edition. MCB’s presence in DIFC and their deep expertise in fund finance and private markets made them an ideal collaborator for this event.
The event featured a keynote address by global management consultancy Bain & Company, followed by an expert panel moderated by Divya Doshi, our Managing Director of Sales for the Middle East and Asia. The panellists were:
- Jelle Rademaker, Associate Partner, Bain & Company
- Ashvin Deena, Global Head of Coverage, MCB
- Sharif Eid, Partner, Amwal Capital Partners
- Abhinav Munshi, Managing Partner, Razor Capital
The discussion explored how regulatory advancements, tech-enabled solutions and collaborative ecosystems are shaping a globally competitive, innovation-led financial environment in the region. Key takeaways included:
- Regional transformation: MEA private markets are maturing rapidly, supported by robust regulatory frameworks and investor-friendly policies
- Innovation and collaboration: Banking institutions and asset managers are driving new solutions in fund finance, enhancing liquidity and operational efficiency
- Strategic connectivity: Strengthening ties between Middle East and Africa create new opportunities for cross-border investments and structured solutions
- Future outlook: With enhanced digital infrastructure and regulated platforms, the region is positioning itself as a global hub for private capital.
Watch the event highlights
And check out these short interviews for further insight from our panellists:
More from Jelle Rademaker
Bain & Company’s Jelle Rademaker on the key factors driving the rise of the MEA region as a global asset management hub:
More from Ashvin Deena
MCB’s Ashvin Deena on how a banking partner with a dedicated fund strategy can deliver tailored, value-added banking solutions that support and enhance the fund ecosystem:
More from Sharif Eid
Amwal Capital Partners’ Sharif Eid on how the Middle East is positioning itself to attract and retain institutional capital:
More from Abhinav Munshi
Razor Capital’s Abhinav Munshi on how fund managers are leveraging digital tools to meet rising expectations around transparency, efficiency and investor experience:
Abhinav on the trends and innovations are most significantly shaping the future of private markets in the Middle East:
