Marshall Wace Joins Abu Dhabi Hedge Fund Rush With New Office

Marshall Wace, the UK-based hedge fund giant with $65 billion in assets, is set to open an office in Abu Dhabi, joining a growing number of financial firms establishing a presence in the United Arab Emirates. The move, according to multiple sources, is aimed at strengthening ties with the Middle Eastern investor base and enhancing the firm's ability to attract top talent.

Abu Dhabi's favorable regulatory environment and tax policies are a significant draw for hedge funds like Marshall Wace. The emirate offers a 0% corporate tax rate, making it an attractive destination for funds seeking to minimize operational costs. Additionally, the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) provides a robust regulatory framework, with clear rules and a streamlined process for establishing and operating funds. This regulatory clarity, coupled with the emirate's strategic location and access to regional markets, makes Abu Dhabi an ideal base for hedge funds looking to expand their presence in the Middle East.

Marshall Wace's Abu Dhabi office will bolster its systematic and discretionary investment strategies by leveraging the emirate's favorable regulatory environment and talent pool. The office will strengthen ties with Middle Eastern investors and attract top talent, enhancing the firm's ability to manage its $65 billion in assets. The Abu Dhabi office will complement Marshall Wace's existing global footprint, allowing it to capitalize on regional opportunities and further diversify its investment strategies.

The Middle Eastern investor base and regional opportunities play a significant role in Marshall Wace's asset allocation decisions. The region's growing wealth and strategic importance in global initiatives like climate change reduction make it an attractive destination for hedge funds. Marshall Wace's move is part of a broader trend, with prominent funds like TCI, Brevan Howard, and Millennium establishing regional offices. By strengthening ties with Middle Eastern investors and attracting top talent, Marshall Wace aims to enhance its ability to manage its $65 billion in assets, with a focus on systematic strategies and the Eureka fund, which has seen an 8% increase this year.

Marshall Wace's Abu Dhabi office is expected to open in the coming months, further cementing the emirate's position as a growing financial hub in the Middle East. As more hedge funds establish a presence in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the Gulf states are likely to continue evolving as significant players in the global financial landscape.