DIFC Hedge Funds Hit 100 as Asia Managers Tap Dubai and Family Office Capital

DIFC hedge funds have reached the 100-fund mark as Asia-focused managers increasingly use Dubai as a base to trade across time zones, with the Dubai International Financial Centre saying it is building a top-five global hub.

DIFC said the number of hedge fund managers doubled to 100 from 50 at the start of 2024, and 81 of the managers oversee more than USD1bn each.

New arrivals in 2025 include Baron Capital, BlueCrest, Squarepoint and Silver Point, alongside established firms such as Millennium and Brevan Howard.

DIFC said managers are attracted by access to Asian, European and US markets, regional talent and capital from ultra-wealthy individuals, family offices and sovereign funds.

Its co-working DIFC Funds Centre is designed to help new firms set up quickly.

Asset managers in the centre now exceed 470, alongside 1,250 family-related entities.