The GCC asset management landscape is entering a new phase, shaped by evolving regulation, growing investor sophistication, and demand for scalable yet compliant investment products.
During the FT Live – Future of Asset Management Middle East event, industry leaders discussed how product strategy and distribution models must adapt to these realities.
This session brought together senior practitioners to examine emerging fund structures, Shariah considerations, and the practical challenges of bringing innovative products to market across the region.
Watch the full discussion on FT Live
Session Overview: Product Strategy in Focus
The panel focused on how asset managers in the GCC are re-thinking product design to balance scalability, regulatory compliance, and investor expectations. As regulations mature across the region, firms are increasingly testing new structures that go beyond traditional mutual funds.
Key themes included the rise of interval funds, dual-share ETFs, and tokenised vehicles, alongside the operational and regulatory complexities they introduce.
Key Themes Discussed
- Commercial viability of interval funds, dual-share ETFs and tokenized vehicles in the GCC
- Distribution and interoperability challenges across regional platforms
- Shariah screening and certification constraints when introducing innovative structures
- Aligning global product frameworks with local regulatory nuance and investor behaviour
Demeter’s Perspective on GCC Product Innovation
Participation in this discussion reflects Demeter’s ongoing focus on understanding how global product innovation translates into the Middle East context. With increasing demand for compliant, scalable and transparent investment solutions, product strategy is no longer a purely technical exercise — it is a distribution and trust challenge.
Demeter continues to engage with regional and international stakeholders to support asset managers navigating this evolving landscape.
This discussion reflects Demeter’s broader approach to supporting asset managers as they navigate regulatory, product and distribution complexity across global and regional markets.
Panel Speakers
- Edward Talmor-Gera – CEO & Founder, NewVest
- Michal Samawi – Senior Executive Officer, Emirates NBD Asset Management
- John Hensel – Senior Vice President, Middle East Markets, Demeter
- Baptiste Aboulian – Group Managing Editor, FT Specialist US (Moderator)
Eligible investors may request access to additional information, research and selected materials.