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Khaleej Times
26-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Gulf sovereign fund assets set to hit $18 trillion by 2030
Spearheaded by the UAE's three major funds, Gulf Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) are emerging as key players in the global investment arena. With total assets under management projected to soar from $12 trillion at the end of 2024 to $18 trillion by 2030, these funds are set to redefine the global investment landscape. At the forefront are five formidable entities: the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (Adia), Mubadala, Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), and the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA). Together, they dominate regional investment activities, showcasing the Gulf's growing influence on the global stage. A remarkable trend accompanying this growth is the rise of Royal Private Offices (RPOs), which now control around $500 billion in assets. According to a Deloitte report, these RPOs have become essential in shaping the future of sovereign wealth funds in the region. They often mirror the activities of established funds, blurring the lines between state-controlled entities and private family offices. This trend has led to the creation of new funds linked to influential families, further diversifying the Gulf's investment portfolio. The report highlights that Gulf SWFs have been on an aggressive investment spree, deploying $82 billion in 2023 alone and another $55 billion in the first nine months of 2024. With approximately 40 per cent of global SWF assets under their control, and six of the ten largest funds worldwide, these entities are not just participants — they are reshaping investment strategies amid intensifying competition. Julie Kassab, Deloitte's sovereign wealth fund leader for the Middle East, underscores the Gulf region's pivotal role: 'We are witnessing these funds not only expand their geographical footprint but also significantly enhance their internal capabilities. They are setting new standards for performance and governance.' A significant shift in focus is evident as Gulf funds increasingly invest in fast-growing markets outside traditional Western economies. With an eye on Asia, they are establishing offices in the Asia-Pacific region and ramping up allocations to burgeoning economies such as China, India, and Southeast Asia. Notably, Gulf SWFs have invested an estimated $9.5 billion in China in the year ending September 2024, positioning themselves as key players in a market where Western investors are pulling back. Africa is another frontier of interest, particularly in the mining sector, as Gulf states look to capitalise on high-risk extractive ventures. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are actively investing in this area, both directly and through multinational mining firms, signaling their readiness to explore new opportunities. As competition intensifies, Gulf SWFs are under pressure to enhance their performance and risk management practices. Many are adopting a more proactive stance, seeking better reporting from portfolio companies and asserting influence at the board level. This drive for excellence has also intensified the competition for talent, with Gulf funds employing around 9,000 professionals and offering attractive packages to lure seasoned experts from established global funds. However, the global landscape is shifting towards protectionism, particularly in developing economies. Governments are reassessing their strategies regarding strategic assets, leading to the emergence of domestically focused funds that aim to co-invest alongside international partners rather than compete directly with Gulf players. Deloitte also notes a growing trend toward protectionism globally, particularly in developing economies, where governments are reassessing their approach to strategic assets. This shift has led to the creation of new domestically focused funds, often designed to co-invest alongside international partners rather than compete directly with established Middle Eastern players.
Arab News
23-03-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Gulf SWFs' assets to hit $18tn by 2030, report says
RIYADH: Gulf sovereign wealth funds are on track to control $18 trillion in assets by 2030, marking a 50 percent surge from the end of 2024, according to an analysis. In its latest report, Deloitte Middle East noted that the region, home to six of the world's 10 largest sovereign funds, now holds approximately 40 percent of global SWF assets — solidifying its position as a dominant force in the market. The study aligns with the latest report from the Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute, which ranks Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund sixth globally, managing $925 billion. The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority leads the Gulf with $1.05 trillion, followed by the Kuwait Investment Authority at $1.02 trillion and the Qatar Investment Authority with $526 billion. Julie Kassab, sovereign wealth fund leader at Deloitte Middle East, said: 'The Gulf region continues to be the epicenter of sovereign wealth fund activity, with its major players driving innovation in investment strategies and operational excellence.' She added: 'We are witnessing these funds not only expand their geographical footprint but also significantly enhance their internal capabilities, setting new standards for the industry in terms of performance and governance.' The report also highlighted that Gulf SWFs maintained an 'aggressive investment pace,' deploying $82 billion in 2023 and an additional $55 billion in the first nine months of 2024. Deloitte listed five major players shaping the region's investment landscape: Saudi Arabia's PIF, ADIA, Abu Dhabi's Mubadala, Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Co., and QIA. Globally, the total number of sovereign wealth funds has nearly tripled since 2000, reaching approximately 160-170 funds, with 13 new ones established between 2020 and 2023. Asia takes center stage Deloitte's analysis highlights key trends reshaping the regional SWF landscape, with funds increasingly focusing on fast-growing countries outside traditional Western markets. The report revealed that Gulf SWFs strategically prioritize Asia, with many establishing new offices throughout the Asia-Pacific region and significantly increasing allocations to high-growth economies, including China and India. Wealth funds in the Gulf region were particularly active in China, investing approximately $9.5 billion in the Asian giant during the first nine months of 2024. Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Kuwait Investment Authority ranked among the top 10 shareholders in Chinese A-share listed firms. 'This represents a strategic opportunity as Western investors reduce their exposure, allowing Middle Eastern funds to leverage their strong political and trade relationships with Beijing,' Deloitte noted. The report added that Gulf wealth funds are also eyeing Africa, particularly the mining industry, for new opportunities. This year, the UAE and Saudi Arabia have shown a willingness to invest in high-risk extractive ventures in Africa, both directly and through stakes in multinational mining companies. This shift coincides with the rise of new investment vehicles, particularly 'Royal Private Offices,' which now control an estimated $500 billion in assets. Combating challenges Wealth funds in the Gulf region are under increasing pressure to sharpen their competitive edge, focusing on internal performance, risk oversight, and investment management to deliver stronger returns, the analysis stated. The report noted that many regional wealth funds are becoming more proactive — showing greater openness to divestment, demanding better reporting from portfolio companies, and exerting more influence at the board level. The study added that this drive for excellence has intensified competition for human capital among these funds, with soaring demand for experienced national talent. 'Gulf SWFs now employ an estimated 9,000 professionals across their operations. Gulf funds are offering increasingly attractive packages to senior professionals, particularly those with experience at established funds like Singapore's Temasek or Canada's Maple Eight,' Deloitte stated. The consulting firm added that Gulf governments are also reassessing their approach to strategic assets. This has led to the creation of new, domestically focused funds designed to co-invest alongside international partners rather than compete directly with established regional players. It concluded: 'Looking ahead, while geopolitical uncertainties and potential commodity price fluctuations may create headwinds, these pressures could drive greater efficiency and innovation in fund management practices.'
Arabian Business
20-03-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Sovereign wealth fund assets to hit $18tn by 2030 as Gulf leads global growth
Sovereign wealth funds (SWF) in the Gulf have seen massive investment outlays and growth as UAE and Saudi Arabia transform global financial order. A new Deloitte Middle East report reveals Gulf Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) continue to dominate the global investment landscape, spearheading an industry-wide expansion that has pushed total assets under management globally to $12tn by the end of 2024 and forecast to reach $18tn by 2030. The Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) landscape has witnessed tremendous growth over the past two years, with new SWFs established around the world, high-profile acquisitions by existing firms, and value of assets under management hitting fresh highs. Gulf Sovereign Wealth Funds Gulf funds, which control approximately 40 per cent of global SWF assets and represent six of the ten largest funds worldwide by Assets Under Management (AUM), are reshaping investment strategies amid increasing regional competition and evolving market dynamics. The total number of SWFs globally has roughly tripled since 2000, reaching approximately 160-170 funds, with 13 new entities established between 2020 and 2023. The Deloitte report, titled 'Growth in funds, and assets drives SWF's landscape,' reveals that Gulf SWFs have maintained an aggressive investment pace, deploying $82bn in 2023 and an additional $55 billion in the first nine months of 2024. The five major players which continue to dominate activity in the region are: Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) Abu Dhabi's Mubadala Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company, Saudi's Public Investment Fund (PIF) Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) Julie Kassab, Sovereign Wealth Fund Leader at Deloitte Middle East, commented: 'The Gulf region continues to be the epicentre of sovereign wealth fund activity, with its major players driving innovation in investment strategies and operational excellence. 'We are witnessing these funds not only expand their geographical footprint but also significantly enhance their internal capabilities, setting new standards for the industry in terms of performance and governance.' Deloitte reveals several significant trends reshaping the regional SWF landscape, as GCC funds look increasingly towards fast-growing countries outside traditional Western markets. Deloitte said: 'Gulf funds are strategically pivoting toward Asia, with many establishing new offices throughout Asia-Pacific and substantially increasing allocations to high-growth economies including China, India, and Southeast Asia. 'The sovereign funds have been particularly active in China, investing an estimated $9.5bn in the year ending September 2024. Both Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) and Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) have been ranked in the top 10 shareholders in Chinese A-Share listed firms. 'This represents a strategic opportunity as Western investors reduce their exposure, allowing Middle Eastern funds to leverage their strong political and trade relationships with Beijing. According to the Deloitte report, Africa is also an area of interest, with the mining sector yielding new opportunities. The UAE and Saudi Arabia have shown willingness to invest in high-risk extractives ventures in Africa this year, both directly and through their holdings in multinational mining firms. This comes alongside the emergence of new investment vehicles, particularly 'Royal Private Offices,' which now control an estimated $500bn in assets. With more entities and more assets now being actively deployed, funds are under increasing pressure to gain a competitive edge, with a stronger focus on internal performance, risk oversight and investment management, to ultimately deliver better returns. Many Gulf SWFs are now adopting a more proactive approach, becoming more open to divest, demanding better reporting from portfolio companies and more willing to exert influence at board level. This drive for excellence has also sparked fierce competition for human capital, with high demand for national talent. Gulf SWFs now employ an estimated 9,000 professionals across their operations. Gulf funds are offering increasingly attractive packages to senior professionals, particularly those with experience at established funds like Singapore's Temasek or Canada's Maple Eight. Deloitte also notes a growing trend toward protectionism globally, particularly in developing economies, where governments are reassessing their approach to strategic assets. This shift has led to the creation of new domestically focused funds, often designed to co-invest alongside international partners rather than compete directly with established Middle Eastern players. Looking ahead, while geopolitical uncertainties and potential commodity price fluctuations may create headwinds, these pressures could drive greater efficiency and innovation in fund management practices.
Mid East Info
20-03-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Deloitte Middle East report: Gulf Sovereign Wealth Funds lead global growth as assets forecast to reach USD 18 tn by 2030
Gulf SWFs invested $82bn in 2023 and another $55bn in just the first nine months of 2024, representing two-thirds of all new SWF activity Pivoting to Asia, Gulf SWFs invested $9.5bn into China in the year ending September 2024, with ADIA and KIA among top 10 shareholders in Chinese A-Share listed firms Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March, 2025 – A new Deloitte Middle East report reveals Gulf Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) continue to dominate the global investment landscape, spearheading an industry-wide expansion that has pushed total assets under management globally to $12 trillion by the end of 2024 and forecast to reach $18 trillion by 2030. The Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) landscape has witnessed tremendous growth over the past two years, with new SWFs established around the world, high-profile acquisitions by existing firms, and value of assets under management hitting fresh highs. Gulf funds, which control approximately 40% of global SWF assets and represent six of the ten largest funds worldwide by Assets Under Management (AUM), are reshaping investment strategies amid increasing regional competition and evolving market dynamics. The total number of SWFs globally has roughly tripled since 2000, reaching approximately 160-170 funds, with 13 new entities established between 2020 and 2023. The Deloitte report, titled 'Growth in funds, and assets drives SWF's landscape,' reveals that Gulf SWFs have maintained an aggressive investment pace, deploying $82 billion in 2023 and an additional $55 billion in the first nine months of 2024. Five major players – the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), Abu Dhabi's Mubadala and Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company, Saudi's Public Investment Fund (PIF), and the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) – continue to dominate activity in the region. Julie Kassab, Sovereign Wealth Fund Leader at Deloitte Middle East, commented: 'The Gulf region continues to be the epicenter of sovereign wealth fund activity, with its major players driving innovation in investment strategies and operational excellence. We are witnessing these funds not only expand their geographical footprint but also significantly enhance their internal capabilities, setting new standards for the industry in terms of performance and governance.' Deloitte reveals several significant trends reshaping the regional SWF landscape, as GCC funds look increasingly towards fast-growing countries outside traditional Western markets. Gulf funds are strategically pivoting toward Asia, with many establishing new offices throughout Asia-Pacific and substantially increasing allocations to high-growth economies including China, India, and Southeast Asia. The sovereign funds have been particularly active in China, investing an estimated $9.5 billion in the year ending September 2024. Both Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) and Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) have been ranked in the top 10 shareholders in Chinese A-Share listed firms. This represents a strategic opportunity as Western investors reduce their exposure, allowing Middle Eastern funds to leverage their strong political and trade relationships with Beijing. According to the Deloitte report, Africa is also an area of interest, with the mining sector yielding new opportunities. The UAE and Saudi Arabia have shown willingness to invest in high-risk extractives ventures in Africa this year, both directly and through their holdings in multinational mining firms. This comes alongside the emergence of new investment vehicles, particularly 'Royal Private Offices,' which now control an estimated $500 billion in assets. With more entities and more assets now being actively deployed, funds are under increasing pressure to gain a competitive edge, with a stronger focus on internal performance, risk oversight and investment management, to ultimately deliver better returns. Many Gulf SWFs are now adopting a more proactive approach, becoming more open to divest, demanding better reporting from portfolio companies and more willing to exert influence at board level. This drive for excellence has also sparked fierce competition for human capital, with high demand for national talent. Gulf SWFs now employ an estimated 9,000 professionals across their operations. Gulf funds are offering increasingly attractive packages to senior professionals, particularly those with experience at established funds like Singapore's Temasek or Canada's Maple Eight. Deloitte also notes a growing trend toward protectionism globally, particularly in developing economies, where governments are reassessing their approach to strategic assets. This shift has led to the creation of new domestically focused funds, often designed to co-invest alongside international partners rather than compete directly with established Middle Eastern players. Looking ahead, while geopolitical uncertainties and potential commodity price fluctuations may create headwinds, these pressures could drive greater efficiency and innovation in fund management practices.
Zawya
20-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Deloitte Middle East report: Gulf SWFs lead global growth as assets forecast to reach $18trln by 2030
Pivoting to Asia, Gulf SWFs invested $9.5bn into China in the year ending September 2024, with ADIA and KIA among top 10 shareholders in Chinese A-Share listed firms Dubai, United Arab Emirates – A new Deloitte Middle East report reveals Gulf Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) continue to dominate the global investment landscape, spearheading an industry-wide expansion that has pushed total assets under management globally to $12 trillion by the end of 2024 and forecast to reach $18 trillion by 2030. The Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) landscape has witnessed tremendous growth over the past two years, with new SWFs established around the world, high-profile acquisitions by existing firms, and value of assets under management hitting fresh highs. Gulf funds, which control approximately 40% of global SWF assets and represent six of the ten largest funds worldwide by Assets Under Management (AUM), are reshaping investment strategies amid increasing regional competition and evolving market dynamics. The total number of SWFs globally has roughly tripled since 2000, reaching approximately 160-170 funds, with 13 new entities established between 2020 and 2023. The Deloitte report, titled 'Growth in funds, and assets drives SWF's landscape,' reveals that Gulf SWFs have maintained an aggressive investment pace, deploying $82 billion in 2023 and an additional $55 billion in the first nine months of 2024. Five major players – the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), Abu Dhabi's Mubadala and Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company, Saudi's Public Investment Fund (PIF), and the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) – continue to dominate activity in the region. Julie Kassab, Sovereign Wealth Fund Leader at Deloitte Middle East, commented: 'The Gulf region continues to be the epicenter of sovereign wealth fund activity, with its major players driving innovation in investment strategies and operational excellence. We are witnessing these funds not only expand their geographical footprint but also significantly enhance their internal capabilities, setting new standards for the industry in terms of performance and governance.' Deloitte reveals several significant trends reshaping the regional SWF landscape, as GCC funds look increasingly towards fast-growing countries outside traditional Western markets. Gulf funds are strategically pivoting toward Asia, with many establishing new offices throughout Asia-Pacific and substantially increasing allocations to high-growth economies including China, India, and Southeast Asia. The sovereign funds have been particularly active in China, investing an estimated $9.5 billion in the year ending September 2024. Both Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) and Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) have been ranked in the top 10 shareholders in Chinese A-Share listed firms. This represents a strategic opportunity as Western investors reduce their exposure, allowing Middle Eastern funds to leverage their strong political and trade relationships with Beijing. According to the Deloitte report, Africa is also an area of interest, with the mining sector yielding new opportunities. The UAE and Saudi Arabia have shown willingness to invest in high-risk extractives ventures in Africa this year, both directly and through their holdings in multinational mining firms. This comes alongside the emergence of new investment vehicles, particularly "Royal Private Offices," which now control an estimated $500 billion in assets. With more entities and more assets now being actively deployed, funds are under increasing pressure to gain a competitive edge, with a stronger focus on internal performance, risk oversight and investment management, to ultimately deliver better returns. Many Gulf SWFs are now adopting a more proactive approach, becoming more open to divest, demanding better reporting from portfolio companies and more willing to exert influence at board level. This drive for excellence has also sparked fierce competition for human capital, with high demand for national talent. Gulf SWFs now employ an estimated 9,000 professionals across their operations. Gulf funds are offering increasingly attractive packages to senior professionals, particularly those with experience at established funds like Singapore's Temasek or Canada's Maple Eight. Deloitte also notes a growing trend toward protectionism globally, particularly in developing economies, where governments are reassessing their approach to strategic assets. This shift has led to the creation of new domestically focused funds, often designed to co-invest alongside international partners rather than compete directly with established Middle Eastern players. Looking ahead, while geopolitical uncertainties and potential commodity price fluctuations may create headwinds, these pressures could drive greater efficiency and innovation in fund management practices. To download the full report, please click here. © 2025 Deloitte & Touche (M.E.). All rights reserved. In this press release references to 'Deloitte' are references to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited ('DTTL') a UK private company limited by guarantee, and its network of member firms, each of which is a legally separate and independent entity. Please see for a detailed description of the legal structure of DTTL and its member firms. The information contained in this press release is correct at the time of going to press. About Deloitte & Touche (M.E.) LLP: Deloitte & Touche (M.E.) LLP ('DME') is the affiliate for the territories of the Middle East and Cyprus of Deloitte NSE LLP ('NSE'), a UK limited liability partnership and member firms of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee ('DTTL'). DME is a leading professional services organization established in the Middle East region with uninterrupted presence since 1926. DME's presence in the Middle East region is established through its affiliated independent legal entities, which are licensed to operate and to provide services under the applicable laws and regulations of the relevant country. DME's affiliates and related entities cannot oblige each other and/or DME, and when providing services, each affiliate and related entity engages directly and independently with its own clients and shall only be liable for its own acts or omissions and not those of any other affiliate. DME provides services throughout 23 offices in 15 countries with more than 7,000 partners, directors and staff. About Deloitte: Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited ('DTTL'), its global network of member firms, and their related entities (collectively, the 'Deloitte organization'). DTTL (also referred to as 'Deloitte Global') and each of its member firms and related entities are legally separate and independent entities, which cannot obligate or bind each other in respect of third parties. DTTL and each DTTL member firm sand related entity is liable only for its own acts and omissions, and not those of each other. DTTL, NSE and DME do not provide services to clients. Please see to learn more. Deloitte provides Audit & Assurance, Tax & Legal and Consulting and related services to nearly 90% of the Fortune Global 500® and thousands of private companies. Our professionals deliver measurable and lasting results that help reinforce public trust in capital markets, enable clients to transform and thrive, and lead the way toward a stronger economy, a more equitable society and a sustainable world. Building on its 175-plus year history, Deloitte spans more than 150 countries and territories. Learn how Deloitte's approximately 457,000 people worldwide make an impact that matters at Bassel Barakat External Communications |PR and Media Lead Deloitte & Touche (M.E.) bbarakat@ |
