Abu dhabi: Carmignac has announced the opening of a new regional office in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), after receiving authorisation from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) to conduct regulated activities in the Centre. The move is part of Carmignac's strategy for international expansion and demonstrates its long-term commitment to the Middle Eastern region.
According to Emirates News Agency, Christophe Younes has been appointed as the Senior Executive Officer of Carmignac Middle East Ltd and Head of Middle East. Younes will spearhead the development of Carmignac's distribution network in the UAE and the broader region, aiming to strengthen ties with institutional and wealth investors. Supporting him is a board of directors that includes Habib Achkar.
Younes brings with him extensive experience, having previously rejoined Carmignac from PIMCO, where he was responsible for raising capital across public and private investment strategies in France and Monaco. During his earlier tenure of 10 years at Carmignac, he specialized in fixed-income products and later moved into sales for banking and institutional clients. Fluent in English, French, and Arabic, Younes holds a Master's degree in Finance from Paris-Dauphine University and is a CFA charterholder.
Achkar, a former senior executive at Morgan Stanley, joined Carmignac's board of directors in 2024. His experience includes roles such as CEO of Morgan Stanley Saudi Arabia and CEO of Morgan Stanley MENA. He founded Marcory Advisors Limited, further enhancing his industry credentials.
Carmignac's investment offerings include equities, fixed income, multi-asset, alternatives, and private assets, catering to clients in the UAE and across the GCC looking for diversified portfolios. The establishment of the Dubai office underscores Carmignac's confidence in the UAE's growth prospects and its commitment to forming enduring partnerships with local and regional investors.
Rose Ouahba, Group Deputy CEO and Board Member of Carmignac Gestion Luxembourg and Carmignac Middle East, highlighted the significance of the Dubai office, noting its role in Carmignac's international ambitions. She emphasized the firm's eagerness to bring its European expertise to the UAE while gaining insights from local institutions.
Younes expressed his honor in leading Carmignac's Dubai operations, marking the firm's inaugural presence in the Middle East. He praised DIFC for providing access to sophisticated investors and a strong platform for Carmignac's contributions to the local investment ecosystem.
Salmaan Jaffery, Chief Business Development Officer of DIFC Authority, noted the opportunities presented by Dubai's concentration of wealth for asset managers like Carmignac. He highlighted DIFC's role in providing a platform for accessing investors and building partnerships in Dubai and the wider region.