Dubai, UAE — Growing investor demand for greater choice, control and flexibility in private markets, alongside the governance demands of increasingly bespoke strategies, were central themes at two industry roundtables hosted by Jersey Finance in Abu Dhabi and Dubai this week.
The events brought together UAE-based investors, fund managers, advisers and service providers to discuss developments in global private markets and the changing needs of international investors.
Led by An Kelles, Jersey Finance’s Director – GCC, and Elliot Refson, Head of Funds, the Abu Dhabi session took place on 23 September, followed by the Dubai event on 24 September.
Participants explored how sophisticated investors are increasingly complementing traditional pooled funds with co-investment, direct investments and bespoke structures tailored to specific asset or investor requirements. While fund managers remain important, investors are seeking greater influence over asset selection, investment horizons and costs, supported by specialist expertise where needed.
The trend is particularly significant in the Gulf, which contains some of the world’s largest and most sophisticated pools of capital. Jersey Finance referenced PwC Middle East’s TransAct Middle East 2026 report, based on Global SWF data, which found that Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds invested US$127 billion globally in 2025, a 48% increase from the previous year.
Research presented during the events also pointed to rising demand for customised structures. A global survey of 410 senior private-market practitioners by CSC found that 86% had experienced increased limited partner demand for tailored special purpose vehicles, while 82% reported growing demand for single-asset SPVs.
The discussions examined the governance responsibilities associated with greater investor control, including due diligence, valuation, risk and conflict management, reporting, monitoring and independent oversight.
An Kelles, Director – GCC, Jersey Finance, said: “The UAE has developed a highly sophisticated investment ecosystem, supported by strong financial centres, experienced advisers and some of the world’s most significant pools of capital. Jersey’s role complements that ecosystem. We work alongside investors, managers and advisers in the region, bringing our experience in cross-border structuring, governance and administration to support their international investment strategies.
These roundtables are also an important opportunity to listen to the market and understand how we can continue working in partnership as investor requirements evolve.”
Elliot Refson, Head of Funds, Jersey Finance, said: “As investors build experience and capability, many are looking for more choice over what they invest in and how those investments are structured. That can mean co-investment, direct investment, single-asset vehicles or other bespoke arrangements.
Greater control also brings greater responsibility. Governance, oversight, administration and reporting remain essential. Jersey can work alongside investors and their existing advisers to provide supporting infrastructure while preserving investor control over capital, asset selection and investment decisions.”
The discussions also addressed tokenisation. Jersey Finance emphasised that while technology can transform how investments are accessed, held and transferred, robust legal structures, governance and investor protections remain fundamental.
Refson added: “As investment models evolve, international finance centres have an important role to play in making high-quality expertise and infrastructure straightforward to access. For Jersey, that means continuing to work alongside the UAE’s financial community and supporting cross-border investment where our legal, governance and professional-services capabilities can add value.”
The Abu Dhabi and Dubai roundtables form part of Jersey Finance’s ongoing engagement with financial services professionals across the Gulf and the international funds and investment management community.
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