Balyasny Asset Management has appointed its first employee for its newly established Abu Dhabi office, marking the firm’s expansion in the United Arab Emirates alongside its existing Dubai location, according to a report by eFinancial Careers.

Yash Agarwal, formerly a top global equities portfolio manager at ExodusPoint, has joined Balyasny and is based in Abu Dhabi rather than London or New York as previously expected. He is anticipated to build a new team as the firm prepares to launch operations in the emirate later this year, pending regulatory approval.

Agarwal’s move comes amid broader Middle East geopolitical tensions and reflects confidence in Abu Dhabi as a growing hedge fund hub. The emirate has seen a surge of fund activity in recent years, with significant infrastructure expansion underway, including a $16bn development of Al Maryah Island, a key centre for financial services.

Neither Balyasny nor Agarwal has reportedly commented on the appointment.