Chris Rokos’ hedge fund is moving forward with its expansion into the Middle East after receiving regulatory approval to establish an office in Abu Dhabi, reinforcing the emirate’s position as a growing centre for global asset managers, according to a report by Bloomberg.
The report cites a statement from the Abu Dhabi Global Market as revealing that Rokos Capital Management, which oversees approximately $22bn in assets, has obtained a full licence from Abu Dhabi’s financial regulator. The London-based firm, which also operates in New York and Singapore, has secured office space in Sky Tower as it prepares to build out its regional presence.
Chris Irish, who leads finance and the firm’s Middle East operations, said the new base will support closer relationships with investors and partners across the Gulf.
The move comes amid a broader wave of hedge fund inflows into the United Arab Emirates. In recent years, both Abu Dhabi and Dubai have stepped up efforts to attract global investment firms, with several major managers establishing regional hubs. Among them are Brevan Howard Asset Management, Marshall Wace, and Man Group, all of which have expanded their presence in Abu Dhabi. Others, including Balyasny Asset Management and Hudson Bay Capital Management, have opted for a dual footprint across Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
While recent regional conflicts have raised questions about the long-term appeal of the Gulf as a financial hub, investor appetite appears resilient. Citadel recently obtained approval to operate in Dubai, signalling continued interest from leading global firms.
The UAE’s attraction is underpinned by substantial pools of capital. Abu Dhabi is home to the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, which manages around $1.1tn and increasingly allocates capital through separately managed accounts across hedge funds. Dubai, meanwhile, hosts a dense network of family offices collectively overseeing more than $1 trillion in assets.
Founded by Chris Rokos after his co-founding role at Brevan Howard, Rokos Capital delivered a 21% return in 2025, followed by gains of approximately 4.7% in the first quarter of this year.
