Dubai – 16 June 2026
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, today announced that Oak Hill Advisors (OHA), a leading global credit-focused alternative investment firm, has received regulatory approval from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) to operate from Dubai. The approval follows OHA becoming the 100th hedge fund manager registered by DIFC in late 2025.
Managing approximately USD 112 billion in assets as of 31 March 2026, OHA’s expansion into Dubai highlights the growing appeal of DIFC as the region’s preferred destination for alternative investment firms, asset managers, and financial institutions seeking access to regional and global markets.
As home to the largest concentration of wealth and asset management firms in the region, DIFC continues to attract leading international investment companies through its robust regulatory framework, world-class infrastructure, deep talent pool, and strategic location connecting key financial markets across East and West.
Declan Tiernan, Partner and Head of EMEA Client Coverage at OHA, said:
“Establishing an office in the GCC marks an important milestone in OHA’s continued growth in a region where we have built strong and enduring partnerships. DIFC offers a sophisticated financial ecosystem, a highly regarded regulatory environment, and direct access to investors and opportunities across the Middle East and beyond. We look forward to deepening our presence in the region and delivering our differentiated credit investment expertise and long-term partnership approach to regional investors and stakeholders.”
His Excellency Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, said:
“OHA’s decision to establish a presence in DIFC further strengthens Dubai’s standing as a leading global financial centre and a destination of choice for the world’s premier alternative investment firms. OHA joins a rapidly growing community of global asset managers and credit specialists operating from DIFC, reflecting sustained confidence in our regulatory environment, business infrastructure, and ability to support the evolving requirements of the international investment community.”
OHA manages a diverse range of credit strategies spanning private credit, leveraged loans, high-yield bonds, stressed and distressed debt, collateralised loan obligations (CLOs), and multi-strategy credit investments, drawing on more than three decades of experience across global credit markets.
DIFC continues to play a central role in advancing the future of finance across the region by attracting leading global institutions, fostering innovation, and supporting sustainable economic growth. Driven by DIFC’s strategic initiatives, Dubai is currently ranked among the world’s top financial centres, placing 7th globally and 6th worldwide for investment management.
