CME Group, the world’s largest derivatives exchange, has opened a new office in the Dubai International Financial Centre under DFSA regulation. Led by Sharif Jaghman, the office will oversee Middle East and Africa operations as hedge funds and investors increasingly flock to Dubai’s growing financial hub.
CME Group, the world’s largest derivatives exchange, has officially opened a new regional office in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), marking a major expansion of its presence in the Middle East. The move comes as global hedge funds and asset managers increasingly establish operations in the Gulf region, attracted by favorable regulatory frameworks, strong sovereign wealth, and the region’s growing role as a global financial hub.
The new office will operate under a license from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the independent regulator of financial services conducted in or from the DIFC. CME Group’s presence in Dubai is expected to deepen its relationships with regional investors, sovereign wealth funds, and financial institutions seeking exposure to global derivatives markets.
Sharif Jaghman, a long-serving CME executive, has been relocated from London to lead the company’s operations across the Middle East and Africa (MEA). In his new role, Jaghman will oversee client engagement, business development, and strategic initiatives designed to strengthen CME Group’s footprint in the region. His appointment reflects the company’s commitment to aligning its global growth strategy with the rapid evolution of Middle Eastern financial markets.
The launch of CME Group’s Dubai office highlights a significant shift in global financial dynamics. Over the past few years, Dubai and other Gulf financial centers such as Abu Dhabi and Riyadh have witnessed a surge in hedge fund activity, driven by a combination of economic diversification efforts, progressive regulation, and a concentration of institutional capital.
According to industry analysts, major hedge funds including Millennium Management, ExodusPoint, and Brevan Howard have recently expanded their regional presence or opened new offices in the DIFC. The influx of top-tier fund managers is transforming Dubai into a key node in global finance, bridging markets across Asia, Europe, and Africa.
CME Group’s entry into the region complements this momentum. The company, headquartered in Chicago, operates some of the most important derivatives exchanges in the world, including the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Chicago Board of Trade, and New York Mercantile Exchange. Its product suite spans futures and options in asset classes such as interest rates, equity indexes, energy, and agricultural commodities—markets that are increasingly relevant to investors in the Middle East seeking diversification and hedging solutions.
“The Middle East is one of the fastest-growing financial regions globally, and Dubai offers an ideal base for connecting with our clients and partners,” said a CME spokesperson. “By establishing a presence in DIFC, we can better support local market participants with access to our global network and innovative risk management tools.”
The DIFC, home to more than 600 regulated financial firms and over $1 trillion in assets under management, continues to position itself as a magnet for global capital. The UAE’s favorable tax environment, modern infrastructure, and strong legal system have made it a preferred destination for international finance professionals and institutions alike.
CME Group’s expansion is seen as a strategic step in tapping into this growth trajectory. As hedge funds and institutional investors deepen their activities across the Gulf, the exchange’s presence in Dubai reinforces the city’s emergence as a pivotal hub in the global derivatives and capital markets ecosystem.
