Dechert’s Street CRED offers first-hand, street-level takeaways from key private credit conferences around the globe.

Earlier this month, the Milken Institute hosted an impactful event in Abu Dhabi, gathering world-renowned thought leaders, senior executives, investors, government officials, and philanthropists. The summit aimed to address global challenges and develop strategies for a prosperous future for all. Here are a few highlights:

A Changing Global Economy

  • Economic Outlook: Chaired by Mike Milken, a panel discussed the substantial economic potential of the Middle East and Africa, emphasizing significant investments in infrastructure and sustainable development.
  • Alan Schwartz's 4 D’s: Alan Schwartz of Guggenheim Partners introduced the 4 D’s (Demographics, Debt, Deglobalization, and Dysfunction) as pivotal factors that could position the Middle East as the next global financial hub.
  • Geopolitical Challenges: Sessions addressed the region's geopolitical instabilities, highlighting issues such as political instability, security crises, food and water scarcity, border disputes, and domestic disruptors, while expressing hope for resolution.

Private Credit and Asset Management

  • Private Credit Growth: The importance of private credit in global economies was underscored, noting its growth alongside caution regarding pending maturity dates and potential credit quality deterioration.
  • Syndicated Loan Market: Experts flagged a potential resurgence in the syndicated loan market.
  • Innovation in Asset Management: Discussions focused on the evolving asset management space and the ongoing innovation driven by stakeholders.

Technology and AI

  • AI in the Region: Engaging discussions on the rise of AI covered its pros and cons, emphasizing the need to prepare for its next phase in both professional and personal lives.

Social Impact and Healthcare

  • Sports and Social Impact: The social impact of sports in the Middle East was assessed, along with increased investment in healthcare.
  • Women’s Health: First Lady of the United States, Jill Biden, highlighted the critical need to focus on and invest in women’s health.

The event provided excellent opportunities to exchange views and insights with stakeholders from across the region and beyond. We look forward to Dechert’s continued support of the Milken Institute at their Global Conference in May 2025.