ABU DHABI - Abu Dhabi Global Market, the International Financial Centre will be home to a newly established $1 billion fund: Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners.

The new enterprise will pursue opportunities that satisfy a mandate of establishing a hub for pioneering companies to locate at ADGM, to generate attractive returns while having a positive impact on the ADGM ecosystem.

Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners seeks to realise commercial returns by partnering with top tier and up-and -coming investment firms and industry-leading businesses and professionals who will benefit from building a meaningful and sustainable presence in Abu Dhabi Global Market.

Four key investment principles guide Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners: to positively impact the financial ecosystem; build on Abu Dhabis and ADGMs completive advantages; meet target returns; and create sustainable jobs in ADGM.

The fund will be backed by Mubadala Investment Company with the endeavor to leverage Mubadalas networks locally and around the world to originate attractive investment opportunities in the region. Where applicable, the firm will also work with Mubadala investment teams and portfolio companies to pursue ADGM-related opportunities.

Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State, and Chairman of ADGM, said; "We congratulate Mubadala Investment Company on the launch of Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners and we welcome the establishment of their fund in ADGM. Todays event embodies the vision and ambition of the leadership of Abu Dhabi in establishing ADGM to enable investments and capital flow through our Capital City. ADGM remains focused on its role and responsibility as a leading International Financial Centre with trusted regulatory, judicial, commercial and dispute resolution regimes and infrastructure supporting the economic development of Abu Dhabi."Waleed Al Mokarrab Al Muhairi, Deputy Group CEO and Chief Executive Officer, Alternative Investments & Infrastructure, commented: "With a vision to become one of the worlds leading international financial centers, ADGM is rapidly building a reputation for ease of doing business while creating opportunities for pioneering firms to build and grow. This partnership will see a major new fund put its roots down in ADGM at an exciting time for the international financial center. With Mubadalas scale and networks across key international capital markets, Im confident we will generate attractive returns while having a positive impact on the ADGM ecosystem of investors, investees and service providers."

Guy Hurley, CEO, Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners, added: "Its exciting to be partnering with one of the most influential global investment companies at one of the fastest-growing international financial centers anywhere in the world. There are tremendous opportunities for strong returns built around Abu Dhabis robust economy. As a gateway to the region and major financial markets the Emirate also offers unrivalled opportunities for companies looking to expand internationally. We have a brilliant team of local and global talent and are looking forward to pursuing our ambitious investment strategy."

With an employee base of over ten experienced investment professionals, half of whom are UAE Nationals, the fund will explore opportunities locally and abroad. Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners will leverage Mubadalas extensive networks across key capital markets.

The new fund will target opportunities across asset management, specialty finance and financial infrastructure, with investees expected to have a presence in ADGM. Criteria will also include the investees impact on job creation and engagement with the wider ADGM-based service ecosystem.

Based on Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabis commercial and lifestyle destination and a designated financial free zone, ADGM augments Abu Dhabis position as a global hub for business and finance, serving as a strategic link between the growing economies of the Middle East, Africa and South Asia and the rest of the world. Offering a unique platform for companies across a wide range of sectors to build and grow their businesses, it enables registered financial institutions, companies and other entities to operate, innovate and succeed within an international regulatory framework based on Common Law.

Since its inception, ADGM has been awarded the "Financial Centre of the Year (MENA)" for three consecutive years for its initiatives and contributions to the financial and capital markets industry in the region.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2019.