By Staff Writer
CME Group, the world’s largest derivatives marketplace, has officially expanded into the Middle East, opening a new regional office in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The move marks a significant milestone for the exchange giant as it looks to deepen its ties with investors, institutions, and regulators across the region.
The new Dubai entity will operate locally under a Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) license, reflecting CME Group’s commitment to building a strong, regulated presence in one of the world’s most dynamic financial hubs.
“Surging institutional and retail participation in financial markets has fueled demand for broader trading access in the Middle East,” said Julie Winkler, Chief Commercial Officer at CME Group. “Building on years of collaboration with regulators and brokers in the region, our new office will accelerate our ability to help clients manage risk and pursue opportunities in some of the world’s most important benchmark products.”
CME Group said the Dubai office will serve as its regional hub, supporting clients not only in the UAE but also across the wider Middle East, Africa, and South Asia regions. The expansion comes as global market participation continues to rise, with investors increasingly seeking access to the exchange’s diverse range of futures, options, and cash products.
“This is a significant step forward in elevating our EMEA presence for our clients,” added Serge Marston, Head of EMEA, CME Group. “Our Dubai office will operate as CME Group’s Middle East hub, offering the UAE and surrounding markets a higher level of service than ever before.”
The DIFC Authority also welcomed the move, describing CME Group’s arrival as a natural fit for Dubai’s growing position as a global financial centre.
Salmaan Jaffery, Chief Business Development Officer at DIFC Authority, said: “We are delighted to welcome CME Group to DIFC, strengthening a relationship we have built over many years. Their presence in the Centre is a testament to Dubai’s strategic role as a global financial hub and underscores the growing opportunities in the region. We look forward to supporting CME Group as they capture new growth avenues and further strengthen their connections across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.”
The new office will be led by Sharif Jaghman, CME Group’s Head of Middle East and Africa, who brings nearly two decades of financial industry experience. Previously based in London, Jaghman has held senior roles at the New York Stock Exchange and Euronext, in addition to his long-standing tenure at CME Group.
CME Group said its Dubai team will focus on expanding regional access to its benchmark products, which span every major asset class, including interest rates, equities, foreign exchange, energy, agricultural commodities, metals, and cryptocurrencies.
The company’s move into Dubai signals a growing recognition of the Middle East as an increasingly important hub for global finance and derivatives trading, bridging capital flows between Asia, Europe, and Africa.
