Moroccan asset manager Reda Hilali has been named among Forbes Middle East's Top 50 Asset Managers for 2026, a significant achievement in the region's financial landscape. This recognition highlights the growing influence of Moroccan talent in the asset management industry, despite the country's relatively small size in the global financial arena. What makes Hilali's success even more remarkable is his leadership at Wafa Gestion, a subsidiary of Attijariwafa Bank, which has seen remarkable growth under his stewardship. In 2025, Wafa Gestion's assets under management (AUM) exceeded $17.7 billion, a 21% annual increase, and maintained a 22.4% market share. This performance has contributed to Hilali's 11th place on the Forbes list, making him the only Moroccan-based leader featured this year.
Hilali's strategic vision is evident in Wafa Gestion's recent product launches. In 2025, the firm introduced three balanced funds tailored for high-net-worth families and one long-term fixed-income dedicated fund for an institutional client. These initiatives have not only boosted the firm's AUM but also solidified its position in the regional ranking. The Forbes Middle East list, which spotlights 50 leaders from eight Arab countries, showcases the collective strength of these asset managers, who collectively managed over $554 billion in assets in 2025. The ranking covers a wide range of financial products, including local and international equities, debt funds, discretionary portfolios, real estate investments, REITs, and private equity.
The GCC region dominates the list, with 43 of the 50 entries. Saudi Arabia leads with 20 entries, managing over $285 billion in assets, followed by Kuwait with eight leaders overseeing $94.2 billion. The UAE and Egypt each contribute six leaders, Qatar has five, Bahrain three, and Oman one. Outside the GCC, Morocco stands out with Hilali's achievement, and Egypt is represented by six leaders whose firms managed $13.7 billion.
The top spots are dominated by established firms, with SNB Capital's Rashed Sharif retaining the top position for a third consecutive year, managing $70.1 billion in assets. Investcorp's Mohammed Alardhi follows in second place with $62.3 billion, and NBK Wealth Group's Faisal Al-Hamad climbed from eighth to third, managing $48.3 billion. The ranking is based on a weighted evaluation, with total AUM as of December 31, 2025, being the primary indicator. Other factors include AUM growth, leadership experience, key achievements, and institutional strength, with independent asset management firms receiving higher weight.
The list is nearly evenly split between leaders of independent firms (26 entries) and bank-affiliated businesses (24 entries). This recognition of Hilali and Wafa Gestion underscores the importance of strategic product development, strong leadership, and a focus on institutional strength in the asset management industry. As the industry continues to evolve, Moroccan talent, like Reda Hilali, is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of asset management in the Middle East.
