Global: CME Group Establishes Regional Hub in Dubai to Strengthen Middle East Market Presence

CME Group, the leading US-based operator of financial derivatives exchanges, has expanded its international presence with the establishment of a regional office at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The move underscores the company’s commitment to supporting growing investor demand and advancing risk management capabilities across the Middle East.

According to the exchange operator, the Dubai office will serve as CME Group’s Middle East hub, operating under a Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) license. The expansion follows a 16% year-on-year increase in average daily trading volumes across the region — a pace that surpasses growth rates in other established markets within Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).

The new regional base will enable institutional and corporate clients to access benchmark derivatives products, manage exposure across multiple asset classes, and tap into CME Group’s robust market infrastructure for hedging and investment opportunities.

Sharif Jaghman, who previously held senior roles at the New York Stock Exchange and Euronext, will head the Dubai operations as Head of Middle East and Africa. Jaghman has been with CME Group in London and brings extensive experience in exchange operations and regional market development.

With a market capitalization exceeding $95 billion, CME Group operates one of the world’s largest derivatives marketplaces, offering futures, options, and cash markets across key asset classes including interest rates, equities, foreign exchange, energy, agriculture, metals, and cryptocurrencies.

In a related development, on June 30, 2025, CME Group listed the spot US Dollar/UAE Dirham currency pair on its EBS Market and EBS Direct platforms — a move driven by increasing client demand for regional currency liquidity and price transparency.

The establishment of CME Group’s DIFC office positions the firm to strengthen engagement with regional regulators, institutional investors, and financial intermediaries, further integrating Middle Eastern markets into the global derivatives ecosystem.