Reda Hilali's Remarkable Achievement
Marrakech – This Thursday, Forbes Middle East revealed its much-anticipated annual ranking of the Top 50 Asset Managers for 2026, showcasing the prominent figures leading the financial sector across the region. Among these financial luminaries, Reda Hilali, the Chief Executive Officer of Wafa Gestion, has earned an impressive position, securing the 11th spot on the distinguished list. Notably, he stands as the sole Moroccan leader featured in this year's edition, underscoring his significant impact in the asset management arena.
Since taking the helm of Wafa Gestion, a subsidiary of the renowned Attijariwafa Bank, in 2016, Hilali has demonstrated remarkable leadership, steering the firm to new heights. Under his guidance, the assets managed by Wafa Gestion surpassed an astounding $17.7 billion by the end of 2025, reflecting an impressive annual growth rate exceeding 21%. Throughout the year, the firm maintained a substantial market share, averaging 22.4%, a testament to its robust performance in a competitive landscape. Hilali's prior experience as the president of ASFIM, the Moroccan asset management association, further solidifies his expertise and influence in the industry.
Wafa Gestion's Strategic Initiatives and Regional Context
In 2025, Wafa Gestion also demonstrated its commitment to innovation by launching three balanced funds specifically designed for high-net-worth families. Additionally, the firm introduced a dedicated long-term fixed-income fund for an institutional client, which significantly bolstered its standing in the regional rankings. The Forbes Middle East list not only recognizes individual leaders but also highlights the collective strength of their firms, which together managed over $554 billion in assets throughout 2025. This diverse portfolio includes local and international equities, debt funds, discretionary portfolios, real estate investments, REITs, and private equity, showcasing the breadth of the region's asset management capabilities.
The ranking predominantly features leaders from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, with 43 out of the 50 entries hailing from this region. Saudi Arabia leads the way with an impressive 20 entries, whose firms collectively manage more than $285 billion in assets. Following closely are Kuwait with eight leaders overseeing $94.2 billion, while the UAE and Egypt each contribute six leaders to the list. Notably, Morocco's representation is marked by Hilali, whose firm managed $17.5 billion, alongside six Egyptian leaders managing a total of $13.7 billion.
Maintaining his top position for the third consecutive year, Rashed Sharif of SNB Capital leads the ranking with an impressive $70.1 billion in assets under management. Close behind, Mohammed Alardhi of Investcorp holds the second position with $62.3 billion, while Faisal Al-Hamad of NBK Wealth Group has made a significant leap from eighth to third place, managing $48.3 billion. Forbes Middle East utilized a weighted evaluation methodology to compile this ranking, with total assets under management as of December 31, 2025, serving as the primary indicator. Additionally, factors such as AUM growth from 2024 to 2025, leadership experience, key achievements, and institutional strength were also considered, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of each leader's contributions to the asset management landscape.
Interestingly, the ranking reveals a near-even split between leaders of independent asset management firms and those affiliated with banks, with 26 entries from independent firms and 24 from bank-backed businesses, indicating a dynamic and competitive market environment.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.
