The Abu Dhabi-based asset manager Lunate has made investments worth $5 billion since its official launch in January this year. With 25 completed deals, including stakes in the private equity firm CVC and the Indian National Stock Exchange, Lunate positions itself as a significant player in the global financial market.

Khalifa al-Suwaidi, Managing Partner of Lunate, explained to the Financial Times that the company plans to invest between 8 and 10 billion US dollars annually. This makes Lunate an attractive partner for asset managers looking to raise capital. "Our goal is to become a local champion that operates independently while utilizing the resources and expertise of ADQ and Chimera Investment," said Suwaidi.

Lunate manages a total of 105 billion USD in assets, including ADQ's ongoing investments and future commitments amounting to approximately 47 billion USD. In addition, Lunate oversees a portfolio of alternative investments for ADQ, which reached a value of about 34 billion USD in 2023, as well as other undisclosed legacy investments for Chimera.

The Acquisition of the Global Crypto Exchange Bitstamp in June Highlights Lunate's Commitment to Digital Currencies and Alternative Investments. Through the Integration of Alterra, a $30 Billion Climate Fund with Partners like BlackRock, TPG, and Brookfield, Lunate Further Expands Its Portfolio. ADQ Has Already Invested $6.5 Billion in Alterra, Strengthening Lunate's Position in the Market.

Despite the impressive figures, industry experts expressed doubts about Lunate's actual independence. An Emirati financial expert described the company as "another pool of sovereign assets," while another referred to Lunate's relationship with the Abu Dhabi state funds as "right hand to left hand." Suwaidi defended the independence, emphasizing that Lunate serves more than ten clients in addition to ADQ and Chimera. "We are proud to serve a broad range of clients while also consolidating our local leadership," said Suwaidi.

In addition to the previous acquisitions, Lunate's few publicly known deals include the purchase of an office building in Dubai, the acquisition of the listed pipeline businesses of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, and a joint venture with New York alternative asset manager Blue Owl Capital, which invests in the healthcare sector.

With nearly 200 employees, Lunate has already reviewed 550 potential transactions this year and selected 25. Suwaidi emphasized that the company sees its "sweet spot" in investments between 100 and 300 million USD. "Our strategy is based on co-investments and co-underwriting to ensure a sustainable deal flow," he explained.