Economist Podcasts Private iniquity? The Abraaj case
May 17, 2019
Join Mathieu Favas, Finance correspondent for The Economist, and Edward McBride, Asia editor with expertise in Australian politics, as they dissect the dramatic fall of Abraaj, once a top private-equity firm. They explore the implications of its downfall for markets and discuss the mysterious whistleblower tied to the case. Transitioning to Australia, they delve into the discontent among voters and the intriguing tradition of the 'democracy sausage,' highlighting its role in making elections more engaging amidst rising political dissatisfaction.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Abraaj Exaggeration Warning
- Hamilton Lane received an email warning about Abraaj Group's alleged investment value exaggeration.
- Despite the email's unprofessional appearance, it prompted an investigation, though Hamilton Lane ultimately invested over $100 million.
Abraaj's Rise and Fall
- Abraaj Group, led by Arif Naqvi, was a prominent emerging market private equity firm.
- Naqvi's charisma and Davos presence contributed to investor confidence.
Abraaj's Downfall
- Abraaj's downfall began with an investigation into a healthcare impact investment fund.
- The investigation, triggered by missing funds, led to a loss of confidence and the firm's collapse within four months.