Ares Bolsters Asia Credit Leadership Amidst Executive Shuffle
Event summary
- E.G. Morse, formerly Co-Head of China at Goldman Sachs, is joining Ares as Partner and Head of Asia Credit, replacing Edwin Wong who is retiring.
- Dinesh Goel and Gabriel Fong are being appointed as Co-Heads of Ares’ Asia Special Situations strategy, succeeding Wong.
- Ares’ Asia Credit business currently manages $11.5 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2025.
- Morse brings 16 years of experience from Goldman Sachs, including roles in Singapore, Shanghai, and New York.
- Goel joined Ares through the acquisition of SSG Capital in 2020, while Fong joined from CapitaLand Investment in 2026.
The big picture
The appointments signal Ares’ continued commitment to expanding its presence and capabilities in the lucrative Asia Credit market. Bringing in a seasoned executive like Morse from Goldman Sachs demonstrates a desire to aggressively grow AUM and deepen relationships. The transition also highlights the ongoing churn within investment banking as alternative asset managers increasingly poach top talent.
What we're watching
- Integration Risk
- Morse’s success will hinge on his ability to quickly integrate into Ares’ existing Asia Credit team and culture, given his extensive experience at a direct competitor.
- Growth Trajectory
- The co-leadership structure of the Asia Special Situations strategy could either accelerate or hinder growth, depending on Goel and Fong’s ability to coordinate and leverage their respective expertise.
- Competitive Landscape
- Ares’ ability to maintain its market position in Asia Credit will be tested as Goldman Sachs and other competitors likely seek to capitalize on Wong’s departure and Morse’s move.
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