Key Takeaways
- • Ares Management appoints E.G. Morse, former Goldman Sachs co-head of China and head of China global markets (16-year tenure), as partner and head of Asia credit, based in Hong Kong, effective immediately.
- • Ares' Asia Credit business manages approximately $11.5 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2025, spanning credit-focused special situations, sponsored and non-sponsored direct lending, and asset-backed finance strategies.
- • Dinesh Goel and Gabriel Fong promoted to co-heads of Asia Special Situations strategy, while Peter Graf continues overseeing direct lending operations in the region from Sydney.
- • Edwin Wong, outgoing Asia credit head, will retire at the end of June 2026 after leading the business; Morse's appointment signals Ares' continued investment in regional leadership and growth across private credit strategies.
Summary
Ares Management has named E.G. Morse as partner and head of Asia credit, marking a significant leadership transition within the firm's regional private credit operations. Morse, who retired from Goldman Sachs in 2024 after 16 years with the institution, most recently served as co-head of China and head of China global markets, bringing substantial experience in Asia-Pacific financial markets and client relationships to his new role. He will be based in Hong Kong and assume responsibility for driving long-term growth objectives across Ares' Asia Credit business.
The appointment comes as Edwin Wong, the current Asia credit head, transitions into retirement at the end of June 2026. According to Mitch Goldstein, Co-Head of Ares Credit, the firm views Morse as "a proven leader and longstanding friend of the firm," signaling an existing relationship that predates this formal appointment. The firm extended gratitude to Wong for his leadership and contributions while wishing him well in retirement.
Concurrent with Morse's appointment, Ares elevated Dinesh Goel and Gabriel Fong to co-heads of its Asia Special Situations strategy, effective immediately. Peter Graf will continue overseeing direct lending activities across the region from Sydney, ensuring continuity in that business line. These structural changes reflect Ares' ongoing effort to build out regional leadership depth across its private credit strategies.
Ares' Asia Credit business, which encompasses credit-focused special situations, sponsored and non-sponsored direct lending, and asset-backed finance activities, manages approximately $11.5 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2025. Morse's Goldman Sachs background—particularly his expertise in China markets and global financial operations—positions him to navigate the complex regional landscape and capitalize on growth opportunities within Ares' expanding Asia-Pacific private credit franchise.
The appointment comes as Edwin Wong, the current Asia credit head, transitions into retirement at the end of June 2026. According to Mitch Goldstein, Co-Head of Ares Credit, the firm views Morse as "a proven leader and longstanding friend of the firm," signaling an existing relationship that predates this formal appointment. The firm extended gratitude to Wong for his leadership and contributions while wishing him well in retirement.
Concurrent with Morse's appointment, Ares elevated Dinesh Goel and Gabriel Fong to co-heads of its Asia Special Situations strategy, effective immediately. Peter Graf will continue overseeing direct lending activities across the region from Sydney, ensuring continuity in that business line. These structural changes reflect Ares' ongoing effort to build out regional leadership depth across its private credit strategies.
Ares' Asia Credit business, which encompasses credit-focused special situations, sponsored and non-sponsored direct lending, and asset-backed finance activities, manages approximately $11.5 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2025. Morse's Goldman Sachs background—particularly his expertise in China markets and global financial operations—positions him to navigate the complex regional landscape and capitalize on growth opportunities within Ares' expanding Asia-Pacific private credit franchise.
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