Key Takeaways
- • Dawson Partners, a $25bn+ asset manager, is establishing a Hong Kong office to capitalize on the Asia-Pacific private credit market, which is projected to grow from $59bn in 2024 to $92bn by 2027.
- • The firm appointed Rachel Guan, formerly of First Avenue Partners, as senior principal and head of Asia Institutional to lead regional investor engagement and capital-raising efforts, with long-time executive Yulhee Kim relocating to support operations.
- • Dawson's expansion reflects broader institutional momentum toward Asia-Pacific private markets, positioning the firm to compete with peers including Blackstone, Bain Capital, and EQT, which have recently raised billions in regional funds.
- • The Hong Kong office will serve as a regional base for capital raising and investor relations across the Asia-Pacific region, strengthening Dawson's ability to engage institutional investors in key markets including Australia, India, Japan, and Singapore.
- • The firm is preparing for a new fundraising cycle following the close of its previous $7.7bn fund in 2025 and has recently launched a credit secondary strategy to expand its offerings in private markets.
Summary
Dawson Partners is establishing a Hong Kong office as part of a strategic expansion into Asia-Pacific's rapidly growing private credit market. The $25bn+ asset manager said the move will enhance its capital-raising capabilities and deepen engagement with institutional investors across the region. The new office will function as a regional hub focused on investor relations and fundraising activities, according to Bloomberg and supplemental press reporting.
The expansion includes two key leadership appointments. Rachel Guan, formerly a partner and head of Asia at a global placement agent and advisory firm, has been hired as senior principal and head of Asia Institutional, where she will lead relationships with existing and prospective investors across Asia-Pacific. Yulhee Kim, a long-time Dawson executive, is relocating to Hong Kong to support Guan and expand local investor coverage. According to partners Giorgio Riva and Josh Booth, the move represents a priority initiative to build a truly global capital-raising platform and address sustained investor demand from the region.
The timing of Dawson's Asia expansion aligns with significant market opportunity. The Asia-Pacific private credit market is projected to expand from $59bn in 2024 to $92bn by 2027, driven by activity in Australia, India, Japan, and Singapore. Dawson's move reflects competitive positioning among asset managers entering the region; Blackstone and Bain Capital have recently raised $12bn and $10.5bn, respectively, in Asia-focused funds, while private equity firm EQT raised $15.6bn for its Asia Fund.
Dawson's platform encompasses liquidity solutions for private equity fund investors, portfolio company financing, and recently launched credit secondary strategies. The firm has steadily expanded its global footprint in recent years, opening offices in London and New York. The Hong Kong office expansion comes as Dawson prepares for a new fundraising cycle following the close of its previous fund at approximately $7.7bn in 2025.
The expansion includes two key leadership appointments. Rachel Guan, formerly a partner and head of Asia at a global placement agent and advisory firm, has been hired as senior principal and head of Asia Institutional, where she will lead relationships with existing and prospective investors across Asia-Pacific. Yulhee Kim, a long-time Dawson executive, is relocating to Hong Kong to support Guan and expand local investor coverage. According to partners Giorgio Riva and Josh Booth, the move represents a priority initiative to build a truly global capital-raising platform and address sustained investor demand from the region.
The timing of Dawson's Asia expansion aligns with significant market opportunity. The Asia-Pacific private credit market is projected to expand from $59bn in 2024 to $92bn by 2027, driven by activity in Australia, India, Japan, and Singapore. Dawson's move reflects competitive positioning among asset managers entering the region; Blackstone and Bain Capital have recently raised $12bn and $10.5bn, respectively, in Asia-focused funds, while private equity firm EQT raised $15.6bn for its Asia Fund.
Dawson's platform encompasses liquidity solutions for private equity fund investors, portfolio company financing, and recently launched credit secondary strategies. The firm has steadily expanded its global footprint in recent years, opening offices in London and New York. The Hong Kong office expansion comes as Dawson prepares for a new fundraising cycle following the close of its previous fund at approximately $7.7bn in 2025.
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