The Middle East is fast becoming one of the most important regions for global capital and fund services. Structural reforms, government-driven transformation, and a long-term vision for economic diversification are reshaping the financial services landscape. At the same time, a rising focus on high-quality living standards and connected infrastructure is making the region a place not just to work, but to stay and build.
In our latest video, we speak with three senior leaders at the heart of our strategy for the Middle East. They share their insights on what makes the region so attractive today and why fund managers and financial service providers are increasingly establishing a permanent footprint.
Meet our Middle East leadership team
Dr Bhaskar Dasgupta, Chairman of the Board, Middle East and India brings decades of expertise guiding regional expansion across two of the world's fastest-growing markets.
Christiane El Habre, Regional Managing Director, Middle East has spent over 22 years in the region and joined us 18 months ago with a clear mission: positioning us as the recognised single solution provider across all Middle Eastern markets. Her work has transformed fragmented operations into a unified regional strategy.
Zafar Khan, Country Head, Saudi Arabia brings over 30 years of Saudi Arabia experience, having witnessed the country's complete transformation firsthand. His deep understanding of local dynamics and relationships positions us at the centre of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 growth story.
From wealth parking to local value creation
Where capital was once moved offshore, today the focus is on making local wealth work harder for local outcomes. This shift has led to demand for international-standard fund services, corporate solutions and governance frameworks across the region.
“Today, there is a huge focus on making sure that local wealth works much harder for the nation.” – Dr. Bhaskar Dasgupta
Why the Middle East stands out
The Gulf Cooperation Council (“GCC”) is laying the foundations for a unified market, with aligned tax systems, shared infrastructure and ease of mobility across borders. The region also stands out for its quality of life: some of the world’s safest cities, world-class healthcare, international education, and permanent residency options are attracting long-term residents, not just short-term business visitors.
The UAE and Saudi Arabia in particular are leading with bold initiatives. DIFC and ADGM are now ranked alongside top global financial centres. The region is also embracing transparency and regulatory alignment, helping position it as a genuine financial services hub.
Our edge in the market
We have maintained a local presence since 2006 and were the first approved financial service provider in multiple jurisdictions. Today, we are licensed across key regulatory frameworks and have a full regional team on the ground.
“We’ve been in the region since 2006 — the first approved financial service provider in DIFC and ADGM.” - Christiane El Habre
Our integrated platform enables clients to access everything from incorporation and licensing through to fund administration, compliance solutions, middle office support, accounting, and capital raising services. This reduces complexity and accelerates time to market.
What the video covers
- The GCC opportunity: Hear about how integration efforts across the Gulf are creating a single economic area with more opportunities for cross-border capital movement and infrastructure connectivity.
- Saudi Arabia’s transformation: Vision 2030 has created clear structures and measurable targets for growth. Business licensing can now be completed in a single day, and more than $800 billion has been allocated to infrastructure investment with strong private sector and foreign investor involvement.
- Three business channels: We break down the domestic, outbound, and inbound investment flows shaping fund activity. From local pension funds to international managers seeking access to capital, there is opportunity across retail, private markets and institutional strategies.
- Why presence matters: Regulators now require local operations. Our full suite of licences, local teams and regional platform make us an ideal partner for managers looking to enter or expand in the Middle East.
- A platform for growth: We offer a stepping stone model that allows fund managers to raise capital, build reputation, and test the market without committing to full infrastructure from day one.
Now is the time
The Middle East, led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, is forecast to be one of the main global growth centres over the next decade. Between policy reform, capital availability and infrastructure investment, the region is uniquely positioned to support long-term financial services expansion.
“This is a greenfield market for fund services, and we’re ready.” - Zafar Khan
Watch the full conversation
Hear directly from our senior leadership on the future of the region and what makes our offering distinctive. If you are considering market entry, expansion or local partnerships in the Middle East, this video is essential viewing.
