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<\/div>\nInsurance broker WTW announced it has received approval from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) for a license to operate as WTW Investments (DIFC) Ltd. within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).<\/p>\n
WTW said the approval marks a significant milestone in the company\u2019s strategic expansion across the Middle East and represents a fundamental shift in how the firm can engage with clients and prospects in the region.<\/p>\n
For the first time, WTW will be able to proactively arrange access to its full suite of regulated investment capabilities in and from DIFC \u2013 transitioning to a locally anchored, scalable platform with direct access to some of the world\u2019s most dynamic and fast-growing investment markets.<\/p>\n
The DFSA license positions WTW to proactively offer investment advisory services and arrange access to fund solutions in and from DIFC, opening access to a diverse and expanding range of market segments. These include wealth management, family offices, end-of-service benefits and auto-enrolment \u2013 areas experiencing significant growth as the region\u2019s financial landscape continues to mature and professionalize.<\/p>\n
The Middle East has been identified as a strategic growth priority for WTW, with the firm committed to deepening its investment in the region\u2019s talent, infrastructure and client partnerships. The license reinforces that commitment with formal regulatory standing, giving existing and prospective clients greater confidence in WTW\u2019s long-term presence and operational permanence in DIFC.<\/p>\n
Even ahead of securing local licensing, WTW Investments has had an established business in the Middle East, delivering strategic advisory work to some of the largest sovereign wealth funds and public pension plans in the region.<\/p>\n
It has also supported United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia headquartered global employers with fully integrated International Pension and Savings Plan (IPP\/ISP) capabilities spanning strategic investment asset allocation advice, outsourcing and employee experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis license approval is a landmark moment for WTW. We have long recognized the extraordinary depth of opportunity across the Middle East, and we have been building deliberately towards this point \u2013 establishing trusted relationships with some of the region\u2019s most sophisticated asset owners and delivering outcomes that speak for themselves,\u201d commented Diya Luke, global head of Investments at WTW.<\/p>\n
\u201cWTW Investments\u2019 decision to establish its regional presence in DIFC reflects Dubai\u2019s position as a preferred destination for global wealth and asset management firms. DIFC is home to the region\u2019s largest and most established ecosystem of wealth and asset management companies, providing firms with direct access to regional growth opportunities, capital and clients,\u201d according to His Excellency Arif Amiri, chief executive officer at the Dubai International Financial Centre Authority.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith more than US$3.6 trillion in assets under advisory and US$187 billion in assets under management, WTW Investments brings significant global expertise in investment advisory and institutional consulting to the DIFC community,\u201d Amiri added.<\/p>\n
With an established regulated presence in the DIFC, WTW can build deeper relationships, expanding the range of services it delivers on the ground, while building long-term relationships \u201cwith the region\u2019s most influential investors and institutions,\u201d said Dr. Ahmad Waarie, director of WTW Investments (DIFC) and head of MENA at WTW.<\/p>\n
Source: WTW<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Was this article valuable?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n