ABK Capital Establishes Subsidiary at DIFC After Receiving DFSA Approval

First international expansion since its founding in 2006 to strengthen its regional and global presence. ABK Capital, the investment arm of Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) Group, has established its subsidiary at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) after obtaining approval from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), marking a strategic step to expand its regional and international footprint. This move represents the company’s first overseas expansion since its inception in 2006 and underscores its commitment to executing its ambitious strategy. DIFC is one of the world’s leading financial centers, hosting over 6,000 registered companies, including more than 370 asset and wealth management firms and over USD 700 billion in assets. Once all regulatory requirements for the new license are fulfilled, the company will offer a range of investment services and solutions, including asset and wealth management, investment advisory, and capital increase underwriting. It also plans to introduce new offerings such as M&A advisory services, capital market services, and more. This expansion will allow the company to directly serve its clients more effectively through a team of highly experienced professionals. Commenting on the occasion, Abdulaziz Jawad, Chairman of ABK Capital, stated, “ABK Capital has successfully earned trust through its achievements over the past 19 years, as reflected in the granting of this new license. The company enjoys a strong reputation grounded in its conservative investment philosophy and commitment to transparency and innovation in its solutions and services. Our regional expansion will help us attract and serve more clients by offering diversified investment services tailored to their various needs.” Jawad added, “Our presence in DIFC enhances our competitiveness and builds trust with our clients and strategic relationships, with firms like BlackRock and Blackstone. It positions us to seize promising opportunities in line with our mission to maximize shareholder returns and continuously deliver added value. Being based in DIFC enables us to tap into vast potential and serve top regional and global clients in line with the highest international standards. This strategic expansion confirms our ongoing commitment to delivering advanced investment solutions that meet the expectations of both individual and institutional clients.” Dr. Husayn Shahrur, CEO of ABK Capital, stated that the move comes as a result of DIFC’s growing status as a key player in global markets, making it an ideal launchpad for ABK Capital into the wider region. He highlighted DIFC’s advanced infrastructure and responsiveness to market developments, as well as its integration with other major financial centers worldwide. Dr. Shahrur added that the company has focused on strengthening its team, repositioning itself in the local market, and launching a leading investment platform – especially in private market asset solutions. With the DFSA license now in hand, ABK Capital aims to expand regionally and attract a broader client base. He also emphasized the company’s unique asset management offerings and its role in further connecting regional markets to global opportunities. This will be achieved through ABK Capital’s various products including the online trading platform which provide clients with a wide range of investment solutions. Dr. Shahrur concluded by saying that establishing a subsidiary in DIFC is a continuation of ABK Capital’s broader expansion strategy. This began with strategic relationships with major global asset managers such as Blackstone and BlackRock, and will be followed by further strategic steps to enhance the company’s competitive position in the market.