Dubai, UAE – 11 March 2026
ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company (ICICI Prudential AMC), one of India’s largest asset managers, has opened a branch in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), marking a key step in its global expansion and strengthening its engagement with institutional and wealth investors across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Africa.
The new office is expected to serve as a strategic hub for the company’s international operations, enabling closer engagement with sovereign institutions, family offices, private banks, wealth platforms and distribution partners across the region.
The inauguration ceremony was led by Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, alongside Nimesh Shah, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ICICI Prudential AMC. Also in attendance were Naveen Agarwal, Chief Financial Officer of ICICI Prudential AMC, and Anand Varadarajan, Senior Executive Officer of the DIFC branch, along with members of the company’s regional team, distribution partners and media representatives.
Speaking at the event, Amiri said the move reflects Dubai’s growing role as a global financial hub for asset and wealth managers seeking access to regional capital.
“ICICI Prudential AMC’s decision to establish its DIFC branch underscores the strength of Dubai as a global platform for asset and wealth managers seeking proximity to regional capital. By combining DIFC’s globally connected ecosystem and regulatory framework with ICICI Prudential AMC’s deep India-focused investment expertise, their presence will support institutional and wealth clients across the GCC and Africa in accessing long-term growth opportunities,” he said.
Shah noted that the Middle East continues to play an important role for investors allocating to India-focused strategies, supported by strong economic and trade ties between India and GCC countries.
“Investors in the GCC are increasingly looking to diversify beyond developed markets and are exploring emerging economies that offer strong growth visibility and regulatory stability. Through our presence in DIFC, we aim to build long-term partnerships with investors across the region,” he said.
He added that India remains one of the few major economies demonstrating resilience amid global uncertainty, supported by structural trends such as digital adoption, rising formalisation, infrastructure development and improving corporate balance sheets.
According to Shah, the DIFC office will provide international investors with institutional-grade access to India-focused investment strategies across equities, fixed income and multi-asset solutions.
The company also acknowledged the support of the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the independent regulator overseeing financial services in DIFC, for facilitating the establishment of its regional operations.
Expanding Global Access to India’s Growth Story
India continues to rank among the fastest-growing major economies globally, driven by structural reforms, digitisation, rising tax compliance and strong domestic consumption. Over the past decade, its capital markets have expanded significantly, supported by increased participation from domestic investors and greater savings flowing into financial assets.
The growth of systematic investment plans (SIPs), improvements in corporate governance and stronger balance sheets have contributed to the resilience of Indian markets. Over the long term, Indian equities have delivered significant wealth creation, underpinned by sustained earnings growth and a growing investor base.
DIFC’s Strategic Role
The Dubai International Financial Centre is a leading global financial centre serving the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region. The centre hosts more than 8,800 active companies and continues to attract global banks, asset managers and wealth management firms.
Supported by its independent regulatory framework and international connectivity, DIFC provides firms with access to a wide network of institutional investors and capital across the region.
Through its DIFC branch, ICICI Prudential AMC aims to deepen relationships with sovereign wealth funds and institutional investors, expand partnerships with private banks and wealth managers, and provide research-driven insights into India’s investment landscape while facilitating cross-border investment opportunities.
