Date: 22 July 2025
Gordian Capital, one of Asia’s leading institutional fund platforms, has announced plans to expand into the Middle East through the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), pending regulatory approval from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).
Mark Voumard, Founder of Gordian Capital Group and CEO of Gordian Capital Singapore, said the decision reflects DIFC’s growing role in attracting both traditional and alternative fund managers.
“The DIFC continues to attract a growing number of managers across various strategies. While going cross-border brings challenges especially regulatory ones our 20 years of experience in Asia puts us in a strong position to support new entrants into the Dubai market, once approval is granted,” said Voumard.
Asia-Based, Globally Regulated
Gordian Capital operates Asia’s only fully licensed institutional fund platform, with offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. It is regulated by several major authorities:
- Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
- Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC)
- Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA)
- National Futures Association (NFA – U.S.)
- Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
It also complies with SEBI (India), CSRC (China), and the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI).
$17 Billion in Assets, 115+ Funds Launched
Since its founding in 2004, Gordian Capital has launched more than 115 funds, covering asset classes such as:
- Private Equity
- Venture Capital
- Real Estate
- Infrastructure
- Private Credit
- Hedge Funds
- Absolute Return Strategies
Today, the firm manages $17 billion in assets, with 96% of that from institutional investors.
Dubai Platform to Offer Full Fund Infrastructure
The proposed DIFC fund platform will provide a comprehensive, regulated infrastructure for investment managers. Gordian Capital will manage operations, compliance, and support, allowing fund professionals to focus solely on portfolio management.
The firm plans to replicate its successful Asia model in Dubai, working with prime brokers, fund administrators, legal, tax, and audit providers.
Support from DIFC Authority
Salmaan Jaffery, Chief Business Development Officer at the DIFC Authority, welcomed the expansion:
“Gordian Capital’s entry supports our vision to make DIFC the region’s top destination for asset managers. This move further cements DIFC’s role in connecting firms to fast-growing markets across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.”
Established Presence, Global Reach
Gordian Capital’s clients include:
- Institutional Asset Managers
- Hedge Funds
- Family Offices
- General Partners
- Corporates
The firm maintains regulatory licenses in Singapore, Japan, and Australia, with representative offices in Melbourne and Shanghai. Its Singapore and Tokyo offices are registered with the U.S. SEC.
“We’ve been warmly welcomed by a highly professional and pro-business environment at DIFC,”
Voumard concluded. “Once approval is secured, we look forward to contributing to the continued development of DIFC as a global center for fund management.”
