Ahli Capital investment Company (ABK Capital), the investment arm of Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK), has officially established its wholly owned subsidiary at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), following approval from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).

This strategic move marks the company's first international expansion since its founding in 2006, reinforcing its commitment to executing an ambitious growth strategy.

The DIFC is recognized as one of the world’s leading financial hubs, hosting over 6,000 registered firms, including more than 370 asset and wealth management companies, and managing over USD 700 billion in assets.

Upon meeting all regulatory requirements related to the new license, the company will offer a wide 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 and capital markets services. This expansion allows Ahli Capital to directly and efficiently serve its clients through a team of highly experienced professionals.

Commenting on the occasion, Abdulaziz Jawad, Chairman of the company, stated:
“ABK Capital has consistently demonstrated its capabilities through a series of successful achievements over the past 19 years. The approval of this new license reflects the strong trust in our business model, built on a conservative investment philosophy, transparency, and innovation. Our regional expansion enables us to better serve a broader client base by providing comprehensive investment services tailored to diverse needs.

He added, “Our presence in the DIFC enhances our competitive edge, strengthens client trust, and reinforces our strategic relationships with global institutions such as BlackRock and Blackstone. We aim to capitalize on promising opportunities that align with our growth plans.”

Jawad emphasized that the new license marks a significant milestone in ABK Capital’s journey, enabling the company to continue adapting to the rapid changes in the investment landscape and seize high-value opportunities that drive shareholder returns and deliver sustainable added value.

He noted that operating within DIFC allows the company to tap into a rich ecosystem of regional and international clients, ensuring their investment needs are met with the highest global standards. “With this strategic expansion, our services are now more diversified and integrated with global financial institutions, reinforcing our ongoing commitment to offering advanced investment solutions that meet the expectations of both individual and institutional clients.”

Dr. Hussein Chahrour, CEO of Ahli Capital, highlighted the significance of expanding into the DIFC, recognizing its status as a globally competitive market. He said, “DIFC offers an ideal platform for ABK Capital’s expansion into the region, thanks to its advanced infrastructure, alignment with evolving market needs, and its integration with other major global financial centers.”

Chahrour added that the company has been focused on strengthening its team, repositioning in the local market, and offering a leading investment solutions platform, particularly in private market assets. With the DFSA license now secured, the company is poised to expand regionally and attract a wider client base.

He also pointed to the company’s efforts to deliver unique asset management solutions and better connect regional markets with global opportunities through its suite of services and digital trading platform, which provides clients with simplified access to a broad range of investment options.

He concluded that the establishment of the DIFC-based subsidiary is a key step in ABK Capital’s broader expansion strategy, which began with forging strategic partnerships with leading global asset managers such as Blackstone and BlackRock. He hinted that more initiatives are on the horizon to further elevate the company’s market position.