The topic of a discussion at the recently held Super Return conference in Dubai was – What is the future ahead for the asset management and safeguard of family offices and high-net-worth individuals located in the Gulf Cooperation Council? In the event, the discussion hovered around how the world of family offices was changing. Titled ‘In it together: family offices, private equity and venture capital’, the main point from the event was that the market seemed promising especially for the high-net-worth clients who are thinking of asset diversification, particularly in private equity. They also emphasised how the sector is gaining from the professional attitude of the service providers in the area as the demands on them are increasing.
One of the experts at the event also said that the family offices such as the fund managers in the area, are anticipating more from their providers because the market is growing and there is ever-increasing demand for state-of-the-art technological infrastructure. People managing investments have a preference for service providers who are ready to work as an extension of their back office team and also provide a professional operational oversight function.
Although the investors are giving positive response towards private markets in general, they have been also conveying their caution. This shows in higher expectations of service providers to assist in providing peace of mind. Their requirements on administrators are rising in terms of access to data and information being available on clear and transparent fees. Various managers and investors want them to exhibit the value they are adding to structures. Another expert mentioned that “For private equity investment, Limited Partner (LP) sentiment is reflective of the growing demand within the industry of a greater need for transparency and enhanced reporting. Fundamentally, increased disclosure regarding fees and greater visibility and understanding of the value remains a focus for LPs.”
The need for more transparency comes as no surprise in the area and “The regulator is keen to reinforce the notion that there is no place for weak corporate governance. Investors want the assurance of a robust risk management framework to mitigate operational risks, a feature of which is inherent in the DFSA’s regulation. We have seen it become increasingly likely that fund managers and family offices will seek to secure the services of sophisticated, independent fund administrators. Their ability to provide the additional comfort investors seek from having an independent, comprehensive and robust corporate governance and control framework is a fundamental requirement when managing funds and investor commitments.” We, at IMC, can guide and support you by playing the role of an outsourced family office or may be a multi-family office. You can also get in touch with us if you need professional assistance on Dubai company incorporation or family office investment in the UAE.
