Global investor services group IQ-EQ has announced that its subsidiary Gordian Capital has received regulatory approval to expand its institutional cross-border fund platform services into Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
The company has secured a licence from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), allowing Gordian to offer a wide range of institutional fund services within and from DIFC.
Under the new licence, Gordian can:
- Manage collective investment funds
- Advise on financial products
- Arrange custody services
- Arrange investment deals
- Manage assets
The company has also received approval to use its institutional fund platform in DIFC.
The new licence is aimed at experienced investment professionals looking for a regulated and operational fund infrastructure in Dubai. Gordian will handle operational and business management functions, allowing investment managers to focus on investment activities.
The company also plans to support fund structuring and help facilitate capital flows from the Middle East into international investment opportunities.
Gordian already has a strong presence across the Asia-Pacific region, with offices in Singapore, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Melbourne. The Dubai expansion strengthens its cross-border fund capabilities for international clients.
IQ-EQ acquired Gordian Capital in July 2025 to strengthen its regulated fund platform and fund structuring services across multiple markets, including APAC and Europe.
Since 2005, Gordian has launched more than 115 funds across private and public investment strategies and currently manages around US$22 billion in assets. Its client base includes institutional asset managers, hedge funds, family offices, corporates and investment platforms across sectors such as private equity, real estate, infrastructure, venture capital and long-only strategies.
Mark Voumard, Founder of Gordian and Managing Director and Head of Fund Platform and Solutions for Asia and the Middle East at IQ-EQ, said the expansion into DIFC will help investment managers establish a regulated presence in Dubai with faster market access and operational support.
Richard Surrency, Group Chief Commercial Officer at IQ-EQ, described the DFSA licence as a major milestone for the company’s Middle East growth strategy, adding that the UAE remains a strong and growing financial market.
Salmaan Jaffery, Chief Business Development Officer at DIFC Authority, welcomed Gordian Capital to DIFC and said the company’s presence will strengthen the region’s asset management and institutional fund platform ecosystem.
