logo
Polen Capital secures ADGM license, appoints regional head as it expands Middle East presence

Polen Capital secures ADGM license, appoints regional head as it expands Middle East presence

Zawya20-02-2025

Abu Dhabi, UAE – Polen Capital, a global investment management firm specializing in growth equity and credit, is excited to announce it has received its Financial Services Permission (FSP) to operate in ADGM and has opened an office in Abu Dhabi, solidifying its commitment to the Middle East region as a key pillar of its global growth strategy.
This move underscores Polen Capital's focus on credit, a rapidly growing area of its business, as it responds to increasing interest from Middle Eastern investors in its credit strategies. Establishing a foothold in one of the world's most dynamic financial hubs strengthens Polen's ability to serve the region's sophisticated investor base, tap into its deep pools of capital, and meet the growing demand for active, high-conviction investment strategies. Abu Dhabi's increasingly prominent role in global finance, backed by a bold long-term vision and a regulatory environment that fosters innovation, aligns seamlessly with Polen's ambitions for growth and expansion.
Stan Moss, CEO of Polen Capital, commented: 'Polen Capital has grown from a single investment vehicle managing $3 billion in assets to a multi-strategy firm overseeing $60 billion today. The Middle East, and Abu Dhabi in particular, represents a tremendous opportunity for us. We were especially pleased with how seamless the ADGM process was, and with our new presence there, we're committed to expanding our footprint and accelerating our next phase of growth while continuing to serve regional investors with outstanding service and deep expertise.'
In line with this expansion, Polen Capital had appointed Omar Sultani as Managing Director, Head of Middle East and Central Asia. Sultani will spearhead the firm's regional strategy, strengthening partnerships and driving growth across the region.
'Abu Dhabi has become a key global financial center, offering an ideal environment for asset managers to expand and innovate," said Omar Sultani. "Polen Capital's track record of disciplined, high-conviction investing resonates strongly with investors in this region, and I'm excited to build on that foundation.'
Commenting on the development, Arvind Ramamurthy, Chief Market Development Officer at ADGM, said: 'We are pleased to welcome Polen Capital to ADGM as they continue their global expansion. Abu Dhabi has become a key destination for leading asset managers, offering a dynamic investment environment and a regulatory framework designed for growth. Polen's presence here reinforces the strength of our ecosystem, and we look forward to seeing them thrive as they bring their expertise to the region.'
About Polen Capital:
Offering equity and credit investment solutions, Polen Capital is a global investment firm managing approximately $60 billion in assets (as of December 31, 2024) for institutions, financial advisors, and individuals seeking high-quality, active, concentrated strategies built for the long term. Polen has four autonomous investment teams, Large Company Growth, Small Company Growth, Emerging Markets Growth, and Credit, with offices in Boca Raton, Fla., Boston, London, Abu Dhabi and Hong Kong. Since 1989, Polen has built a distinctive culture and is committed to being a firm of opportunity, attracting and developing exceptional professionals aligned with its mission of preserving and growing clients' assets to protect their present and enable their future. The firm has been recognized by Pensions & Investments as one of the industry's 'Best Places to Work' for each of the past nine consecutive years.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Abu Dhabi: ADGM assets under management show 33% YoY rise in Q1
Abu Dhabi: ADGM assets under management show 33% YoY rise in Q1

Gulf Business

time2 days ago

  • Gulf Business

Abu Dhabi: ADGM assets under management show 33% YoY rise in Q1

Image: ADGM Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has recorded a strong start to 2025, posting significant year-on-year growth across its ecosystem in Q1, as investor confidence and international interest in the UAE capital's financial centre remain high. Backed by major regulatory developments, global engagement and jurisdictional expansion, 'ADGM's Q1 2025 performance marks the beginning of another landmark year,' said Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, chairman of ADGM. 'This is not just a reflection of ADGM's capabilities to deliver sustained growth, but also the trust it has gained among global and regional institutions. 'ADGM continues to expand and diversify with purpose, welcoming leading firms, deepening international partnerships, and driving digital and sustainable transformation across sectors.' At a glance: ADGM's key growth areas in Q1 Assets under management (AUM): AUM grew 33 per cent from Q1 2024. A total of 119 fund and asset managers now manage 184 funds. Licences: The number of new licences issued increased by 67 per cent year-on-year. Entities: Operational entities surged 43 per cent to 2,781. Financial services entities rose 26 per cent to 367. Workforce: More than 29,000 people are now employed on Al Maryah Island, up 17 per cent from the previous year. Work permits: 3,509 new work permits were issued for businesses establishing on Al Reem Island. Expanded international presence and strategic engagements In January, an ADGM delegation attended iConnections Global Alts in Miami, held bilateral meetings in New York and Washington, and joined a panel titled 'Abu Dhabi: The Capital of Capital'. In February, ADGM participated in a high-level UAE-China delegation led by ADDED, supporting efforts to deepen bilateral economic ties. In April, ADGM conducted nearly 30 strategic meetings in Japan with institutions focused on private banking, wealth management and family businesses. Al Reem Island integration and new incentives More than 600 new businesses established on Al Reem Island and 500 existing firms migrated to ADGM licensing during Q1. ADGM revised its fee structure in January, slashing commercial licence fees by 50 per cent or more for non-financial and retail businesses. A flat licence fee of Dhs1,000 was introduced to boost SME access. Digital and blockchain developments In March, ADGM signed an MoU with Chainlink to enable compliant tokenisation frameworks. Stacks Asia and Bitgrit joined ADGM under its DLT Foundations framework. ADGM launched an all-in-one mobile app offering compliance tools, licence renewals and regulatory updates. A new digital real estate platform was introduced, enabling fully virtual sale and purchase transactions. Read: Focus on sustainable finance The Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Declaration reached 170 signatories, including Aquila Capital, Century Financial, Oryx Global Partners, PwC and Olive Gaea. The initiative continues to promote ESG integration in the region's financial sector. Human capital and UAE National empowerment ADGM Academy created 800 job placements for UAE Nationals across nine career tracks. Signed strategic MoUs with Arab Youth and the Federal Tax Authority to support upskilling in technology and finance. Published six research papers on the impact of AI in the UAE financial sector via the ADGMA Research Centre. As the financial centre continues its expansion and regulatory innovation, it expects further growth in 2025, particularly from financial markets in Europe and Asia.

Former Lebanese PM Saad Hariri registers SPV company at ADGM
Former Lebanese PM Saad Hariri registers SPV company at ADGM

Arabian Business

time5 days ago

  • Arabian Business

Former Lebanese PM Saad Hariri registers SPV company at ADGM

Saad Hariri, the former Lebanese Prime Minister and businessman, is launching an investment firm in Abu Dhabi, Bloomberg has reported. The 55-year-old, who served as Prime Minister of Lebanon for two terms, has registered his special purpose vehicle company, Genesis SPV Ltd., at Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) on 23 May. Hariri is listed as the sole shareholder of the company, according to the financial free zone's filings. Bloomberg added that the plan, which is in the early stages, is for Genesis to invest across the global technology sector, prioritising bets on artificial intelligence. In the ADGM filing, the company said about its business activities: 'Special Purpose Vehicle – holding ownership of equity and non-equity assets (not permitted to register branches – permitted to incorporate wholly or partially owned subsidiaries outside of ADGM).

ADGM Sees Surge in Asset Management and New Entrants in Q1 2025
ADGM Sees Surge in Asset Management and New Entrants in Q1 2025

Arabian Post

time5 days ago

  • Arabian Post

ADGM Sees Surge in Asset Management and New Entrants in Q1 2025

Abu Dhabi Global Market reported a 33% year-on-year increase in assets under management for the first quarter of 2025, reaching a total managed by 119 fund and asset managers across 184 funds. This growth underscores ADGM's expanding role as a prominent international financial centre. The financial free zone experienced a 67% rise in new licences issued compared to the same period in 2024, bringing the total number of operational entities to 2,781—a 43% annual increase. Financial services entities specifically grew by 26%, totalling 367 by the end of March. Notable firms establishing a presence in ADGM during this period include Skadden, Investindustrial, NewVest, Arcapita, Polen Capital, Seviora, Olive Gaea, TON, and Aquila Group. Additionally, German asset manager Patrizia received regulatory approval to commence operations, marking its first office in the Middle East. ADVERTISEMENT The workforce on Al Maryah Island, ADGM's primary location, expanded by 17% year-on-year, surpassing 29,000 individuals. The extension of ADGM's jurisdiction to Al Reem Island contributed to this growth, with over 600 new businesses established in the expanded area. ADGM's Chairman, Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, attributed the strong performance to sustained global investor confidence and strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing Abu Dhabi's status as a financial and innovation hub. He emphasized ADGM's commitment to supporting capital formation and digital transformation across sectors. The financial centre's appeal is further bolstered by its adoption of English common law, providing a clear and stable legal framework for international businesses. This legal environment, combined with regulatory enhancements and a streamlined licensing process, continues to attract a diverse set of global firms seeking to leverage Abu Dhabi's financial infrastructure. ADGM's focus on digital assets and sustainable finance is evident through partnerships and initiatives launched during the quarter. The collaboration with Chainlink aims to develop robust systems for digital tokens and financial tools, while the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Declaration now boasts 170 signatories, reflecting a growing commitment to responsible investment practices. The ADGM Academy played a significant role in workforce development, facilitating job opportunities for UAE nationals through specialized training programs. The academy also released research papers focusing on the future of finance in the UAE, highlighting the impact of emerging technologies on the sector.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store