Latest news with #BasKooijman
Business Recorder
29-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
What is Dubai's ‘ground-breaking' One Freezone Passport?
The Dubai Free Zones Council recently announced the successful implementation of the One Freezone Passport, an initiative that provides businesses with access to multiple free zones while maintaining a single licence. In other words, companies licensed at one free zone can benefit from facilities located in other free zones across the emirate without requiring additional licensing. While the statement did not specify what facilities this would include, it likely refers to office space, warehousing, HR services, and even R&D or legal support. Louis Vuitton becomes first member under Dubai's 'One Freezone Passport' initiative In a statement, the Council described the Passport as a 'ground-breaking initiative aimed at enhancing the ease of doing business across Dubai's free zones.' It is worth noting that global luxury brand Louis Vuitton has become the first company to leverage this initiative through the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority (DWTC), which operates the Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone. It took the company five days to complete the process. Louis Vuitton will maintain its warehouse operations in Jebel Ali Free Zone while establishing its corporate office at One Za'abeel, part of the Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone. Dr. Juma Al Matrooshi, Assistant Secretary General at Dubai Free Zones Council, said that 'by enabling businesses to expand seamlessly across our world-class free zones, we are reinforcing Dubai's reputation as a premier investment destination.' So what does this mean for businesses? According to the government, companies can expand their operational footprint through a streamlined and fast-paced process. The programme could also encourage cross-sector collaboration across Dubai. 'The One Freezone Passport initiative fundamentally transforms Dubai's business landscape by allowing companies to operate across all 30-plus free zones with a single license,' Bas Kooijman, CEO of asset management firm DHF Capital SA, told Business Recorder. 'For companies, this dismantles operational silos and offers significant advantages. It drastically cuts administrative and legal costs by eliminating redundant license fees and accelerates expansion time from months to as little as five days. Strategically, businesses can now adopt efficient 'hub-and-spoke' models, combining the specialized strengths of different zones, like JAFZA's logistics and DWTC's commercial prestige, under one corporate umbrella,' he added. 'For the wider Dubai economy, the Passport is a strategic tool aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). By creating a unified, frictionless ecosystem, it enhances Dubai's global competitiveness against hubs like Singapore and London,' he said. He explained that the initiative is designed to attract higher-value foreign direct investment (FDI) by enabling complex multinational operations to be managed seamlessly from the emirate. 'This move positions Dubai at the forefront of the global value chain, fostering long-term economic growth and solidifying its position as a premier international business destination.' The idea is to strengthen the emirate's position as a global economic hub while enhancing operational efficiency for businesses. Abdalla Al Banna, Vice President of Free Zone Regulatory Operations at DWTC, said the programme enhances Dubai's attractiveness for global enterprises by enabling seamless operations across the city's free zones, 'contributing to Dubai's vision of becoming the world's leading destination for international investment and business setup.' The DWTC Free Zone is home to global companies, innovators, and entrepreneurs across over 40 diverse sectors. It is one of over 30 specialized free zones in Dubai, each designed to support specific industries such as technology, media, finance, healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing. These zones are governed by their own regulatory frameworks and offer 100% foreign ownership, full repatriation of profits, and exemption from corporate taxes and import/export duties. Notable examples include Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, the world's largest free zone for commodities trade; Dubai Internet City, a tech and digital innovation hub; and Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) — a leading financial services jurisdiction in the region. These free zones have been pivotal in attracting international companies and startups by offering streamlined setup processes, modern infrastructure, and strategic access to global markets. Each has its own special facilities and infrastructure. For instance, DIFC has financial services frameworks, including banking, fintech support, and legal arbitration facilities. Dubai Design District (d3) and Dubai Media City has creative hubs for content creators, designers, and fashion brands while Dubai Healthcare City, has clinics, labs, and academic medical centers. The One Freezone Passport is one of many initiatives the government is implementing to encourage businesses in these zones. For instance, previously a company in the free zone could operate only within the zone and outside the UAE. It could not conduct its operation in a non-free zone in the UAE. However, back in March, the emirate announced new rules according to which any company or institution licensed by a free zone relevant authority may operate outside the free zone and within Dubai, as long as it obtains the necessary licences or permits from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Zawya
28-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
DHF Capital and Tauro Markets Forge Strategic Alliance to Enhance Innovative Investment Solutions
Middle East: DHF Capital S.A., the Luxembourg-based securitization company established in 2020 for well-informed investors, is pleased to announce today a new strategic collaboration with Tauro Markets, built by traders, for traders. This leading provider and international multi-asset investment platform was recently awarded Most Trusted Multi-Asset Trading Broker UAE 2024 by the International Business Magazine (IBM), and is among entities authorized by the Ministry of Commerce in Kuwait, by Saint Vincent & The Grenadines, and regulated by the FSC in Mauritius. This alliance stems from both firms' shared commitment to innovation and excellence in the investment space. DHF Capital, known for its diversified investment solutions across Forex, equities, and precious metals, seeks to integrate Tauro Markets' recognized expertise in cutting-edge research and its platform capabilities for the benefit of its investors, recently rated "Excellent" on Trustpilot's review platform "Tauro Markets' expertise in market analysis and their advanced tools are a natural complement to our investment methodology. This collaboration will allow us to explore new frontiers for the benefit of our investors, offering them enhanced insights and capabilities." stated Bas Kooijman, CEO and Asset Manager of DHF Capital S.A. "We are enthusiastic about the synergies this alliance will bring, further solidifying our position as a trusted partner in wealth management." For his part, Alexander Wilhelm Oelfke, CEO of Tauro Markets, commented: "This partnership with DHF Capital marks a powerful alignment of vision and capability. Together, we're not just equipping traders with better tools — we're reshaping what's possible in the world of investing. At Tauro Markets, we're focused on building a platform defined by performance, transparency, and true partnership designed to elevate every participant in the value chain. This is just the beginning of what we aim to redefine in the global investment landscape. This strategic collaboration between DHF Capital and Tauro Markets promises to drive significant advancements in investment solutions, reaffirming both companies' commitment to innovating and delivering superior value to their respective retail and B2B clients in the global market. As DHF Capital S.A. continues to expand its footprint across key international markets and enhance its offerings, this new partnership represents a further step in the company's commitment to bringing its high-standard financial services to more investors in the Middle East. For more information on Tauro Markets, please visit their website at and to find out more about DHF Capital, click here. About DHF Capital DHF Capital S.A. is a Luxembourg-based securitization company established in December 2020 for professional investors. Combining Forex, equities, and precious metals DHF Capital creates a diverse portfolio for any investor, while keeping the risks as low as possible. DHF Capital provides investors with several investment solutions that vary in risk and reward. This way DHF Capital can easily build the solution that suits its clients best. DHF Capital SA, 21 Rue Glesener, 1631 Luxembourg, Luxembourg +370 601 02195 For more information, please contact: hello@ About Tauro Markets Tauro Markets is a multi-asset trading platform offering retail and institutional clients access to a broad range of investment products. Through its next-gen brokerage platform, Tauro Markets provides innovative financial tools and opportunities, including Forex, CFDs, commodities, indices, and a wider range of digital assets. Focused on empowering traders with more diverse and flexible investment options, Tauro Markets is working to redefine the trading experience by providing a comprehensive suite of investment products and utilizing advanced financial technologies. Backed by industry veterans and guided by an experienced leadership team, the company plans to make a significant impact in the market. For more information, please contact: marketing@
Barnama
24-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Synervest Group Secures US$4 Mln Series A To Fuel Global Fintech Expansion
BUSINESS KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 (Bernama) -- Fintech holding company, Synervest Group has raised US$4 million in a Series A funding round led by Jura Investment Group, with continued backing from CMT Digital, doubling its valuation to US$60 million from a year ago. (US$1=RM4.21) In a statement, Synervest said the fresh funding follows a period of strong commercial and operational momentum across its portfolio of trading, payments, and financial technology businesses. The funds will be used to drive international expansion, enhance regulatory capabilities, and strengthen its institutional offerings. 'Bringing Jura on board as a strategic partner, alongside the continued backing of CMT Digital, is a major endorsement of our model and long-term vision. 'This partnership enables us to scale faster, deepen our regulatory capabilities, and broaden our reach across institutional markets,' said Synervest Group Founding Partner, Alexander Oelfke. Jura Investment Group Chief Executive Officer, Bas Kooijman added that Synervest's innovative fintech approach aligns well with the group's vision, adding that it sees strong potential in supporting Synervest's global expansion. Meanwhile, CMT Digital Co-Founder, Jan-Dirk Lueders said the future of financial markets will be shaped by firms capable of operating across borders while maintaining high regulatory standards. 'Synervest is building precisely that—robust trading infrastructure designed for global institutions,' he said. With legal entities and regulatory licences in key international jurisdictions, Synervest maintains operational hubs in Europe and the Middle East, serving financial institutions seeking compliant and scalable cross-border infrastructure.
Wall Street Journal
23-06-2025
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
Middle East Conflict Another Boost for Gold, Headwind for Copper
0011 GMT — Gold prices should rally amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East, says ANZ analyst Daniel Hynes. He reckons the precious metal has been 'a relatively good hedge' against uncertainty triggered by major geopolitical events. 'This Middle East conflict threatens to be one of the biggest issues facing the world in recent memory.' That is likely to trigger demand for gold as a safe haven, offsetting any concerns about the prospect of fewer U.S. rate cuts, he says. Spot gold is up 0.1% at $3,369.92/troy ounce. The Middle East conflict will meanwhile be another headwind for industrial metal copper, which is viewed as a proxy to global economic growth, Hynes says. LME 3-month copper is down 0.1% at $9,628/metric ton. ( @RhiannonHoyle) 2359 GMT — Gold edges higher in the early Asian session amid worries over the Middle East conflict. 'Recent escalation between the U.S. and Iran, marked by airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, has introduced a new layer of uncertainty into global markets,' DHF Capital's Bas Kooijman says. 'The fear of a broader regional conflict in the Middle East has driven a surge in demand for gold as investors seek to mitigate risk,' the CEO and asset manager adds. Spot gold is 0.2% higher at $3,373.57/oz. (
Zawya
14-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
DHF Capital appoints Iran Erzando as new financial controller
Global – DHF Capital S.A., a Luxembourg-based asset management and securitization company dedicated to serving well-informed personal and institutional investors, is proud to announce the appointment of Iran Erzando as its new Financial Controller. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with over 11 years of professional experience, Iran brings a powerful combination of expertise in external audit and corporate finance. He spent eight years with globally recognized firms including KPMG and Crowe, conducting audits and assurance services across multiple sectors such as retail, hospitality, oil & gas, shipping, and services. Transitioning into corporate finance, Iran has held critical roles within Finance Shared Service Centers in the oil & gas and telecommunications sectors. His key areas of expertise include management accounting, reconciliations, IFRS 16 implementation, and fixed asset management, where he has consistently driven operational accuracy and financial efficiency. 'Iran's appointment will be key to further reinforce our commitment to operational transparency and financial excellence,' said Bas Kooijman, CEO and Founder of DHF Capital. 'His dual perspective from both audit and corporate environments gives him a unique edge that we are eager to leverage with the rest of our team. We're excited to welcome him aboard during this phase of growth, as we continue to scale our offerings and reinforce our governance standards.' 'I'm thrilled to join DHF Capital, a company that's not only growing rapidly but also upholding strong values around investor protection and financial integrity,' said Iran Erzando, new Financial Controller at DHF Capital. 'I look forward to bringing my experience and analytical mindset to support the company's evolving strategy and help build robust financial systems that can scale with its global ambitions.' In his new role, Iran will be responsible for managing the company's financial reporting and compliance processes, optimizing internal controls, and supporting strategic decision-making through precise, data-driven insights. Outside of his professional life, Iran is known to be a passionate sports enthusiast, a certified scuba diver, and a devoted thalassophile enthusiast of oceanic activities and environments. His adventurous spirit and love for the outdoors reflect the resilience, focus, and adaptability he brings to his role in finance. As DHF Capital S.A. continues to expand its footprint across key international markets and enhance its offerings, Iran Erzando's appointment underscores the company's commitment to maintaining the highest standard of financial compliance and control to ensure both its clients' and stakeholders' assets are secure and the company is fit to keep constantly growing. About DHF Capital DHF Capital S.A. is a Luxembourg-based securitization company established in December 2020 for well-informed personal or institutional investors. Combining Forex, equities, and precious metals DHF Capital creates a diverse portfolio for any investor, while keeping the risks as low as possible. DHF Capital provides investors with several investment solutions which vary in risk and reward. This way DHF Capital can easily build the solution which suits its clients best. Additionally, DHF Capital offers unique protection for its investors with a real estate corporate guarantee. This ensures that the interests of the firm and that of its clients are aligned. DHF Capital SA, 21 Rue Glesener, 1631 Gare Luxembourg, Luxembourg +370 601 02195 For more information, please contact: hello@
