Latest news with #SeifFikry
Arabian Business
21-03-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Lunate partners with BNY, SS&C to support UAE's Ghaf Benefits end-of-service scheme
Lunate Capital (Lunate), an Abu Dhabi-based global investment manager, announced a strategic engagement with industry-leading service providers to support the operations of its alternative end-of-service benefits fund platform, Ghaf Benefits. The service providers with which Lunate will collaborate include BNY, the world's largest custodian overseeing more than $50 trillion in assets, and SS&C Technologies (SS&C), a global provider of critical technology and services for the financial services industry. Strategic partnerships enhance Ghaf Benefits Seif Fikry, Managing Partner at Lunate, said the strategic engagements reflect the firm's commitment to leverage the expertise of industry leaders with proven capabilities in managing large-scale pension platforms and providing world-class financial advisory services. 'This engagement will enable Ghaf Benefits to seamlessly integrate cutting-edge technologies with deep investment expertise, supporting the UAE's vision of a more attractive and rewarding work environment,' he said. Hani Kablawi, Head of International, BNY, said their company is delighted to provide custody services for its new end-of-service benefits scheme in the UAE in collaboration with Lunate Capital. Nick Wright, Global Head of Global Investor and Distribution Solutions at SS&C, said the end-of-service benefits market represents a key growth opportunity in the UAE – a market the company is dedicated to investing in. BNY, in its role as the sub-custodian, will provide custody services for international securities across multiple markets, drawing on its extensive experience serving major global pension funds. SS&C, a trusted service provider to more than 22,000 financial services and healthcare companies worldwide, has been appointed by Lunate as an administrative services and primary technology provider. The firm is responsible for managing the platform's technological infrastructure and bilingual call centre operations. The Ghaf Benefits provides enhanced workplace benefits for private sector employers and employees in the UAE. It offers a choice of six investment funds, including both conventional and Shariah-compliant options. Among the UAE's first digitalised end-of-service benefits platforms, Ghaf Benefits offers innovative features such as an automated asset allocation system for member contributions and the flexibility to allocate past and future contributions across multiple funds through an intuitive employee portal. The platform will streamline gratuity management for employers through digital onboarding, automated contribution processing, and comprehensive compliance support.
Zawya
20-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Lunate appoints industry-leading service providers to help power Ghaf Benefits platform
Ghaf Benefits combines advanced technology, institutional expertise, and diverse investment options to empower employers and employees Abu Dhabi – Lunate Capital LLC ('Lunate'), an Abu Dhabi-based global investment manager, today announced a strategic engagement with industry-leading service providers to support the operations of its Alternative End-of-Service Benefits fund platform, Ghaf Benefits ('Platform'). These include BNY, the world's largest custodian overseeing more than $50 trillion in assets, and SS&C Technologies ('SS&C'), a global provider of critical technology and services for the financial services industry. Ghaf Benefits is an Alternative End-of-Service Benefits fund platform dedicated to enhancing workplace benefits for private sector employers and employees in the UAE, offering a choice of six investment funds, including both conventional and Shariah-compliant options. As the designated Fund Manager and Administrator, Lunate has appointed specialized service providers to enhance the Platform's operational efficiency and to provide advanced technology solutions. Ghaf Benefits is among the UAE's first digitalised end-of-service benefits platforms, offering innovative features such as an automated asset allocation system for member contributions and the flexibility to allocate past and future contributions across multiple funds through an intuitive employee portal. The Platform will streamline gratuity management for employers through digital onboarding, automated contribution processing, and comprehensive compliance support. For employees, the Platform provides real-time contribution tracking, access to a diversified range of investment options, and a user-friendly portal. Through the Platform, employers and employees will benefit from institutional-grade fund management, professional administration services, and robust security measures that are provided by Lunate with support from these global service providers. Seif Fikry, Managing Partner at Lunate, commented, 'We are proud of our engagement with globally renowned service providers such as BNY and SS&C to bring Ghaf Benefits to life. These strategic engagements reflect our commitment to leverage the expertise of industry leaders with proven capabilities in managing large-scale pension platforms and providing world-class financial advisory services. This engagement will enable Ghaf Benefits to seamlessly integrate cutting-edge technologies with deep investment expertise, supporting the UAE's vision of a more attractive and rewarding work environment. Together, we are transforming end-of-service benefits in the region — simplifying benefits management for employers while creating opportunities for employees to build long-term financial security.' Hani Kablawi, Head of International, BNY, said: 'In collaboration with Lunate Capital, BNY is delighted to provide custody services for its new End-of-Service Benefits scheme in the UAE.' Nick Wright, Global Head of Global Investor & Distribution Solutions at SS&C, said: 'We are thrilled to partner with Lunate to launch Ghaf Benefits. The End-of-Service Benefits market represents a key growth opportunity in the UAE, a market we are dedicated to investing in. We look forward to working with Lunate to provide private sector employers and employees with access to this new benefits scheme through our exceptional service and leading-edge technology.' BNY, in its role as the sub-custodian, will provide custody services for international securities across multiple markets, drawing on its extensive experience serving major global pension funds. SS&C, a trusted service provider to more than 22,000 financial services and healthcare companies worldwide, has been appointed by Lunate as Administrative Services and Primary Technology Provider. The firm is responsible for managing the Platform's technological infrastructure and bilingual call center operations. SS&C has experience in administrating large-scale plans across multiple geographies. Reflecting the growing interest in Ghaf Benefits from leading organizations, Lunate has entered into Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with ADQ, a sovereign investor with a focus on critical infrastructure and global supply chains, and International Holding Company (IHC), the most valuable holding company in the Middle East and one of the world's largest investment companies with over 1,200 subsidiaries, to explore the enrolment of their employees and those of IHC's subsidiaries in the Platform. The UAE's Alternative End-of-Service Benefits Scheme was first approved by a Cabinet Resolution in 2023 as a voluntary scheme designed to enhance financial security for UAE-based employees. For more information, employees and employers can reach out to eosb@ or visit
Arabian Business
05-03-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Abu Dhabi's IHC signs MoU with Lunate to explore Ghaf Benefits for employees
Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based global investment manager, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with International Holding Company (IHC) to explore enrolling the latter and its portfolio companies in the Ghaf Benefits plan. Under the MoU, IHC, one of the world's largest investment companies with over 1,200 subsidiaries across key sectors such as technology, healthcare, financial services, and real estate, will explore extending Ghaf Benefits' services to its employees and those within its portfolio companies. IHC partners with Lunate Ghaf Benefits, launched by Lunate, is an alternative end-of-service benefits fund platform dedicated to enhancing workplace benefits in the UAE. It serves as a powerful tool for employees' financial growth and security, while simplifying benefits management for employers. It empowers employers to channel their employees' end-of-service gratuity into funds that are licensed by the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) and regulated by both the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) and SCA. Syed Basar Shueb, CEO of IHC, said the collaboration with Lunate and the Ghaf Benefits platform aligns with the company's vision of fostering a workplace that prioritizes long-term financial empowerment for its people. 'By exploring this initiative, we aim to provide our employees and portfolio companies with access to a structured and secure benefits framework that supports their financial goals, while reinforcing the UAE's position as a global leader in workplace innovation,' he said. Seif Fikry, Managing Partner at Lunate, said IHC's intent to provide its employees with a rewarding solution to end-of-service benefits speaks of the strength of the Ghaf Benefits plan. 'We are aligned in our vision to provide UAE-based employees with the flexibility they seek as they build a robust financial foundation for their future,' he said. Ghaf Benefits will offer a selection of six investment funds covering both conventional and Shariah-compliant investment options to align with individual risk-return preferences, covering capital protection, conservative, and balanced strategies. Additionally, both employers and employees will have the ability in the future to supplement fixed contributions with additional voluntary contributions.
Zawya
04-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
International Holding Company signs deal with Lunate to join Ghaf Benefits
ABU DHABI - Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based global investment manager, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with International Holding Company (IHC), the global investment company focused on building dynamic value networks, to explore enrolling IHC and its portfolio companies in the Ghaf Benefits plan. Ghaf Benefits, launched by Lunate, is an Alternative End-of-Service Beneackfits fund platform dedicated to enhancing workplace benefits in the United Arab Emirates. It serves as a powerful tool for employees' financial growth and security, while simplifying benefits management for employers. It empowers employers to channel their employees' end-of-service gratuity into funds that are licensed by the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) and regulated by both the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) and SCA. The funds, managed by Lunate, enable employees to receive potential investment returns upon the completion of their employment and aim to provide a financial foundation for their future. Under the MoU, IHC, the most valuable holding company in the Middle East and one of the world's largest investment companies with over 1,200 subsidiaries across key sectors including technology, healthcare, financial services, and real estate, will explore extending Ghaf Benefits' services to its employees and those within its portfolio companies. Ghaf Benefits will offer a selection of six investment funds covering both conventional and Shariah-compliant investment options to align with individual risk-return preferences, covering capital protection, conservative, and balanced strategies. Additionally, both employers and employees will have the ability in the future to supplement fixed contributions with additional voluntary contributions. Syed Basar Shueb, CEO of IHC, said, 'At IHC, we are committed to adopting forward-thinking solutions that enhance employee well-being and financial security. Our collaboration with Lunate and the Ghaf Benefits platform aligns with our vision of fostering a workplace that prioritizes long-term financial empowerment for our people. By exploring this initiative, we aim to provide our employees and portfolio companies with access to a structured and secure benefits framework that supports their financial goals while reinforcing the UAE's position as a global leader in workplace innovation.' Seif Fikry, Managing Partner at Lunate, commented, "We are pleased to enter into an MoU with IHC, a global investment leader. IHC's intent to provide its employees with a rewarding solution to end-of-service benefits speaks to the strength of the Ghaf Benefits plan and to IHC's commitment to a people-first culture. We are aligned in our vision to provide UAE-based employees with the flexibility they seek as they build a robust financial foundation for their future.'
Zawya
04-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
International Holding Company signs MoU with Lunate to join Ghaf Benefits
IHC is the most valuable holding company in the Middle East and one of the world's largest investment companies with over 1,200 subsidiaries Abu Dhabi – Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based global investment manager, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding ('MoU') with International Holding Company (IHC), the global investment company focused on building dynamic value networks, to explore enrolling IHC and its portfolio companies in the Ghaf Benefits plan. Ghaf Benefits, launched by Lunate, is an Alternative End-of-Service Beneackfits fund platform dedicated to enhancing workplace benefits in the United Arab Emirates. It serves as a powerful tool for employees' financial growth and security, while simplifying benefits management for employers. It empowers employers to channel their employees' end-of-service gratuity into funds that are licensed by the Securities and Commodities Authority ('SCA') and regulated by both the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation ('MoHRE') and SCA. The funds, managed by Lunate, enable employees to receive potential investment returns upon the completion of their employment and aim to provide a financial foundation for their future. Under the MoU, IHC, the most valuable holding company in the Middle East and one of the world's largest investment companies with over 1,200 subsidiaries across key sectors including technology, healthcare, financial services, and real estate, will explore extending Ghaf Benefits' services to its employees and those within its portfolio companies. Ghaf Benefits will offer a selection of six investment funds covering both conventional and Shariah-compliant investment options to align with individual risk-return preferences, covering capital protection, conservative, and balanced strategies. Additionally, both employers and employees will have the ability in the future to supplement fixed contributions with additional voluntary contributions. Syed Basar Shueb, CEO of IHC, added: ' At IHC, we are committed to adopting forward-thinking solutions that enhance employee well-being and financial security. Our collaboration with Lunate and the Ghaf Benefits platform aligns with our vision of fostering a workplace that prioritizes long-term financial empowerment for our people. By exploring this initiative, we aim to provide our employees and portfolio companies with access to a structured and secure benefits framework that supports their financial goals while reinforcing the UAE's position as a global leader in workplace innovation.' Seif Fikry, Managing Partner at Lunate, commented: "We are pleased to enter into an MoU with IHC, a global investment leader. IHC's intent to provide its employees with a rewarding solution to end-of-service benefits speaks to the strength of the Ghaf Benefits plan and to IHC's commitment to a people-first culture. We are aligned in our vision to provide UAE-based employees with the flexibility they seek as they build a robust financial foundation for their future.' The UAE's Alternative End-of-Service Benefits Scheme was first approved by a Cabinet Resolution in 2023 as a voluntary scheme designed to enhance financial security for UAE-based employees. It offers greater control over savings plans, aligning with individual financial goals. The Scheme also aims to bolster the UAE's appeal as a prime destination for international talent. For more information, employees and employers can reach out to eosb@ or visit
