Latest news with #UAE-domiciled


Al Etihad
20 hours ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Kotak Mahindra gets SCA licence to launch fund management activities in UAE
18 Aug 2025 20:26 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Kotak Mahindra (International) Limited (KMIL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited, has secured a licence from the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) to conduct Investment Fund Management and Portfolio Management this approval, KMIL has become the first Indian firm to receive such a licence from the SCA, a press release announcing the decision said. It marks a significant milestone in cross-border financial services and sets the stage for the launch of UAE-domiciled funds for retail investors.'We are honoured to receive this licence from the UAE regulator. It is a testament to our enduring commitment to the UAE and our vision of fostering globally integrated, transparent capital markets,' said Shyam Kumar, President and Head of Kotak International. 'India's economic momentum continues to attract global interest, and through this licence, we are excited to offer UAE retail investors access to our India-focused investment strategies – enabling them to participate in one of the world's dynamic and resilient markets. We will offer India-centric investment options to help investors diversify their portfolios.'The company said it plans to leverage the licence by launching retail-focused solutions in the UAE aligned with its successful UCITS (Luxembourg-domiciled) and India-domiciled strategies. Subscriptions for these funds are expected to open by the final quarter of approval underscores Kotak Group's approach of working with regulators worldwide to expand access to capital markets. Alongside India, the group holds regulatory approvals in the USA, UK, Singapore, Mauritius and now the UAE. Kotak International, the global business arm of the Kotak Group, connects investors with India's growth story through a range of asset management, advisory and investment offerings. With more than three decades of experience and $6.08 billion assets under management, the firm operates across key financial hubs including Singapore, London, New York, Dubai and Mauritius.


Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
India's banking giant launches investment funds in UAE: Check the details here!
Kotak Mahindra becomes the first Indian entity to obtain a UAE SCA license/Image: File Kotak Mahindra Bank, one of India's leading banking and financial groups, has taken a major step in its global expansion by receiving a license from the UAE Securities & Commodities Authority (SCA). This makes Kotak Mahindra (International) Ltd. the first Indian institution officially authorized to offer investment fund and portfolio management operations in the United Arab Emirates. TL;DR: Kotak Mahindra becomes the first Indian entity to obtain a UAE SCA license for portfolio and investment fund management. The bank will launch UAE-domiciled investment funds, primarily offering India-focused investment options to local and regional investors. Kotak plans to open subscriptions in the UAE by the last quarter of 2025, marking a milestone in India-UAE financial ties post-CEPA. Details of the UAE launch Kotak Mahindra (International) Ltd. (KMIL), a subsidiary of Kotak Mahindra Bank, is now fully licensed to provide a range of portfolio management and investment fund services in the Emirates. The new license paves the way for the launch of UAE-domiciled funds targeting retail investors, with subscription expected to be available from Q4 2025. Kotak will focus on offering India-centric investment strategies, allowing UAE investors to better diversify their portfolios through both Luxembourg-domiciled (UCITS) and India-based products. This move follows a surge in cross-border business and investments between India and the UAE, especially after the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Market watchers see Kotak's entry as a sign of deepening financial integration and new opportunities for wealth management in the region. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo About Kotak Mahindra Bank Kotak Mahindra Bank is among India's largest and most diversified financial service companies. Founded in 1985 as Kotak Capital Management Finance Ltd., the firm became a fully-fledged commercial bank in 2003 after receiving a banking license from the Reserve Bank of India. The group offers a wide spectrum of services, retail and corporate banking, asset management, investment banking, life insurance, and wealth management. Kotak Mahindra Bank is listed on India's major stock exchanges and is widely recognized for its strong performance, innovation, and commitment to sound risk management. Its international presence is steadily growing, especially in the Middle East. Kotak Mahindra's entry into the UAE as the first licensed Indian investment fund manager is set to increase India-focused investment choices for UAE clients and enhance financial linkages between the two major economies. Subscriptions to new Kotak funds are anticipated to open in late 2025, broadening the investment landscape for retail clients in the Emirates. FAQ 1. What is the recent milestone achieved by Kotak Mahindra in the UAE? Kotak Mahindra (International) Ltd. became the first Indian entity to receive a UAE SCA license for investment fund and portfolio management. 2. What services will Kotak Mahindra offer in the UAE? The bank will launch UAE-domiciled investment funds, focusing on India-centric portfolios for retail investors. 3. When can UAE investors subscribe to Kotak Mahindra's new funds? Subscriptions are expected to open by the last quarter of 2025. 4. How does this move affect India-UAE financial relations? It deepens cross-border financial flows post-CEPA and gives UAE investors access to India-focused investment options. 5. About the Kotak Mahindra Bank? It is one of India's largest private banks, renowned for retail and corporate banking, wealth management, and a growing international presence.


News18
a day ago
- Business
- News18
First For India: Kotak Mahindra Wins UAE License To Launch Local Funds
Last Updated: Kotak Mahindra (International) Limited got a UAE license for Investment Fund and Portfolio Management, becoming first Indian firm to offer UAE-domiciled funds to retail investors. Kotak Mahindra (International) Limited ('KMIL"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited, today announced that it has been granted a license by the Securities and Commodities Authority ('SCA") – the capital markets regulator of the United Arab Emirates – to conduct Investment Fund Management and Portfolio Management activities. With this approval, KMIL becomes the first Indian firm to receive this license from the SCA, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of cross-border financial services. This development paves the way for the launch of UAE-domiciled funds for retail investors, further reinforcing the UAE's position as a regional financial and investment hub. 'We are honored to receive this license from the Securities and Commodities Authority. It is a testament to our enduring commitment to the UAE and our vision of fostering globally integrated, transparent capital markets," said Shyam Kumar, President and Head, Kotak International. 'India's economic momentum continues to attract global interest, and through this license, we are excited to offer UAE retail investors access to our India-focused investment strategies – enabling them to participate in one of the world's dynamic and resilient markets. We will offer India-centric investment options to help investors diversify their portfolios." KMIL intends to leverage this license to support the growth of the UAE's investment fund industry by offering retail-focused solutions. The company plans to launch funds aligned with its successful UCITS (Luxembourg-domiciled) and India-domiciled strategies, with subscriptions expected to open for UAE investors by the final quarter of CY2025. This license reflects Kotak Group's dedication to co-operate with global regulators to enhance accessibility of capital markets to a larger set of investors. With regulatory approvals in India, the USA, UK, Singapore, Mauritius, and the UAE, Kotak continues to expand its international presence and contribute to the robust financial ecosystem. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Mint
26-06-2025
- Business
- Mint
UAE's Aqua 1 invests $100 million in Trump-linked crypto venture, amid outcry of influence peddling
Aqua 1 Foundation, a UAE-based Web3 investment fund, announced today a $100 million purchase of governance tokens in World Liberty Financial (WLF), solidifying its position as the largest individual investor in the controversial crypto venture closely tied to the Trump family. The deal marks the second major Middle Eastern investment in WLF within months, raising fresh questions about foreign influence and conflicts of interest surrounding the decentralized finance platform. The investment grants Aqua 1 significant voting rights over WLF's future development. According to a joint statement, the capital will accelerate WLF's plans to build blockchain-powered financial applications, including expanding its USD1 stablecoin and developing platforms for tokenizing traditional assets like real estate or commodities. The partnership also includes plans to co-develop "BlockRock," an institutional real-world asset (RWA) tokenization platform, and support the launch of Aqua 1's "Aqua Fund," a UAE-domiciled digital economy investment vehicle backed by regional stakeholders. "Aligning with Aqua 1 validates our blueprint for global financial innovation," said WLF co-founder Zak Folkman. 'We have a joint mission to bring digital assets to the masses and strengthen our nation's standing as a champion and leader of cryptocurrency.' Dave Lee, Aqua 1's founding partner, emphasized WLF's USD1 ecosystem represents a "trillion-dollar structural pivot opportunity" merging traditional finance with decentralized technology. This investment shines another spotlight on WLF's origins and ownership structure, which has drawn intense scrutiny since its launch: WLF was founded in 2024 and is primarily owned by DT Marks DEFI LLC, an entity controlled by Donald Trump and his family, holding approximately 60% (recently reduced from 75%). The Trump family business entity is entitled to 75% of all net revenues from WLF token sales. Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. are actively involved in management, while Barron Trump is listed as the project's "DeFi visionary." Initial co-founders Zachary Folkman and Chase Herro handle day-to-day operations. The Aqua 1 investment, following closely on the Abu Dhabi MGX deal, intensifies concerns among government ethics experts and critics of the Trump administration. They argue that these substantial foreign investments, particularly from nations with sovereign wealth funds and strategic interests, into a company enriching the sitting President's family create significant potential for influence peddling and conflicts of interest. The administration and WLF maintain there are no conflicts, pointing to Trump's assets being in a trust managed by his children.


Zawya
19-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Al Ramz continues regional expansion with Bahrain Bourse market making license
New license reinforces Al Ramz's leadership in regional market making Expansion aims to further develop regional footprint Dubai, UAE – Al Ramz Corporation PJSC (ALRAMZ:UH), a leading financial services institution with a 25-year legacy in capital markets, has marked another milestone in its regional expansion strategy with the granting of a market maker license by the Bahrain Bourse (BHB). This license follows Al Ramz's recent approval from the Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX), reinforcing its regional expansion. The license cements Al Ramz's robust role as a key enabler of market efficiency in the GCC, bringing its proven market-making expertise to Bahrain. With a track record of enhancing price discovery, narrowing spreads, and stabilizing trading environments in the UAE, Al Ramz is well-positioned to support in further developing the financial sector as the engine of the country's economy. Karim Shoeib, Group CEO – Investment Banking, Al Ramz, stated: 'securing our market-making license in Bahrain represents another strategic step in our plans to further consolidate our already strong presence across the GCC region. In extending our reach, we demonstrate our commitment to playing a leading role in regional markets by reinforcing investor confidence and upholding the highest standards of market integrity.' 'Our expansion into Bahrain – in support of the goals of the country's ambitious national vision – is underpinned by our robust business model, which has evolved through the development of advanced quantitative strategies, algorithmic trading capabilities, and well-established governance frameworks. By optimizing order flow, enhancing price discovery, and reducing volatility, we aim to drive market efficiency while ensuring ethical, responsible market practices. With our operations supported by a highly skilled, vastly experienced team and state-of-the-art technology and innovation, we look forward to offering a solid contribution to the ongoing development of Bahrain's financial ecosystem, and to helping increase its resilience and stability.' Al Ramz's most recent expansion underscores its commitment to supporting regional capital markets with best-in-class market-making capabilities. Leveraging insights from its governance leadership in liquidity provision, the firm remains dedicated to fostering ethical and sustainable financial markets while ensuring transparency, market stability, and regulatory alignment. As a publicly listed company on the Dubai Financial Market, Al Ramz continues to scale its regional operations across market making, asset management, brokerage, and corporate finance, reinforcing its leadership in the GCC's financial ecosystem. ABOUT AL RAMZ Founded in 1998, AI Ramz is a UAE-domiciled public joint stock company listed on the Dubai Financial Market and regulated by the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority and the Dubai Financial Services Authority. Al Ramz provides a broad spectrum of services, including asset management, corporate finance, brokerage, security margins, market making, liquidity providing, public offering management and financial research. FOR MEDIA INQUIRES, PLEASE CONTACT: Jad El Cheikh Senior Manager – Client Experience Weber Shandwick MENAT Email: