Regulated in the UAE, the firm is authorised to manage assets, arrange investments, advise on financial products and other matters. It says it operates an open-architecture model, and works with independent custodian banks.

WELF, a wealth management and advisory group, has launched its regulated wealth advisory platform in the United Arab Emirates, based in a global HQ in the Dubai International Financial Centre.

The business is regulated in the UAE as a Category 3C firm, which means that it is authorised to manage assets, arrange investments, advise on financial products, as well as arrange and advise on credit and arrange custody.

Explaining its business case, WELF cited industry reports showing that around 165,000 high net worth individuals are expected to migrate across border this year, an increase of 10 per cent from the level in 2025.

“We’ve seen a fundamental shift in how wealth moves globally. Clients are no longer anchored to a single geography but are increasingly international in their lives, assets, and ambitions,” Christoph Tunkl, CEO of WELF, said. “This has created a surge in demand for truly cross-border, personalised advice, as we are experiencing ourselves in the many inquiries we are getting.

“As capital is flowing freely in both directions, from West to East and East to West, our next logical step this year is to expand our fully-licensed operations into the EU with a base in the Netherlands, and we’re also seriously considering a move into Asia Pacific in order to provide the best possible end-to-end and joined up service for the truly global citizen,” he said. 

The firm said it operates an open-architecture model, selecting third-party products and counterparties based on suitability and alignment with client objectives. 

Client assets are held with independent custodian banks. WELF provides advisory and discretionary management services under mandate and does not operate as a deposit taking institution.