In line with a number of firms that have been increasing their presence in Dubai and neighbouring Abu Dhabi, GRT Capital Management has expanded into the region.

Hong Kong-headquartered GRT Capital Management has opened a new office in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The launch marks a milestone in the global expansion of the asset management firm, it said in a statement. 

Regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the DIFC office will serve as the regional hub to support GRT's engagement with investors, including ultra-high net worth families and institutional clients across the MEASA region.

"The MEASA region is home to significant private and public wealth, and regional investors have a growing appetite for alternative investments,” Tim Haywood, managing director of GRT Capital Management (DIFC Representative Office), said. “With the United Arab Emirates serving as a key international financial hub, DIFC's robust legal and regulatory framework makes it a strong platform for our regional expansion."

GRT specialises in private market investments across real assets and asset-backed financing, as well as offering Shariah-compliant investment strategies. The firm provides fund management, discretionary portfolio management and investment advisory services to clients. GRT's investment platform includes strategies aimed at real assets, including those identified in collaboration with Walton Global, a land asset management group.

"The establishment of our DIFC Office is a natural progression of GRT's growth strategy. We see the MEASA region as one of our key growth markets, and this expansion enables us to strengthen our regional presence and deepen engagement with investors and strategic partners across the MEASA region,” Jamie Lam, president of GRT, said.

Along with a number of investment managers, Paris-based asset manager Carmignac recently opened a new regional office in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), exploiting the rising demand for wealth management.