Dubai, UAE: Global investor services group IQ-EQ today announced that its subsidiary Gordian Capital (Gordian) has achieved regulatory approval to expand its institutional cross-border fund platform and fund solutions offering into Dubai from its new office at Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
The business has been granted a licence by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) to offer a comprehensive suite of institutional fund services, within or from DIFC:
- Managing a Collective Investment Fund
- Advising on Financial Products
- Arranging Custody
- Arranging Deals in Investments
- Managing Assets
It has also been granted an endorsement to its Licence to Use a Fund Platform.
This licence will serve experienced investment professionals who require institutional, regulated, physical and operational fund infrastructure, with the Gordian team handling the business and operational management of each fund, freeing clients to concentrate on investing. Leveraging its broader expertise, the team also anticipates active involvement in fund structuring and in facilitating capital flows from the region into global opportunities.
With a dominant presence in Asia-Pacific (APAC), the news sees the firm expand its cross-jurisdictional capabilities for its predominantly international client base. Gordian stands as APAC’s first and largest institutional cross-border fund platform and fund solutions provider, with offices in Singapore, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Melbourne, and now Dubai. The firm was acquired by IQ-EQ in July 2025, enabling the group to offer regulated market entry into APAC on top of its existing regulated fund platforms in France, Luxembourg, Ireland and the UK – as well as enhanced fund structuring and operational capabilities.
Expansion of this offering into the Middle East is a key part of IQ-EQ and Gordian’s strategic growth plans and achievement of the DFSA licence further cements IQ-EQ’s position as the deepest and broadest provider of regulated market entry offerings in the industry, across APAC and EMEA.
Since 2005, Gordian has launched over 115 funds across both private and public strategies and currently manages US$22 billion. Its clients include global institutional asset managers, multi-strategy platforms, family offices, hedge funds and corporates across private equity, real estate, venture capital, infrastructure, hedge and long-only strategies.
Mark Voumard, Gordian founder and now Managing Director and Head of Fund Platform and Solutions, Asia and Middle East at IQ-EQ, said: “When our clients go cross-border, regionally and or globally, it can have its challenges – in terms of speed to market and cost as well as meeting rigorous initial and ongoing operational and regulatory standards. Leveraging Gordian’s 20 years’ experience in APAC, and now as part of the global IQ-EQ group, we can provide a highly regulated market entry pathway and infrastructure for institutional GPs and managers seeking to establish a regulated presence in DIFC.”
Richard Surrency, IQ-EQ’s Group Chief Commercial Officer, added: “This is a significant milestone for IQ-EQ in the Middle East, not only building upon Gordian’s strong profile and expertise in APAC but also IQ-EQ’s established fund administration offering in the UAE and long-standing support for clients across the region. The UAE is widely recognised as a strong and increasingly mature market. We’re confident in its long-term resilience and it remains central to our Middle East growth plans – so I’m delighted to see this exciting new licence secured.”
Salmaan Jaffery, Chief Business Development Officer at DIFC Authority, commented: “We are pleased to welcome Gordian Capital to DIFC as it expands its global institutional fund platform into the region. Gordian’s strong track record in delivering regulated, cross‑border fund solutions will add meaningful depth to DIFC’s funds and asset management ecosystem, supporting the growing needs of institutional managers, asset owners and investment professionals operating across the Middle East. Gordian’s presence reinforces DIFC’s position as the leading centre for asset management in the region and a key global hub for institutional fund platforms.”
About IQ-EQ
IQ-EQ is a global, top-tier investor services group with an unrivalled offering to meet the administration, compliance and reporting needs of the private markets investment sector worldwide.
Our people-first, technology-powered services are underpinned by a Group-wide commitment to sustainability and best-in-class technology including a global data platform and innovative proprietary tools supported by in-house experts.
Through targeted tech investment, we strive to meet our clients’ needs today and into the future – whether that means seamlessly integrating leading third-party software or developing a market-defining platform to deliver exactly what our clients are looking for.
Above all, what makes us different is our people. Operating as trusted partners to our clients, we deliver intelligent solutions through a combination of well-honed technical expertise and strong relationships based on deep understanding. We’re driven by our Group purpose, to power people and possibilities.
We employ 6,500+ people across 24 jurisdictions and have assets under administration (AUA) exceeding US$950 billion. Our global client base includes fund managers, pension and sovereign wealth funds, family offices and multinational companies, and we work with 13 of the world’s top 15 private equity firms* and 19 of the top 25 private debt firms**.
Also part of the IQ-EQ group of companies are First National Trustee Company (FNTC), The Private Office and Gordian Capital.
* According to Private Equity International (PEI) 300 – 2025 ranking
** According to Private Debt Investor (PDI) 200 – 2025 ranking
About Dubai International Financial Centre
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is the world’s most advanced financial centre, shaping the global financial landscape and cementing Dubai’s reputation as a leading business destination across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA).
As the region’s only financial centre operating at scale across all sectors, DIFC is home to 8,844 active firms. These include 1,052 regulated firms including over 500 Wealth and Asset Management firms (including 100 hedge funds), 290 banks and capital markets firms, 135 insurance and (re)insurance companies, and 70 brokerage entities. Home to over 1,677 AI, FinTech and innovation, DIFC sets the benchmark for financial innovation and is a top four ranked FinTech hub across the world.
Underpinned by a trusted, world-class legal and regulatory framework, including the region’s most utilised commercial courts, DIFC ensures efficient governance and reinforces Dubai’s leadership in the digital economy. Connecting 50,200 professionals, it offers the region’s deepest pool of financial talent, serving as the gateway to MEASA for all financial players.
Beyond business, DIFC provides the complete urban experience with world-class lifestyle amenities, establishing it as a highly sought-after destination. The 17.7mn sq. ft. DIFC Zabeel District expansion which provides capacity for over 42,000 companies and a workforce of more than 125,000, DIFC is solidifying Dubai’s position as a top four global financial centre. The new District will also include premium Grade A commercial office space, over 1mn sq.ft. allocated to future technologies including the world’s largest Innovation Hub and world’s first purpose-built AI Campus, an expanded academy, residential buildings, hotels, a conference centre, and a range of retail, dining, and cultural offerings, including a first-of-its-kind art pavilion.
Anchored in integrity, DIFC is the platform for success, driving the future of finance.
