Which format fits
Investment holdings are often considered in the DIFC and ADGM financial centres or in a suitable free zone. Managing other people’s money and giving investment advice are regulated, so the structure depends on whose money you manage.
What to pay attention to
- Managing your own capital and raising outside capital are regulated differently.
- Banks and lawyers look closely at the origin of funds.
- Accounting, audit and reporting in the financial centres are stricter than in ordinary zones.
Structure and asset protection
The holding company owns investment companies, each for its own asset class. The owner’s personal assets are separated from working assets. Agree the structure with a lawyer and a tax adviser.
The overall logic of the structure is described on the page “Asset protection and ownership structures”.
Bank account
Banks request confirmation of the source of capital and the ownership structure. Prepare in advance the history of accumulation and documents on previous transactions.
More: bank account opening.
Common mistakes
- Outside funds are raised without the required permit
- There is no evidence of the origin of capital
Where to start
Tell us about your business. We will review your situation and propose a company format, a jurisdiction and an ownership structure. You can compare the options in the article “Free zone or mainland”, and costs are covered in the article “How much does it cost to open a company in Dubai”.
Regulations and licensing requirements change. Current conditions must be verified before launch. The decision to open an account is made by the bank. Tax consequences depend on your residency.