AXA IM Alts Expands Global Network with Abu Dhabi Office
The AXA IM Alts manager has announced the expansion of its global network with the opening of its first office in the Middle East, located in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). This new office will strengthen its capital raising and client service capabilities in the region.
The new office has obtained a financial services license from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) to establish a Category 4 licensed firm in ADGM. This will be the company’s 16th globally and will primarily focus on raising capital in a wide range of private and alternative assets.
Ammar Bukhamsin will lead the local office alongside François Boissin, recently promoted to co-head of the MENA Alts client group. Ammar Bukhamsin will also be the senior managing director of AXA IM Middle East. Both will report directly to Florence Dard, global head of the company’s client group.
Opening in Abu Dhabi Marks a Milestone
Prior to joining the firm, Ammar Bukhamsin spent more than eight years at Natixis, including three years as managing director for Saudi Arabia, in a 20-year career spanning senior sales roles at Goldman Sachs, UBS and Citi. Ammar will be based in Abu Dhabi.
François Boissin has been with AXA for the last nine years, initially as Vice President of Investor Relations for the AXA Group and then in capital raising at AXA IM Alts for the last two years, in a 20-year career in finance and sales. François will remain in Paris.
Opening an Office in Abu Dhabi is a Natural Step in Our Strategy
Isabelle Scemama, Global Head of AXA IM Alts, commented: "The opening of our new office in Abu Dhabi marks an important milestone in our expansion strategy and underlines the strategic importance of the Middle East in our international growth plans. This move is a natural progression for our business in the region and paves the way for future successful partnerships with local investors, meeting their rapidly evolving investment needs through AXA IM Alts’ expertise."
Florence Dard, Global Head of Client Group at AXA IM Alts, added: "Having built strong relationships in the Middle East over a number of years, opening an office in Abu Dhabi is a natural step in our strategy to expand our presence and accelerate our business development in the region. As a leading global alternative player, we have actively engaged with numerous sophisticated Middle Eastern investors seeking attractive alternative investment opportunities, especially in Europe, where we have unique offerings and access."
Arvind Ramamurthy, Head of Market Development at ADGM, welcomed AXA IM Alts and congratulated the firm on its expansion into ADGM. "Abu Dhabi, known as the ‘Capital of Capitals’, has emerged as a top-tier destination due to its sophisticated regulatory regimes and abundant investment opportunities. We look forward to the expertise and innovative capabilities that AXA IM Alts will bring to the vibrant ADGM ecosystem and the region."