WTW, the Nasdaq-listed advisory, broking and solutions company, has announced that it has received approval from the Dubai Financial Services Authority to conduct business within the Dubai International Financial Centre under the name WTW Investments – DIFC Limited.

The approval represents an important step in the company’s strategy to expand its operations across the Middle East. It also marks a significant development in the way WTW engages with both existing and new clients in regional markets.

Under the new licence, WTW will be able to provide access to a broad range of its regulated investment services from, or through, the Dubai International Financial Centre. This gives the company a more established local platform that is scalable and directly connected to some of the world’s fastest-growing and most dynamic investment markets.

Direct Presence in the Local Market

Dhiaa Lock, Global Head of Investments at WTW, said that receiving the DFSA licence enables the company to operate directly and effectively within the local market environment. It also allows WTW to engage more closely with wealth managers, family offices and institutional clients, whose demand for innovative investment solutions and fresh insights continues to grow.

The licence strengthens WTW’s ability to deliver services that are more closely aligned with the needs of clients in the region, particularly as the asset and wealth management sector continues to expand in Dubai and across the wider Middle East.

DIFC Strengthens Its Appeal

Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of the DIFC Authority, said WTW’s decision to establish its regional base in the centre reflects Dubai’s strong position as a preferred destination for global wealth and asset management companies.

He noted that DIFC is home to the region’s largest and most developed wealth and asset management ecosystem, giving firms based there direct access to regional growth opportunities, capital and clients.

Amiri added that WTW, which advises on assets exceeding $3.6 trillion and manages more than $187 billion in assets, brings extensive global expertise in investment and institutional consulting. This makes its presence a valuable addition to the DIFC community.

A Key Step in Regional Expansion

Dr. Ahmed Wari, Director of WTW Investments in DIFC and Head of WTW in the Middle East and North Africa, said that DIFC provides a supportive regulatory environment for conducting business in line with global standards. He added that obtaining DFSA approval marks a key milestone in the company’s regional journey.