Introduction of the new operation, which will be licensed and regulated by the Hong Kong Securities & Futures Commission (SFC), marks the establishment of its third centre, following the launch of Dubai business in May 2012.
Commenting on the launch, Asiya Investments group managing director Ahmad Al-Hamad said that the new unit will enable the company to serve Arab investors looking for detailed knowledge of the investment landscape in Asia.
"We’re also going to use our base in Hong Kong to facilitate joint ventures between companies in Emerging Asia and the GCC, as we see an intensifying level of economic and social engagement between the two regions," Al-Hamad added.
Emerging Asian markets account for more than 20% of the world’s GDP and 35% of the growth in the global economy, which is expected to grow rapidly offering an attractive market for investment firms, driven by population growth and accelerated urbanization.
The company has named executive directors including Sulaiman Alireza and Dan Xystus to manage Hong Kong operations.
Having worked at HSBC’s Capital Markets division and spending more than eight years in Hong Kong, Alireza will spearhead the direct investments and joint ventures practice, while Xystus will manage the firm’s public equity investments operations.
He joined Asiya Investments in 2008 and prior to joining this company, he has worked as a managing director at Chicago Equity Partners.
Asiya Investments serves as a bridge for investments between the Middle East and the markets of Emerging Asia and the firm invests in public and private equity, real estate and income producing strategies.
