Greenstone, the GCC’s largest fund placement firm, has obtained a Category 4 licence from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), enabling it to arrange investment deals and advise on financial products from the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) under Ref. F008591.
The move cements Greenstone’s reach in the GCC. Its licences already include operations in Saudi Arabia under the Capital Market Authority, and in other markets via partnerships. The DIFC licence adds a strategic onshore hub for accessing global fund managers and alternative investment channels.
Founded in Dubai 15 years ago, Greenstone has leveraged deep regional investor relationships, including 1,500 family offices and over 200 institutions in the GCC, to raise more than $100 billion across private equity, venture capital, private credit, infrastructure, and real estate vehicles. This scale complements the growing DIFC ecosystem, which includes 85 hedge funds, 440 asset and wealth managers, and an expanding global fund platform presence.
CEO Alex Gemici said the licence marks a milestone in connecting DIFC investors with global fund managers. DIFC Authority’s Salmaan Jaffery added that Greenstone strengthens the centre’s role as a bridge between regional wealth and global alternatives. CIO Omar Al-Gharabally noted that this capability enhances investor connectivity and regulatory integration.
