Welf, a wealth advisory platform, is joining a series of wealth advisories in Dubai as it opens its operations in the GCC.
The announcement means that the platform will be fully licensed by the DFSA effective 27 April 2026 with plans for an office opening later this year between July and August.
Welf will be licensed as a Category 3C platform, allowing the firm to supply services to clients operating outside the financial centre.
DFSA Standards
Christoph Tunkl, CEO of Welf, told Finance Middle East that DIFC is up to the “highest standards” citing the regulatory framework by the DFSA overseeing DIFC.
“I am a strong believer that a short term geopolitical event will not have a long-term effect on regional growth,” Tunkl told Finance Middle East.
“For us, the question of the hub was never really a question… since the speed of [DIFC’s catch-up] and the international flare with the regulatory framework was no question for us,” said the CEO.
Tunkl cited the regulatory framework and speed of reform as core incentives for the move to DIFC.
DIFC ranked within the top ten for the first time in FY26, with ambitions to reach the top four in the GFCI Index (2033).
Migration of UHNWIs (2026)
The firm aims to serve local, regional, and international UHNWIs with a surge in family offices in the Emirates.
Henley Partners forecasts an uptick of 10% of HNWIs moving in 2026 to 165,000 individuals compared to 142,000 in 2025.
Wealth advisory platforms aim to serve both local and international family offices basing themselves out of leading financial centres in the GCC and Asia: Dubai, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
The firm aims to expand operations into the Asia-Pacific by 2027.
DIFC Regulations (2021-)
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued Law No. (5) in 2021, clarifying the rules governing the promotion and supply of services and products for firms registered in DIFC.
Christoph Tunkl, CEO of Welf said: “We’ve seen a fundamental shift in how wealth moves globally. Clients are no longer anchored to a single geography but are increasingly international in their lives, assets, and ambitions.”
The timing of the move follows a sustained trend in international wealth advisories opening offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi irrespective of geopolitical headwinds.
Stay Up to Date with the Latest Updates at Finance ME
“We Can’t Stand Still”: Alserkal SMEs Break Even
From Speed to Returns: Vision 2030 Enters Its Execution Decade
UAE-China Ties Enter New Era of “Integrated Sovereign Stacks”
