Working with Australian Expats in the United Arab Emirates & Beyond
From our regional headquarters based in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) located in the United Arab Emirates we have the privilege of working with Australian expats not only just in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but also throughout the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region.
We are the only Australian financial advice firm located in the region that is dual licensed and holds an Australian Financial Services License with the Australian Securities & Investment Commission (ASIC) as well as a license with the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).
Our financial planners are some of the most experienced and qualified professionals in the United Arab Emirates with all planners holding a bachelor degree and post graduate qualifications.
What Is The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)?
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is a top ten global financial centre and the leading financial hub in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region.
Established in 2004, the DIFC is home to over 700 financial firms with notable names including Barclays, BNP Paribas, Citigroup, ANZ Bank, QBE Insurance and Atlas Wealth Management.
The Centre’s total Wealth and Asset Management (WAM) industry is worth USD$424 billion of which USD$99 billion was invested by DIFC portfolio managers like Atlas Wealth Management.
The district is governed by a common-law framework distinct from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) legal system, with laws and regulations issued in English.
“Clients receive protection in the UAE as if they were back in Australia”
DIFC has its own independent, internationally regulated regulator and judicial system, common law framework, global financial exchange, tax-friendly regime, and a large business community.
How Do The DIFC Laws Protect Our Clients?
The DIFC is an independent jurisdiction under the UAE Constitution, with its own civil and commercial laws distinct from those of the wider UAE.
DIFC laws and regulations are written in English and default to English law in the event of an ambiguity.
The DIFC also has its own courts, with judges taken from leading common law jurisdictions including England, Singapore, Hong Kong & Australia.
The DIFC’s independent jurisdiction extends to a range of areas including corporate, commercial, civil, employment, trusts, and securities law matters.
What does this mean for Australian Expats?
If there is ever an issue your matter will be handled in a very similar fashion to what would occur if you were in Australia under the same common law framework that the Australian court system operates on.
Why Did We Setup An Office in United Arab Emirates?
For too long Australian expats in the United Arab Emirates were subject to “financial advice” that would not be deemed anywhere near compliant in Australia or any of the other major financial markets.
In a sales driven culture motivated by commissions and bonuses, international advisers would convince Australian expats to sign up to 10, 15 and 25 year savings bonds with no regard to the suitability of that product to the client and no accountability.
Today that stops as Australian expats in Dubai and Abu Dhabi now have a Australian owned firm locally that is not only licensed in both Australia and the UAE but that specialises in providing tax financial advice to Australian expats just like you.
The Dubai office also bridges the geographical gap and time zone difference between Europe and Australia meaning our Dubai based financial planners can talk at a convenient time that suits you about how to make the most of managing your finances as an Australian expat – no more making phone calls at weird hours of the day..
Want To Learn More?
It may seem daunting trying to get financial advice when you’re living in the United Arab Emirates and abroad – who do you trust, who has your best interests in mind, who actually knows what they’re talking about.
Atlas Wealth Management offers Australian expats an Australian owned and licensed professional service that is managed by an Australian team based in the UAE who knows exactly what you’re trying to achieve and how to do it.
If you would like to know more, click below to speak to an Atlas Adviser.
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General Advice Disclaimer
The information provided on this website has been provided as general advice only. We have not considered your financial circumstances, needs or objectives and you should seek the assistance of your Atlas Wealth Management Authorised Representative before you make any decision regarding any products mentioned in this communication. Whilst all care has been taken in the preparation of this material, no warranty is given in respect of the information provided and accordingly neither Atlas Wealth Management nor its related entities, employees or agents shall be liable on any ground whatsoever with respect to decisions or actions taken as a result of you acting upon such information.