Latest news with #MarkVoumard
Finextra
22-07-2025
- Business
- Finextra
IQ-EQ acquires Gordian Capital
IQ-EQ, an Astorg portfolio company has announced the strategic acquisition of Gordian Capital Limited ('Gordian'), Asia's first and largest institutional cross border fund platform and fund solutions provider. 0 Its client base consists of global and regional asset managers, internal and external investment teams, SWF's, DFI's, family offices and corporates, investing in private equity, real estate, venture capital, private credit, infrastructure, hedge fund, absolute return and long only strategies. Established in Cayman in 2004 and in Singapore in 2005, Gordian's 77-member team operates from offices in Singapore, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Melbourne and currently manage US$17bn of which 96% is derived from institutional investors. Subject to approval by the Dubai Financial Services Authority it plans further expansion into the Middle East. Having launched 115 funds over the last 20 years this acquisition adds further strength and depth to IQ-EQ's global business providing clients with a range of additional products and services delivered by a highly experienced global team. CEO and co-founder Mark Voumard will continue to lead the business and will join IQ-EQs Asia senior leadership team ensuring continuity of the day-to-day delivery of services. The business will go to market as Gordian Capital, part of IQ-EQ until Q2 2026 when the business will rebrand as IQ-EQ. In 2016, IQ-EQ was acquired by Astorg, a leading pan-European private equity firm. Since then, Astorg has supported IQ-EQ's long-term growth strategy, helping the company become a global leader in investor services. In 2022, Astorg raised a €1.3 billion continuation fund to provide additional capital for IQ-EQ's ambitious growth plans. The acquisition of Gordian Capital Limited represents a further step in IQ-EQ's global expansion strategy. Commenting on the announcement, Mark Pesco, Group Chief Executive Officer at IQ-EQ said: 'This acquisition represents a significant milestone in IQ-EQ's growth strategy, further solidifying our strong market position in the Asia Pacific region. Asia has long been a key region for IQ-EQ, and the addition of Gordian Capital, alongside our recent acquisition of AMAL Group, underscores our commitment to expanding our presence and capabilities in this dynamic market. The combined expertise and reach of our expert teams will enable us to offer unparalleled services and support, fostering growth and innovation across the region. Congratulations to everyone involved in this transaction and a big IQ-EQ welcome to Mark and the extended Gordian Capital team.' Sridhar Nagarajan, Regional Chief Executive Officer, Asia, Middle East and Africa at IQ-EQ added: 'This transaction is hugely significant for us as it transforms us into the market leader in the fund platform business in Asia Pacific. It allows us to offer our fund, corporate and family office clients globally a path to regulated market entry into Asia and over time, the Middle East, along with sophisticated fund structuring and operational capabilities. With fully licenced operations in Asia's three key financial centres, Singapore, Tokyo and Hong Kong and extensive cross border expertise, I am excited about the opportunities ahead.' Mark Voumard, co-founder and CEO of Gordian Capital and newly appointed Managing Director, Head of Fund Platforms and Solutions, Asia and Middle East at IQ-EQ further commented: 'I'm delighted to announce this game-changing deal, which we at Gordian feel is a perfect strategic fit for our business. We were attracted to IQ-EQ not just for its impressive market leadership but their firm wide focus on people and delivering best in class client service excellence sealed the deal. Becoming part of a global powerhouse of nearly 6,000-people operating across 25 jurisdictions unlocks significant opportunities for the Gordian team and for our clients who will continue to receive the same high touch personalised service and benefit from the strength and reach of a multinational group.' Gordian is fully regulated, holding a CMS issued by MAS (Singapore), is registered with the SEC (U.S.) as a RIA, registered with the NFA (U.S.) as a CTA, registered with SEBI (India) as a Category I FPI, registered with the CBI (Ireland) as an Investment Manager, approved by China's CSRC as a QFII, holder of a full DIM license issued by the FSA (Japan), holder of a Type 9 Asset Management and Type 4 Advisory license issued by the SFC (Hong Kong) and operates as an Authorised Corporate Representative under an AFSL registered with ASIC (Australia). Given its heavily regulated status, the business will operate with a high degree of independence and strict information and ethical firewalls. The transaction has received regulatory approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (SFC) and is expected to close shortly, subject to customary closing conditions.
Zawya
22-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Asian institutional fund platform giant Gordian Capital plans expansion to Dubai
RELATED TOPICS FINANCIAL SERVICES Subject to regulatory approval, Gordian plans to offer similar services to global players entering the Middle East as it already does in Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo Global alternative asset managers expected to make up its primary client base Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Gordian Capital is delighted to announce its plan for expansion into the Middle East, subject to approval from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (' DFSA ') ' The Dubai International Financial Centre, (' DIFC ') has seen and continues to experience strong growth in the number of managers across alternatives and traditional strategies establishing an operation ' Mark Voumard Founder of the group and CEO of Gordian Capital Singapore Private Limited noted'. He commented ' Going cross border can have its challenges, primarily in terms of speed to market, as well as meeting rigorous initial and ongoing operational and regulatory standards. This is where, provided we obtain regulatory approval, with the group's history of success and growth in Asia over the last 20 years, we plan to provide, a highly regulated market entry pathway and infrastructure for institutional quality GP's and managers seeking to establish a regulated presence in DIFC '. Gordian Capital is Asia's only fully licensed institutional fund platform operating in Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo, Asia's three key financial centers and is fully licensed and regulated with MAS (Singapore), SEC (USA), SFC (Hong Kong), FSA (Japan), NFA as a CTA (USA) and ASIC (Australia). The group is also required to meet guidelines and registration requirements with SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India), CSRC, (China Securities Regulatory Commission) and CBI (Central Bank of Ireland) as both an investor and investment manager. The firm has launched over 115 funds across both private and public strategies, including Private Equity, Real Estate, Venture Capital, Private Credit, Infrastructure, Trade Finance, multiple Hedge Fund strategies as well as long-only and absolute return strategies, including activism. It works with some of the words largest GP's and asset managers supporting them as they both invest and expand into Asia. 96% of its USD17bn AUM is from institutional investors. Gordian's planned Fund Platform offering in DIFC, which is subject to approval by the DFSA, would leverage Gordian Capital's 20 plus years of expertise acting as the Manager, for experienced investment professionals, who require an institutional level regulated, physical and operational fund infrastructure where Gordian Capital handles the business and operational management of each fund allowing the investment professionals on our platform to concentrate on investing. Gordian Capital as a key regulated infrastructure provider, is already part of the ecosystem of prime brokers, executing brokers, fund administrators, legal, tax and audit firms with operations in Asia and, subject to regulatory approval, expects to also become a key market provider in, and help expand the DIFC ecosystem. This concatenation creates a continuous string of combined values thereby further differentiating the position of DIFC as a global hub for hedge funds and other alternative asset managers. Salmaan Jaffery, Chief Business Development Officer at DIFC Authority commented 'We are pleased that Gordian Capital, Asia's leading independent institutional fund management platform, has announced its intention to establish a presence in Dubai International Financial Centre. Their decision reflects the strength of DIFC as the region's leading financial hub with unparalleled depth in asset management, attracting new firms and business models that access the fast-growing markets of the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. We look forward to welcoming Gordian Capital to our ecosystem and supporting their expansion into the region.' Gordian Capital's clients include global institutional asset managers, Multi strategy/pod platforms, Family Offices, GPs, Hedge funds and Corporates across multiple strategies and structures across private equity, real estate, venture capital, infrastructure, hedge, absolute return and long only strategies. Established in 2004 by capital markets professionals and alternatives industry veterans active in Asia since the 1980s, Gordian Capital initially launched its first operating subsidiary in Singapore in 2005. The group now boasts a regulated presence in Singapore, Japan, and Australia, with both its Singapore and Tokyo operations registered with the U.S. SEC as Registered Investment Advisers and representative offices in Melbourne and Shanghai. Voumard also commented 'We have been given a warm welcome by the pro-business, market friendly, and highly professional team at DIFC and, subject to receiving regulatory approval, expect to work closely with them to help develop DIFC even further as an asset management centre. -Ends- About Gordian Capital Established in Cayman in 2004 by capital markets professionals and alternatives industry veterans active in Asia since the 1980s, Gordian Capital has operating subsidiaries in Singapore, Tokyo, Melbourne, Hong Kong, Shanghai and, subject to regulatory approval, plans to extend its operations soon to the DIFC. As Asia's leading institutional, independent, fund platform specialist, managing USD 17 billion in AUM, Gordian Capital's focus has always been institutional, evidenced by early mandates from Brown Brothers Harriman and AMP Capital as well as investments by both Swiss and Japanese pension funds as early as 2006 and 2007. More recently investments have come from SWF, DFI and pension fund investors. This institutional focus and fiduciary duty to our investors is reflected in our DNA. For queries, please contact: Mark Voumard E: voumard@ About Dubai International Financial Centre Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is one of the world's most advanced financial centres, and the leading financial hub for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA), which comprises 77 countries with an approximate population of 3.7bn and an estimated GDP of USD 10.5trn. With a 20-year track record of facilitating trade and investment flows across the MEASA region, the Centre connects these fast-growing markets with the economies of Asia, Europe, and the Americas through Dubai. DIFC is home to an internationally recognised, independent regulator and a proven judicial system with an English common law framework, as well as the region's largest financial ecosystem of 46,000 professionals working across over 6,900 active registered companies – making up the largest and most diverse pool of industry talent in the region. The Centre's vision is to drive the future of finance through cutting-edge technology, innovation, and partnerships. Today, it is the global future of finance and innovation hub offering one of the region's most comprehensive AI, FinTech and venture capital environments, including cost-effective licensing solutions, fit-for-purpose regulation, innovative accelerator programmes, and funding for growth-stage start-ups. Comprising a variety of world-renowned retail and dining venues, a dynamic art and culture scene, residential apartments, hotels, and public spaces, DIFC continues to be one of Dubai's most sought-after business and lifestyle destinations. For further information, please visit our website: or follow us on LinkedIn and X @DIFC. For media enquiries, please contact: Nivine William Burson | Rasha Mezher | Dubai International Financial Centre Authority Manager, Marketing & Corporate Communications
Bloomberg
22-07-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Astorg-Backed Fund Services Business IQ-EQ Buys Gordian Capital
Astorg -backed IQ-EQ has acquired Gordian Capital Ltd., a fund platform and services provider with offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Shanghai and Tokyo. Gordian Capital co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Mark Voumard will continue to lead the business, which will be rebranded as IQ-EQ in the second quarter of 2026, IQ-EQ said in a statement Tuesday. Financial terms weren't disclosed.
