Octagon, the one-stop-shop for family office advisory needs has unveiled its formal market entry to the United Arab Emirates.
MENA-focused Octagon with headquarters in the UAE, has operations which extend across Europe, Asia, North and South America, and Southern Africa.
The statement on 25 July followed several months of ‘soft launch’ activity in the UAE, by Octagon, and rapid “word-of-mouth growth for its innovative suite of services”.
Octagon said it catered to all family office needs – for established and newly incorporating entities – with services including asset management, corporate services, business management, business development, and lifestyle (Real estate, education & health, other services).
It further said there are now over 15,000 family offices worldwide holding c. $5.9trn in assets and both Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) had enabled registered financial institutions, companies and entities to operate and succeed within international regulatory frameworks.
Ekaterina Chernova, co-founder at Octagon, said: “I am thrilled Octagon has entered the UAE market – a country rapidly becoming a global hub for Family Offices. The current market environment is compelling, and word-of-mouth seeking our services has been very powerful.
“Modern families – wherever they are in the world – are increasingly drawn to the UAE and want innovative advisors and services. Our Family Office as-a-Service model has been very attractive to them – being able to resolve their complex needs. We are excited to contribute to the UAE’s growth story and help our clients navigate the challenges of running a Family Office, managing their wealth and saving them valuable time.”
Andrei Marcenco, co-founder at Octagon, said: “I am delighted that Octagon has entered the UAE market, a region swiftly establishing itself as a global centre for Family Offices, at a time when their need is evident worldwide.
“Following a successful soft launch, we have already seen strong demand for our diverse range of services, including Asset Management, Corporate Services, Business Management, Business Development, and Lifestyle services. We look forward to contributing to the UAE’s growth story and helping our clients manage their wealth and save precious time.”
Octagon’s co-founder, Ekaterina Chernova has over 20 years’ experience in private equity, corporate finance, strategic planning, and multi-family offices.
Ekaterina is an alumnus of Harvard Business School; a Dubai Business Women Council Member; a former Senior Consultant at PwC, and a member of YPO – the global leadership community of over 35,000 extraordinary CEOs.
Octagon’s co-founder, Andrei Marcenco, began his career at Deloitte and has spent over 20 years in the financial services industry. He has held various corporate finance roles with leading investment banks. As an investment professional, he was part of a team managing a ~$3.5 billion AUM investment group, focusing on direct investments in public and private companies.
