Kholoud Hussein
As the Middle East continues to experience transformative economic growth, driven by diversification initiatives and rapid advancements in financial services, global companies like Apex Group are playing a critical role in shaping the region's future. With its extensive expertise and a global presence spanning over 112 offices worldwide, Apex Group has emerged as a trusted partner for businesses seeking tailored financial solutions.
In an exclusive interview with Sharikat Mubasher, Christiane El Habre, the Regional Managing Director - Middle East, discusses Apex Group's strategic focus on supporting economic transformation in the GCC, particularly in Saudi Arabia, a key market under Vision 2030. El Habre elaborates on the company’s efforts to empower the private sector, streamline regulatory processes, and integrate innovative solutions that drive sustainable growth across the region.
The following interview offers a deep dive into how Apex Group combines its global reach with localized expertise to redefine the financial services landscape, creating long-term value for clients while supporting the region's ambitious economic goals.
With Apex Group's extensive global presence, how does the MENA region fit into the company’s broader growth strategy, particularly in terms of expanding services and building regional partnerships?
Apex Group has operated in the Middle East since 2006, offering unmatched local expertise and global reach. The Company has over 120 professionals on the ground in the region, providing end-to-end financial solutions to clients in the UAE, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia.
Apex Group has strategic partnerships with key regional players, such as Mubadala, supporting our delivery of tailored, one-stop solutions – covering the full value chain and supporting clients’ capital-raising goals.
These capabilities support the region's rapid growth and evolving market demands; as the Middle East becomes a global nexus for asset managers.
Our focus remains on driving regional partnerships while contributing to developing the financial ecosystem across the MENA region.
Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as a business hub in the GCC. What are Apex Group’s primary objectives and strategies for strengthening its presence in the Kingdom, and what unique opportunities does the market present?
Enhancing Apex Group’s presence in Saudi Arabia is core to our Middle East growth strategy. We opened our Saudi office in 2024, with a plan to increase our in-country presence over the next year.
Apex Group’s capabilities – providing tailored financial solutions to sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and mid-sized enterprises – will be invaluable in supporting the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 goals.
For our clients, Vision 2030’s goals of driving economic diversification, private sector development, and infrastructure spending, open significant opportunities to create value via private equity, venture capital, and impact-driven investments.
Given the economic diversification goals under Saudi Vision 2030 and similar initiatives across the GCC, how does Apex Group’s cross-jurisdictional service model support these transformations?
Apex Group’s cross-jurisdictional service model enables clients to seamlessly manage operations across the GCC and beyond. By combining local expertise with global capabilities, we help clients navigate complex regulatory environments and achieve their asset management and/or capital-raising objectives.
Our comprehensive service offerings — from fund administration and corporate management to capital markets and transactions support — empower asset managers to actively engage with the Vision 2030 agenda; fostering innovation, diversification, and growth.
Apex Group prides itself on global reach and local service. How does this approach translate into operational efficiency and value creation for clients in Saudi Arabia and the MENA region?
Our global reach ensures clients can access a vast network of resources, while our local teams deliver solutions tailored to regional needs – while remaining cognisant of differing regulatory approaches across markets.
This hybrid approach allows Apex Group to offer operational efficiencies, reduce complexity, and enhance value for clients. Across the Middle East, our hands-on local teams work closely with clients to provide solutions aligned with their strategic goals and supported by a global infrastructure offering scalability and innovation.
What role does Apex Group play in strengthening the financial infrastructure across the GCC? Are there specific services or innovations you are introducing to meet the region’s evolving financial and regulatory needs?
Apex Group plays an active, collaborative role in the GCC’s evolving regulatory landscape. We work closely and continuously engage with regulators to foster a positive business environment for asset managers and portfolio companies. We are an active member of the Middle East Investment Association, advocating for industry interests and working toward shared goals.
At an individual level, Apex Group is committed to nurturing the financial leaders of tomorrow; partnering with universities to create internship opportunities, building pathways for young professionals to enter the industry and thrive.
This talent pipeline is critical for the long-term success and viability of asset managers operating in the region.
How does Apex Group plan to support the growth of private sector enterprises in Saudi Arabia and the GCC, particularly mid-sized and family-owned businesses looking to scale or internationalize?
Apex Group has considerable experience in helping clients access international markets and expand to meet business goals.
For asset managers, we are adept at helping them navigate regulatory complexity, raise capital, and engage with prospective investors – critical items for successful international expansion.
Mid-sized and family-owned businesses benefit from our corporate management and back-office function expertise. Specifically, we enable business leaders to concentrate on growing their business while we manage HR, accounting, or bookkeeping functions – reducing risk exposure, enhancing controls, and improving service quality.
Apex Group’s turnkey solution, Apex BASE, supports efficient expansion support for fast-growing businesses – helping them understand regulatory requirements, jurisdictional complexity, and noncompliance risks.
The MENA region has diverse economic landscapes and regulatory frameworks. How does Apex Group customize its offerings to cater to the specific needs of clients across different jurisdictions in the region?
Apex Group has a deep understanding of MENA’s diverse regulatory landscapes; accumulated via consistent, collaborative discussions with regional regulators.
This insight allows us to offer customized solutions addressing each jurisdiction’s specific needs; so, clients can seamlessly operate across markets and achieve business goals.
In each jurisdiction, our on-the-ground teams play invaluable roles in helping clients understand regulatory requirements, while encouraging positive regulatory evolutions when needed. This helps cement MENA’s growing status as a global hub for asset managers and investors.
How is Apex Group leveraging technology and digital innovation to enhance its services in the MENA region, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where digital transformation is a national priority?
Technology is at the core of Apex Group’s service delivery. Our proprietary cross-asset platform streamlines fund administration, investor relations, and compliance processes, ensuring efficiency and transparency for clients.
In Saudi Arabia, where digital transformation is a key national goal, we are introducing innovative solutions leveraging AI and data analytics - to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency.
Sustainability is increasingly becoming a focus in the GCC. What steps is Apex Group taking to integrate ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) considerations into its services for clients in Saudi Arabia and the broader MENA region?
ESG has been a key consideration for Apex Group for over 15 years. Our dedicated ESG brand, Holtara, supports clients across the full investment lifecycle, from fundraising to exit.
Specifically, we advise and enable clients to understand the evolving ESG landscape – including in the GCC – giving them the ability to conduct informed ESG assessments; drawing on a proven methodology and industry-leading sustainability experts.
These capabilities enable clients to incorporate ESG into their operations, and their portfolio companies – aligning closely with the GCC’s broader push to responsible investment and sustainable growth.
What are Apex Group’s long-term plans for further growth and investment in the MENA region? Are there specific sectors or markets within the GCC that you view as key drivers for the company’s expansion?
Apex Group’s long-term strategy in the MENA region focuses on expanding our presence in high-growth markets such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Key sectors include private equity, venture capital, and real assets; aligning with regional diversification and private sector growth goals.
Our commitment to building strong regional partnerships, leveraging technology, and investing in local talent ensures we will remain a key player in the GCC’s evolving financial landscape.
