Chief Investment Officer - Client Investment & Advisory (DIFC)

Chief Investment Officer - Client Investment & Advisory(DIFC) Position Overview

The Chief Investment Officer will lead the firm's investment strategy, portfolio management, and asset allocation across multi-asset portfolios. The role requires a hands on investment leader with strong experience in building and managing investment platforms, delivering consistent alpha, and engaging with regulators specifically within the DIFC or other regional financial free zones.

The CIO will oversee the investment team, manage product development, and ensure full compliance with governance and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities Investment Strategy & Portfolio Leadership

• Set and execute strategic and tactical asset allocation across equities, fixed income, multi asset, alternatives, and money market products.
• Lead portfolio construction, security selection, research, and investment decision making using advanced methodologies (e.g., Modern Portfolio Theory, Black Litterman).
• Deliver consistent, benchmark beating risk adjusted returns while maintaining disciplined risk management.

Business & Product Development

• Build and expand the investment platform, including launching new funds (equity, fixed income, REITs, private equity, hedge funds, FoFs, money market).
• Drive AUM growth through superior investment performance, client engagement, and product innovation.
• Lead feasibility studies, product structuring, fund launches, and regulatory approvals in collaboration with legal and compliance.

Regulatory, DIFC & Governance Oversight

• Ensure full compliance with DIFC regulatory requirements, DFSA rules, governance frameworks, and reporting standards.
• Develop investment policies, internal controls, risk frameworks, and audit ready documentation.
• Act as key liaison with regulators, auditors, institutional partners, and the Board.

Stakeholder & Client Advisory

• Advise the Board, CEO, and senior leadership on investment strategies, market trends, and portfolio decisions.
• Provide strategic investment advisory support to wealth management, private banking, and institutional clients.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with regulators, external managers, and industry partners.

Team Leadership

• Build, manage, and mentor a high performing investment team of analysts, managers, and specialists.
• Foster a culture of accountability, performance, ethical standards, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications & Experience

• + years of investment management experience, including leadership roles within asset management, private banking, or investment firms.
• Prior experience working with DIFC/DFSA regulations or another regional regulatory authority (e.g., QFCRA, CMA).
• Proven track record of strong, audited investment performance and alpha generation across multi asset portfolios.
• Advanced expertise in asset allocation, portfolio construction, fundamental research, alternatives, and global markets.
• Experience launching funds and building investment platforms from inception.
• Masters degree or PhD in Finance, Economics, Banking, or similar highly preferred.
• Regulatory licenses relevant to research, investment management, or advisory are an advantage.