International financial services group Holborn Assets has been granted a licence with the Dubai International Financial Centre to complement its existing Insurance Authority license in the UAE. 

The Dubai headquartered firm said in a statement today (1 March) it will look to utilise the DIFC license to expand its HNW offering in the market place, and build stronger ties with firms operating under the DIFC license. 

Robert Parker (pictured) CEO, said; "The acquisition of a DIFC license will allow Holborn to offer a broader and improved range of services to our HNW clients, including structured finance solutions, premium asset and investment managers, and opens the door to a suite of Investment Banks and HNW insurers." 

Following a reorganisation of the regulatory bodies in the UAE in 2020, the DIFC is becoming the license of choice for most Independent Financial Advisers and Wealth managers, the statement added. 

Simon Parker, chief operating officer and board director, said: "We have grown exponentially over the last five years opening 22 offices in 17 countries, but the obtaining of the DIFC license was a priority of the board and will serve as the platform for our next phase of growth."   

Holborn's licenses held across the world include the UK, US, South Africa, HK and Europe.

It also highlighted plans to expand its headcount by 20% in 2023. 

A British family-owned and operated business, the firm currently has over 550 employees, including 250 financial advisers, and 23 offices around the world.

Holborn Assets' experienced team of professional fully qualified advisers specialise in delivering clients quality, independent financial advice and services. Core areas of operation include: financial planning, wealth management, insurance, investments, mortgages, tax planning, will writing and pension transfers.