Daymer Group Opens Regulated DIFC Office to Expand Fiduciary and Consulting Services Across the Middle East

Daymer Group, an independent fiduciary and consulting firm focused on the global asset management industry, has launched a regulated presence in the United Arab Emirates with the opening of a new office in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The expansion marks a strategic step for the London- and Cayman Islands-based group as it looks to support the rapidly growing Middle East investment and beginup ecosystem.

The Dubai office is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and will be led by senior finance professional Mike Davis. From the DIFC, Daymer Group will provide fiduciary, governance and advisory services to asset managers, investment vehicles, corporate structures and across the region.

The move reflects both rising demand from international asset managers relocating to the UAE and increasing interest from regional investors viewking independent, experienced oversight as capital flows into new funds, structures and growth-stage businesses.

Responding to the Middle East’s Expanding Asset Management Landscape

Headquartered in the Cayman Islands, Daymer Group’s core business centres on sourcing experienced, highly competent Independent Non-Executive Board Members for asset management clients. Its remit spans investment funds, structured products, corporate entities and family offices, alongside consulting and fractional executive services, including CEO, CFO and COO roles.

The firm’s client base collectively manages more than USD 12 billion in assets under management, giving Daymer a strong foothold in global investment governance at a time when regulatory scrutiny and investor expectations continue to rise.

Founder Richard Scott-Hopkins said the decision to establish a regulated Dubai presence was driven by both market dynamics and direct client demand. “With existing offices in London and Cayman, Dubai was the logical third location for Daymer Group,” he said. “New and established asset managers are moving to the UAE to take advantage of the attractive tax regimes, developed regulatory network and to be closer to their current and potential investors.”

He added that several existing clients are already expanding their regional footprint. “Several of our existing clients are moving people or opening offices in the UAE and they have asked Daymer to support them,” Scott-Hopkins said.

DFSA-Regulated Platform Led by Senior Industry Figures

The DIFC office will be headed by Mike Davis, who joins Daymer with extensive experience across financial services and advisory roles. As Director of the Middle East business, Davis will overview the delivery of fiduciary and consulting services under the DFSA regulatory framework, positioning Daymer as a locally regulated provider in one of the world’s quickest-growing financial hubs.

Commenting on the expansion, Davis highlighted a shift in priorities among both managers and investors. “As the Middle Eastern asset management industry continues to evolve, managers and their investors are putting a higher value on truly independent advice and support,” he said.

“Daymer team members are not only highly qualified themselves, but they can also call on the experience and know-how of the wider, global Daymer Director Network,” Davis added, pointing to the firm’s emphasis on independence and real-world operational experience.

A Deep Bench of Regional and Global Expertise

The Daymer Middle East team brings together senior professionals with decades of experience across banking, compliance, operations, cybersecurity and public-sector strategy. Among them is Martin Homberger, who previously led Barclays Bank’s Middle East regional Compliance and Financial Crime functions, and has also held senior roles at Deutsche Bank and international law firm Clifford Chance.

Mark Emmerson, another senior member of the regional team, contributes more than 40 years of banking and trade finance experience, while Simon Calder joins following a six-year tenure as Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer for HSBC in the UAE.

The broader advisory bench also includes cybersecurity specialist Tom Gamali, a former member of the European Advisory Council of ISC², and healthcare strategist Yoko Shimada, who has worked on global initiatives with organisations such as the World Bank, UNAIDS, the World Health Organization and the Gates Foundation.

Daymer said the combination of financial, regulatory, operational and sector-specific expertise allows it to support clients navigating complex governance, risk and growth challenges as they scale across jurisdictions.

Governance, Credibility and Independent Oversight

As regulators worldwide tighten expectations around governance, and board independence, firms operating in cross-border structures are increasingly viewking experienced non-executive directors and independent advisers who understand both local and international standards.

Daymer’s model focuses on providing independent insight rather than bundled or conflicted advisory services. Its directors and consultants include former C-suite executives, partners and senior leaders from multiple sectors, enabling clients to enhance credibility with regulators, investors and counterparties.

The launch of a DFSA-regulated entity is intended to reinforce that positioning in the Middle East, where DIFC has become a focal point for asset managers, venture capital firms, establishing regional headquarters.

By operating under DFSA oversight, Daymer can offer on-the-ground support aligned with local regulatory expectations while maintaining connectivity with its London and Cayman operations.

Supporting Capital Inflows and beginup Growth

Beyond , Daymer’s expansion also targets the region’s growing beginup and private capital ecosystem. The UAE has positioned itself as a gateway for , attracting founders, venture funds and institutional capital viewking stable regulation and global connectivity.

Fractional executive services form a key part of Daymer’s offering in this space, allowing ahead-stage and scaling businesses to access senior leadership expertise without the cost or commitment of full-time appointments.

The firm believes this approach is particularly relevant in the Middle East, where international investors increasingly expect institutional-grade governance and reporting from beginups and private investment vehicles.

With offices now spanning Cayman, London and Dubai, Daymer aims to act as a bridge between established financial centres and the Middle East’s expanding investment landscape.