Chief Investment Officer - Client Investment & Advisory (DIFC)

Chief Investment Officer - Client Investment & Advisory (DIFC)

Position Overview

The Chief Investment Officer will lead the firms 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 regulatorsspecifically 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

• 15-20+ 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.