Paris-headquartered Eiffel Investment Group has unveiled a new office in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) as it has been granted In-Principle Approval (IPA) from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of ADGM.
In a statement on 30 November, the European asset manager said this strategic expansion marks a significant milestone in Eiffel Investment Group's commitment to serving its clients and partners in the Middle East and further enhancing its global footprint.
The new office in ADGM reflects Eiffel Investment Group's dedication to providing a wide range of financial services and investment solutions to the dynamic and rapidly growing markets of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the broader Gulf region.
This expansion will enable Eiffel Investment Group to offer its expertise and tailored solutions to local and international clients seeking investment opportunities in the UAE, particularly in the field of energy transition, a core and longstanding expertise of Eiffel Investment Group since its inception fifteen years ago, it said.
ADGM, with its focus on sustainable finance and green initiatives, would "serve as an ideal platform for Eiffel Investment Group to drive its commitment to responsible investment practices".
The UAE has set ambitious goals for renewable energy adoption, and Eiffel Investment Group looks to participate in this energy transition journey. The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) facilitated Eiffel Investment Group's expansion into the Emirate through providing technical support and supporting engagement with key ecosystem partners.
Eiffel Investment Group's services will encompass sustainable and green investment strategies, assisting clients in aligning their portfolios with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. In the energy transition space, Eiffel Investment Group's funds have financed thousands of infrastructure assets and companies, in onshore and offshore wind, solar PV, energy storage, biogas, biomass, hydrogen, energy efficiency / decarbonation, clean mobility, recycling.
Eiffel Investment Group's unique expertise and track record in energy transition find their source in the group's origins within Louis Dreyfus, a global leader in energy and commodities, and since 2011 in its ownership by reference shareholder Impala, a key player in renewable energy (through Direct Energie, Neoen, Tag Energy).
Eiffel Investment Group believes that investing in renewable energy, clean technologies, and other sustainable sectors is not only ethically responsible but also financially efficient.
In addition to its commitment to the energy transition, Eiffel Investment Group intends to contribute to the deepening of the relations between France and the Emirates through a range of initiatives combining various approaches to the challenges of finance and mutually beneficial innovations.
In that respect, it said it is proud to announce its partnership with Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi to establish an Institute focused on theoretical reflection in finance and economics: the Institute for Sustainable Finance. This Institute will bring together students, experts, academics, and practitioners to conduct research and analysis, providing insights that can shape the future of global finance.
The partnership with Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi reflects Eiffel Investment Group's commitment to knowledge-sharing and intellectual exploration. The Institute will explore innovative financial strategies, economic trends, and emerging market opportunities to provide thought leadership in the field of finance and investments.
"We believe that theoretical reflection and academic collaboration are essential for the advancement of the financial industry. Our partnership with La Sorbonne Abu Dhabi will allow us to contribute to the academic discourse while bringing fresh perspectives to our clients and partners," said Alexis Rostand, Managing Director and SEO of Eiffel Investment ME, the local entity set in ADGM.
Professor Nathalie Martial-Braz, Vice Chancellor Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, said: "Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi's partnership with Eiffel Investment Group adds a stone to the development of research in sustainable finance in the UAE and in the region. We are proud of the creation of the Institute for Sustainable Finance, which will allocate research scholarships to serve as a hub for research & development and foster innovation. By associating a leading financial group to a leading academic institution, we aim to bring our best contribution to the knowledge economy."
Eiffel Investment Group's CEO, Fabrice Dumonteil, said: "Our presence in Abu Dhabi signifies not only our commitment to providing top-tier financial services but also our dedication to the energy transition. We aim to collaborate with local partners and contribute to the UAE's ambitious clean energy agenda, as well as supporting global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable development."
Arvind Ramamurthy, chief of market development at ADGM, said: "We are delighted to welcome to Eiffel Investment Group within ADGM's dynamic community. Their commitment to serving regional clients with global financial expertise and steadfast dedication to sustainable development through clean energy transition aligns with ADGM's ongoing initiatives towards sustainable finance and building a sustainable financial ecosystem in Abu Dhabi."
Kenny Goggin, Head of Strategic Partnerships at ADIO said: "We are thrilled to support and welcome Eiffel Investment Group into the Abu Dhabi ecosystem. Their innovative approach to financial services has showcased their great potential to disrupt the market and create significant value for driving Abu Dhabi's sustainability strategy and vision, aligning with our goal of attracting companies in high-growth economic sectors which support the Emirate's long-term vision."
