To obtain the CISI accolade is an important step for the DIFC-based wealth manager which has ambitions to significantly grow its footprint.

International wealth management firm GSB Capital Limited (GSB) said it is the first firm of its kind – and the first in the Middle East – to have secured CISI Chartered Firm status.

To gain this accreditation "demontstrates that a firm is operating at the highest levels of trustworthiness and professionalism,” GSB said in a statement late last week. For example, a firm must have regulatory recognition, at least half of its staff in a core area, must be individually chartered with CISI, a CISI qualifications and CPD programme should be in place, and the firm’s purpose and values must align with the CISI Code of Conduct.

GSB is based in Dubai and licensed by the Dubai Financial Services Authority. It said it is the first UAE-headquartered firm to achieve the CISI Chartered Firm accolade. 

The business was founded by Ross and Alison Whatnall in April 2021. 

GSB aspires to make M&A deals and expand, with this growth including the UK, it said.

Matt Cowan Chartered MCSI, CISI regional director MENA, said that the GSB accreditation was a “fabulous achievement.”

“It also indicates how the UAE Financial Services sector is developing and the importance of professionalism as a core component to any serious business. I expect many other firms across the region will follow the example set by GSB and seek CISI Chartered Firm status.”

This news service has interviewed Ross Whatnall, GSB's founding partner and CEO, on its strategy, and will release a report in due course.