Wealth & Finance International - Business Awards 2016

Business Awards 2016 26 Best Asset Manager 2016 - MENA Waha Capital is an Abu Dhabi-listed investment company that offers shareholders and third-party investors exposure to high-potential opportunities in diversified asset classes. Alain Dib, Chief Operating Officer discusses the firm’s service offering and how it aims to provide strong return on investment to clients. Company: Waha Capital Name: Amer Aidi Email: [email protected] Web Address: wahacapital.ae Address: Waha Capital, Etihad Towers, 42 Floor, P.O. Box 28922 Telephone: +97126677343 Waha Capital manages assets across several sectors, including aircraft leasing, healthcare, financial services, energy, infrastructure, industrial real estate and capital markets. Through its Principal Investments unit, Waha Capital has established a strong investment track-record, deploying capital in sectors that display strong fundamentals and that have been prioritised by governments in the Middle East and North Africa region. These opportunities are now being offered to third-party investors through a private equity platform. These third party investors are buying into the firm’s strategy and are attracted by its consistent positive performance. Over the last few months, the firm have successfully managed to attract high profile regional and US based institutions with its equites and fixed income funds. The Capital Markets unit has also built a strong capability in managing global and regional credit and equity portfolios. Alain talks us through the firm’s investment offering and provides and insight into the three pillars of the company’s success. “Waha Capital offers its expertise in capital markets and direct investment to third party investors through public equities, public bonds, private lending and private equity funds targeting institutional investors and high net worth individuals. “Our success is built on three elements: patience, networks, and expertise. We have found that patience is vital to good decision making. For example, Waha Capital examined the healthcare sector intensely for a couple of years, and looked at various options before moving. Once we invest, we take a long-term view. Building a business properly and creating value through operational improvement takes time. “In addition, we believe that to be a successful investor in the Middle East and North Africa region, you need to have the regional networks to make business connections. To build industry champions that can expand beyond national borders, investors need to be well-established with strong regional connections. “Finally, sectorial expertise within your investment team is vital. If you are focused on value creation through operational improvements, you really need to understand the sector at a micro-level, and you need to install a management team that understands how to overcome the challenges of working in the regional business and regulatory environment.” Waha Capital is a meritocracy built on the belief that collaboration, teamwork and integrity create the right environment for our people to deliver the best possible results for its clients. Alain is eager to emphasise that the company offers a highly supportive internal culture based around support and collaboration. “At Waha Capital we talk a lot about teamwork. Our people come from different backgrounds and different cultures, and bring different areas of skill and expertise. What brings them together is Waha Capital’s ambition to grow and to diversify our business. We work flexibly and collaboratively. Everyone’s point of view is valid, and we know that ideas can come from anywhere and therefore we offer a space where everyone will be listened to and supported. “Ultimately we believe that our distinct corporate culture is one of the things that set us apart from other firms. We expect everyone at Waha Capital to contribute to our success, and to join us on a journey which is gathering momentum. This is why we make such an effort to ensure that our people are not only among the best in their field, but also that they share our commitment to leadership in business and to contributing to the communities where we work and live. At Waha Capital, everyone has a place at the table.” BU160006