Arqaam Capital: Comprehensive Company Profile

Background

Overview

Arqaam Capital is a leading financial services firm specializing in emerging and frontier markets. Established in 2007 in the Cayman Islands and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the firm has expanded its presence to five offices across four countries: the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Lebanon. Arqaam Capital has become one of the largest home-grown firms in the DIFC and a top institutionally focused financial services firm in the Middle East.

Mission and Vision

Arqaam Capital aims to become the leading regional investment bank concentrating on emerging and frontier markets. The firm strives to provide a broad range of financial services, acting as a one-stop-shop for capital intermediation within the regions it operates. By combining international best practices with regional expertise, Arqaam Capital seeks to contribute tangibly to the economic development and prosperity of developing markets.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives and Specialization

Arqaam Capital focuses on emerging and frontier markets in the MENA region, aiming to capitalize on the rapid growth of capital markets and investments in these areas. The firm's strategy includes offering a broad range of products and services tailored to the needs of institutions, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals. Arqaam Capital emphasizes digitizing its existing business while positioning itself with emerging technologies.

Key Technologies and Markets

The firm leverages advanced research platforms covering a significant portion of market capitalizations in key sectors of the Saudi economy. Arqaam Capital's sectoral expertise and strong pedigree in corporate finance and debt and equity capital markets advisory position it to provide market-leading investment banking services and facilitate cross-border flows.

Financials and Funding

Funding History and Utilization

Arqaam Capital is owned and controlled by Arqaam Capital Limited (Cayman Islands), a private limited liability company. The firm has a strong shareholder base consisting of institutions, regional family groups, and high-net-worth individuals. Key shareholders include EmiratesNBD, Commercial Bank International, Public Institution for Social Security (PIFSS Kuwait), and Al Dhow. Management and employees are aligned with shareholders through an Employee Share Incentive Plan.

Pipeline Development

Key Developments and Milestones

Saudi Arabia Expansion: In September 2024, Arqaam Capital obtained approval from the Saudi Capital Market Authority (CMA) to commence operations in the Kingdom, aligning with the firm's regional expansion strategy across the GCC.

Qatar Stock Exchange Partnership: In February 2025, Arqaam Capital signed a memorandum of understanding with the Qatar Stock Exchange to provide independent, high-quality equity research reports on QSE-listed companies, enhancing transparency and investor confidence in the Qatari capital market.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies and Methodologies

Arqaam Capital has invested in people, processes, and technology to create a highly scalable platform. The firm combines international best practices and corporate governance with regional know-how and experience to bridge capital with opportunity. Arqaam Capital emphasizes digitizing its existing business while positioning itself with emerging technologies.

Leadership Team

Key Executives

Riad Meliti: Chief Executive Officer. Under his leadership, Arqaam Capital has expanded its presence and services across emerging and frontier markets.

Radi El Helw: CEO of Arqaam Saudi. He played a pivotal role in securing the CMA’s approval for Arqaam Capital to commence operations in Saudi Arabia.

Leadership Changes

In September 2024, Radi El Helw was appointed as CEO of Arqaam Saudi, leading the firm's expansion into the Saudi market.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The financial services sector in the MENA region is characterized by rapid growth, driven by increasing capital market activities and investments. Arqaam Capital's focus on emerging and frontier markets positions it to capitalize on these opportunities.

Competitor Analysis

Arqaam Capital competes with other regional and international investment banks operating in the MENA region. The firm's emphasis on emerging and frontier markets, combined with its comprehensive range of services and regional expertise, provides a competitive edge.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Key Alliances

Qatar Stock Exchange: In February 2025, Arqaam Capital partnered with the Qatar Stock Exchange to provide independent equity research reports on QSE-listed companies, enhancing market transparency and investor confidence.

Operational Insights

Strategic Considerations

Arqaam Capital's strategic focus on emerging and frontier markets, combined with its comprehensive range of services and regional expertise, positions it as a leading financial services firm in the MENA region. The firm's emphasis on digitization and emerging technologies further enhances its competitive advantage.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Roadmap and Expansion Plans

Arqaam Capital plans to continue its expansion in emerging and frontier markets, with a focus on the MENA region. The firm aims to leverage its expertise and technological capabilities to provide innovative financial services and solutions to its clients.