Emirates Family Office Association (EFOA) Company Profile

Background

The Emirates Family Office Association (EFOA) is an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting the family office community in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and globally. EFOA's mission is to empower family offices and enterprises by promoting best practices, facilitating networking opportunities, and fostering cross-generational knowledge exchange. The association aims to enhance the growth and sustainability of family offices, which contribute significantly to the UAE's economy, accounting for up to 70% of the country's GDP.

Key Strategic Focus

EFOA's strategic focus encompasses:

Community Building: Creating a collaborative ecosystem where family offices can connect, share ideas, and establish valuable relationships through tailored programs and events.

Educational Programs: Offering continuous learning opportunities, including programs, webinars, and workshops, to equip members with essential tools and information for success.

Policy and Advocacy: Engaging with stakeholders to advocate for public policies that support the welfare and prosperity of family offices, ensuring a vibrant and sustainable future.

Financial Structure Guidance: Providing resources to help family businesses establish robust financial structures that comply with regulatory standards and optimize financial stability and growth.

Leadership Team

EFOA is led by a team of seasoned professionals with extensive experience in family enterprises and wealth management:

H.E. Dr. Ahmed Abdulrahman Albanna, Chairman: A seasoned diplomat and business strategist with over three decades in the private sector, including roles as UAE Ambassador to India and Deputy Director General of Dubai Chamber.

Adam Ladjadj, Founder and Vice-Chairman: Founder of EFOA with experience in investment and finance sectors, holding senior positions in various companies in the Middle East.

Imran Khan, Co-Founder and Board Member: An asset management industry veteran with over 17 years of experience, also serving as Founding Partner of Oros Asset Management.

Fahad Al Ahbabi, Co-Founder and Board Member: Executive Director in the Government of Abu Dhabi, leading teams managing investment and support programs in the community.

Aisha Al Mansoori, Executive Director: Extensive experience in public, private, and family office sectors, with previous directorial roles at Accenture Middle East and EY.

Hasan Fardan Al Fardan, Board Member: CEO of Al Fardan Group, leading the strategic development of the organization's extensive portfolio.

Fahad Al Gergawi, Board Member: CEO of Dubai FDI, representing Dubai and the UAE in investment activities globally.

Tijani Babatunde Folawiyo, Board Member: Chairman and CEO of the Yinka Folawiyo Group, a conglomerate with interests in energy, agriculture, shipping, and real estate.

Marcelo Pessoa, Board Member: Founding Partner of GME4 Global Mining Exploration, with over 40 years of experience in investment and the mining industry.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

EFOA has established several strategic partnerships to enhance its mission:

United Arab Emirates University (UAEU): Collaborated to educate the next generation on the role and importance of family offices through training, internships, and research initiatives.

Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO): Partnered to position Abu Dhabi as a preferred destination for global family offices and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, aiming to attract and enable long-term private capital.

Middle East Venture Capital Association (MEVCA): Formed a partnership to foster knowledge sharing and create networking opportunities between family offices and venture capital firms in the Middle East.

Government of Bermuda: Signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cross-border ties between family offices registered in both jurisdictions.

Hong Kong Academy for Wealth Legacy (HKAWL): Established a formal bridge to facilitate dialogues and collaborations for family offices between Greater China and the UAE.

Operational Insights

EFOA operates as a non-commercial platform with a strict no-solicitation policy, ensuring a purely collaborative and open environment for its members. Membership is by approval only, and the association does not charge any membership fees.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

EFOA is committed to expanding its global reach and influence by:

Hosting Events: Organizing events like the International Family Office Congress to enhance cooperation between family offices and promote private enterprise development.

Educational Initiatives: Developing educational programs and certifications in partnership with academic institutions to standardize best practices in the family office space.

Policy Advocacy: Engaging in policy dialogue and regulatory innovation to address the evolving priorities of international investors and reinforce Abu Dhabi's role as a partner of choice for wealth preservation and long-term value creation.