Head of Family Office at Exante in Dubai

Head of Family Office

The Client

Our client is a dynamic, fast-expanding international group with primary business lines in Financial Services, Trading Technologies, and Payments. With operations across multiple jurisdictions—including Cyprus, Malta, the UK, the BVI, the Cayman Islands, and the UAE—the group seeks a highly experienced and commercially astute Head of Family Office to manage the personal, corporate, and strategic affairs of its shareholders.

This is a senior leadership role that will serve as the cornerstone of governance, oversight, and decision-making for both the shareholders’ personal and corporate interests. The position requires a sophisticated understanding of multi-jurisdictional legal, regulatory, and financial structures.

The Opportunity

This role offers a unique opportunity to lead the governance, compliance, and financial strategy of a global business group while overseeing a full suite of corporate, tax, legal, and investment functions on behalf of the shareholders. As a senior trusted advisor, the Head of Family Office will work closely with the three shareholders to ensure alignment of business strategy, personal financial management, and long-term value creation.

The successful candidate will bring deep experience managing complex international structures and a strong record of leading M&A transactions, financing strategies, and cross-border compliance matters. This role is well-suited for an individual with exceptional discretion, professional integrity, and the leadership presence to operate at the highest levels of business.

Location

Flexible within key international financial jurisdictions (e.g., Cyprus, UAE, Malta, UK)

Reports to

Three principal shareholders

The Position

Key Responsibilities

Corporate & Legal Affairs

• Oversee all corporate secretarial and administrative functions across group entities, ensuring regulatory compliance and sound legal standing across multiple jurisdictions.

• Manage and document economic substance requirements to ensure compliance in applicable regions (e.g., Cayman Islands, BVI).

• Serve as primary legal liaison, working with external counsel to manage the group’s regulatory obligations, including those related to investment funds.

• Advise on and implement group structuring and restructuring, supporting optimal tax, regulatory, and operational outcomes.

Financial & Strategic Operations

• Partner with external advisors to design and implement tax-efficient international structures, balancing compliance with strategic objectives.

• Lead all group financing initiatives, including negotiation, documentation, and execution of transactions.

• Spearhead M&A activities, including evaluation, due diligence, financial modeling, and post-acquisition integration.

Shareholder & Family Affairs

• Act as a trusted advisor to the three shareholders, ensuring open and effective communication, alignment, and governance.

• Manage a range of personal legal, financial, and administrative affairs on behalf of the shareholders with absolute discretion and efficiency.

The Ideal Candidate

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of 7–10 years in a senior leadership role within a family office, corporate services firm, or private practice, with a focus on international corporate and tax structuring.

• Professional qualifications such as ACA, ACCA, CPA, or a qualified lawyer are required; MBA or LLM preferred.

• Deep expertise in international corporate law, fund regulation, economic substance laws, and cross-border tax planning.

• Proven success managing complex legal entities, particularly in jurisdictions such as Cyprus, BVI, Cayman Islands, UAE, UK, and Malta.

• Demonstrated ability to lead M&A and financing transactions, including hands-on deal execution.

Skills & Attributes

• Strategic mindset with a hands-on, problem-solving approach.

• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills; able to build trust with stakeholders at all levels.

• Highly organized with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple ongoing initiatives.

• Demonstrates the highest level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism in all matters.

• Capable of operating autonomously while fostering collaboration across internal teams and external advisors.

Compensation

A highly competitive compensation package will be offered, including base salary, performance-linked incentives, and a comprehensive suite of corporate benefits.

What’s on Offer

• Executive leadership role in a diverse international business group

• The opportunity to shape the strategic future of a high-growth global platform

• Close collaboration with top-tier professionals in finance, legal, and technology

• Access to ongoing education, training, and hybrid work arrangements