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Family Office Compensation Benchmark-Report-Uae
Family Office Compensation Benchmark-Report-Uae
compensation benchmark
report: UAE findings
kpmg.ae
Contents 1
1
1 Contents
2
2 Foreword
4 UAE results
5
5 The UAE Family Office landscape:
opportunities and evolution
6
6 Survey methodology
7 About us 7
8 Contact us
Family-owned businesses play a vital role in the The regulatory framework in the UAE has been a
economy, contributing over 60% of the GDP in many significant driver in attracting Family Offices to set up
regions. Their significance in driving economic growth in the country. The government has implemented
cannot be overstated. In recent years, there has been supportive initiatives, including investor-friendly policies 2
2
a notable increase in the establishment of Family and streamlined business setup processes, fostering a
Offices, driven by families‘ desire for comprehensive conducive environment for Family Offices. The UAE‘s
wealth management, access to investment commitment to aligning its regulatory framework with
opportunities, privacy, family governance, succession international standards and best practices further
planning, and philanthropic aspirations. strengthens its credibility and reputation.
The UAE has experienced a rise in the establishment Considering these factors, it is evident that the UAE is
of new Family Offices, attracting wealthy families from emerging as a hotbed for Family Offices, with a 3
around the world who recognize the opportunities conducive business environment, attractive regulatory
available in the region. The UAE‘s appeal as a landscape, and a wide range of opportunities for
destination for Family Offices stems from its families seeking to establish and grow their wealth in
combination of tax advantages, strategic location, the region.
robust financial services sector, and high-quality
lifestyle amenities. The pro-business environment and
supportive infrastructure further enhance its 4
attractiveness for wealth management and
investment purposes. The UAE‘s appeal as a
In 2021, financial wealth in the UAE grew by 20%; destination for Family Offices
approximately 41% was generated by ultra-high-net- stems from its combination of tax
worth individuals and Family Offices, forecast to advantages, strategic location,
increase to 46% by 2026. It is estimated that the robust financial services sector, and 5
UAE’s financial wealth will continue to grow at a high-quality lifestyle amenities.
compounded annual rate of 6.7% and reach USD 1
trillion by 2026.
7
Raajeev Batra Paul Westall Tayyab Mohamed
Partner l Head of Co-Founder of Agreus Co-Founder of Agreus
Private Enterprise
KPMG Lower Gulf
3
3
post-pandemic changes 7
2022 was all about recovery, retention, and regulation with an objective of
building up and giving back. Family Offices began to turn their attention
away from the effects of macroeconomic factors and instead looked to
review the affairs of the families they serve and put structures and relevant
planning in place to protect their wealth in light of potential legislative 8
changes and reputation management.
8
1
International Monetary Fund, “World Economic Outlook”, January 30, 2023.
Emirates 2
4
4
3
Key findings
100%
male
university educated
of surveyed CEOs in the UAE were: had a master’s degree
earning between USD 330,001 –
396,000 5
also able to earn between 11% and 20%
of their salary as an additional bonus
Please note that the data may appear misleading as the sample size was 35. This may not necessarily be
representative of all Family Office professionals in the UAE, and is indicative only of the survey respondents.
Some numerical data in the following pages may total 99% or 101% due to rounding differences.
86%
1
of all surveyed Family
Office professionals in 20%
the UAE are male 34% 5 or less
6-9
3%
10 - 14
15 - 19 2
chose not to 6% 20 +
disclose gender 26%
14%
11%
3
4
4
Age
6% 29%
3% 6% 6%
6% 25 - 29 0–2 years 6–10 years
14%
30 - 34
6%
35 - 39 5
40 - 44
45 - 49 29% 37%
50 - 54
23% 60 - 64
2–5 years 10+ years
64 - 69
37%
6
Generations of wealth being managed
29%
Dubai
Other emirates
27% leaders in the UAE are
targeting cutting costs
1
2
71% AUM
7% 7% 20% 3
of UAE-based Below USD500M–1BN USD2BN-5BN
Family Offices also USD250M
17% 14% 3%
5
Role of the Ultimate Beneficial Owner
In Europe In Asia In South
America Oversees from the Board
27%
CEO
14% 3% 7%
6
Chairperson
13%
Elsewhere In North or No active involvement
in the Central 7%
Middle East America
Oversees from the Investment Committee
47%
7
47%
of Family Offices in the
It most commonly costs
UAE have a succession
0.6%–1.0%
plan in place
1
Role >$60,000 $60,000 $72,000 $85,000 $99,000 $132,000 $158,000 $198,000 $264,000 $330,000 $396,000 $500,000
Accountant
Chief Executive
Officer
2
Chief Financial
Officer
Chief Investment
Officer
Chief Operating
Officer
3
Compliance and
Legal Support
Fiduciary/ Trust
Specialist
Investment
Analyst
4
4
Investment/
Portfolio Manager
Legal Counsel
Operations
Manager 5
PA/EA
2
Chief financial officer
Legal counsel
Investment/Portfolio manager 4
4
Operations manager
Investment analyst
5
Accountant
Compliance/Legal support
7
Less than 10% 11%−20% 21%−30% 31%−40% 41%−50% 51%−60% 91%−100%
69%
26%
of Family Office professionals in the of Family Office
UAE said their salary was reviewed professionals in the 1
annually UAE are offered a
Long-Term Incentive
6%do not 3
Of those who do:
6%
are offered
co-investing
4
4
Drivers of bonus
Below USD250M
USD330,001–396,000
2
Below USD250M 3
11%–20%
4
4
Basic salary
5
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
USD1.1BN–2BN
USD2.1BN–5BN
USD132,001–158,000 USD264,001–330,000 6
7
% of salary awarded as bonus
USD1.1BN–2BN
8
USD2.1BN–5BN
21%–30% 101%–150%
Basic salary
1
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
USD251M–500M
USD501M–1BN
USD2.1BN–5BN 2
USD158,001–198,000 USD198,001–264,000 USD264,001–330,000 USD330,001–396,000 USD396,001–500,000
USD251M–500M
USD501M–1BN
USD2.1BN–5BN 4
4
201% or more
Basic salary
6
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
USD5.1BN+
USD264,001–330,000
USD5.1BN+
8
31%–40%
31%
Family Office
professionals in the
UAE most commonly
receive 25 days of
annual leave Family Office
8
83% professionals in the
UAE believe they
perform a hybrid role
Raajeev Batra
Partner l Private Enterprise
KPMG Lower Gulf 4
4
“The 2022 drawdown has reminded many investors It is important to keep in mind that there is no 5
about how correlated many of the traditional asset uniform investment approach amongst the Family
classes can be and the importance of running a Offices (for the right reasons!) with some opting for
structured investment program with strong downside the direct investment approach in underlying
protection built in. The last decade‘s of low interest companies operating in sectors which the families
rate environment has resulted in many Family Offices are familiar with and others opting for the
rushing into more growth style equity risk portfolios “endowment model” of investing in fund managers
(heavy exposure to tech both in private and public for the long term. Regardless of the approach 6
markets) and I feel that 2023 will start the shift in adopted, the long-term nature of Family Office
Family Offices looking for more uncorrelated strategies capital is a critical differentiating factor for the
and portfolios with strong downside protection. I will recipient. That said, Family Offices had to compete
also add that historically it was not uncommon for against other capital pools in the last decade for
many Family Offices to focus more heavily on access to capacity constrained fund managers and
investments and less on having a robust sophisticated investment opportunities. These capital pools may
operational infrastructure but this trend has started to start retreating either partially or completely which 7
change as Family Offices with poor liquidity and risk offers another attractive opportunity for long-term-
management struggled during the recent banking focused Family Offices to deploy capital.”
crisis.
Vignesh Vijayakumar
COO — Miras Management,
Single Family Office, Dubai
8
The UAE is actively positioning itself as an ideal destination for Family Offices. The country has
been implementing favorable tax policies to lure Family Offices. With no estate and inheritance
taxes in place, the UAE is a tax-efficient location for wealth management. The country is
strategically located between Europe, Asia and Africa, and has a thriving financial ecosystem that 2
allows Family Offices to have access to a wide range of investment opportunities including popular
asset classes such as private equity and real estate. The UAE also offers a wide range of services
catered towards Family Offices including wealth management, tax, and legal services. According
to a recent report1, the UAE is expecting an inflow of 4500 millionaires in 2023 alone. A significant
number are Indian Family Offices that are attracted by the relaxation of business ownership rules
and residency options. The UAE is growing in prominence in the Family Office landscape and is
set to be another Global Family Office hub. Among the emirates, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are major 3
drivers of the growth of the Family Office industry in the country.
Dubai, the second largest emirate of the country, is no stranger to the ultra-rich world. The city is
home to many ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families. Dubai International Financial Centre
(DIFC) is a special economic zone in Dubai that is widely recognized for being a leading financial
hub for private wealth. The city has taken multiple measures to further enhance its appeal to
Family Offices. DIFC has recently introduced Family Arrangements Regulations that allow Family 4
4
Offices in the UAE to operate without registering with the Dubai Financial Services Authority as a
‘designated non-financial business or profession’. As a result, Family Offices in the region will no
longer be required to disclose the name of the common ancestor, source of wealth and amount of
equity. The legal system of DIFC is based on English common law, making it familiar and easy to
navigate for many overseas investors.
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is one of the world’s largest financial districts. Located in Abu
Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, The ADGM offers a tailored approach to Family Offices and a
5
well-established investment ecosystem with numerous big hedge funds, venture capital firms and
crypto companies.
We are also seeing top Asian Family Offices forging closer ties with the Middle East, especially the
UAE. The increased collaboration between two regional Family Office hubs will provide immense
opportunities for Family Offices in both regions to prosper. The UAE is poised to become a leading
jurisdiction for Family Offices in the years to come. A surge in demand for top Family Office talent 6
in the Middle Eastern region is anticipated.
8
1 https://www.henleyglobal.com/publications/henley-private-wealth-migration-report-2023
landscape: opportunities
and evolution
2
The Middle East, and the UAE in particular, has Opportunities for Family Offices and enterprises
witnessed a transformative shift in its Family Office
landscape. The UAE offers a strategic geographical location, acting 3
as a bridge between the East and West, which appeals
Historically, Family Offices in the Middle East echoed to globally-minded Family Offices. The region boasts a
the essence of traditional family businesses, deeply robust financial infrastructure, including world-class
rooted in legacy and age-old practices. As times banking facilities, investment opportunities, and a
changed, so did the modus operandi of these business-friendly regulatory environment.
institutions. Today, Family Offices are no longer limited
With its focus on innovation and technological
to the confines of conventional business models. They
advancement, the UAE presents opportunities beyond
4
have expanded their horizons, intertwining age-old
heritage with modern strategic initiatives, philanthropic traditional investments – in sectors like green energy,
ventures, and a diversified global investment approach. AI, and biotech.
The transformation isn‘t exclusive to local families; the Benefits of making the UAE home
allure of the Middle East, and especially the UAE, has
Tax incentives: Favourable tax regimes, including zero
drawn many international families. They view the
taxes on personal and capital incomes, enhance the 5
region as a home where they can anchor their multi-
appeal for Family Offices.
generational legacies. The UAE, recognizing and
nurturing this shift, is not just passively observing the Confidentiality: The UAE respects the privacy of its
change. It is proactively adopting a multi-dimensional investors, a significant draw for families keen on
role in the world of Family Offices, considering asset discretion.
management, advisory roles, and fintech integration.
Connectivity: Its position as a global transport hub
ensures easy access to global markets. 6
Cultural harmony: A melting pot of cultures, the UAE
fosters an environment conducive for international
families while maintaining its rich heritage.
Survey methodology
625 Family Office professionals, including 35 from the UAE, partook in an
6
4
About KPMG Family Office &
Private Client practice 5
The KPMG Private Enterprise Family Office and Private Client Network’s professionals
understand that not every family and private entity is the same. We provide bespoke
support customized to the needs of you and your families. We advise on the
establishment and operation of Family Offices with a focus on growth while helping to 6
preserve your energy. We assist individuals, families and Family Offices operating in all
sectors, irrespective as to how their wealth and success has accumulated.
Visit: kpmg.com/familyoffice
For about 50 years, KPMG Lower Gulf Courage: We think and act boldly; Together:
Limited has been providing audit, tax and We respect each other and draw strength
advisory services to a broad range of from our differences; For Better: We do what
domestic and international, public and private matters.
sector clients across all major aspects of 2
business and the economy in the United Arab To meet the changing needs of our clients,
Emirates and in the Sultanate of Oman. We we have adopted an approach aligned with
work alongside our clients by building trust, our global purpose: Inspiring Confidence,
mitigating risks and identifying business Empowering Change.
opportunities. Our KPMG IMPACT initiative aims to help
3
KPMG Lower Gulf is part of KPMG clients future-proof their businesses amid
International Cooperative’s global network of times of increasing focus towards issues
professional member firms. The KPMG such as climate change and social inequality.
network includes approximately 236,000 The goal is to help them achieve success
professionals in over 144 countries. KPMG in across 17 major Sustainable Development
the UAE and Oman is well connected with its Goals (SDGs) and become more resilient and 4
global member network and combines its socially conscious.
local knowledge with international expertise, Fifty years since its founding, the UAE has
providing the sector and specialist skills evolved into a hub of dynamism, an
required by our clients. economic heavyweight and a symbol of
perseverance. As the nation recently marked
KPMG is widely represented in the Middle
its golden jubilee, KPMG Lower Gulf is proud
5
East: along with offices in the UAE and
Oman, the firm operates in Saudi Arabia, to celebrate its 50th anniversary in the UAE
Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, the this year. Our three pillars – exceptional
Lebanon, Palestine and Iraq. Established in quality of service, an unwavering
1973, the Lower Gulf firm now employs commitment to the public interest, and
approximately 1,780 people, including about building empowered teams – are the 6
190 partners and directors across the UAE foundation of our firm. Over the coming
and Oman. decades, we commit to lending our support
to the UAE’s journey as it goes from strength
As we continue to grow, we aim to evolve to strength: together, for better.
and progress, striving for the highest levels of
public trust in our work. Our values are: 7
Integrity: We do what is right; Excellence: https://kpmg.com/ae/en/home.html
We never stop learning and improving;
Aqeel Al Lawati
Partner l Advisory
KPMG Lower Gulf
e: aqeelallawati@kpmg.com
3
Agreus 4
Paul Westall Tayyab Mohamed
Co-Founder of Agreus Co-Founder of Agreus
e: paulw@agreusgroup.com e: tayyabm@agreusgroup.com
@kpmg_lowergulf
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circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate
and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the
date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act on
such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the
particular situation.
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Publication name: The 2023 Family Office compensation benchmark report: UAE findings
Publication number: 4800
Publication date: August 2023