Nettlestone Capital Advisors has officially launched its operations at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The firm is fully authorized and regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and aims to connect specialist investment managers with institutional capital throughout the Middle East.

Founded by Edwin Lawrence, who has over two decades of experience in regional asset management, Nettlestone is one of the few firms in the DIFC that provides fundraising services tailored specifically for alternative and specialist managers targeting Gulf-based investors.

Lawrence emphasized that Nettlestone was established to improve alignment between local investor needs and the specialist managers looking to serve them. He stated, “Operating under DFSA regulation from within the DIFC gives us a strong governance framework — while our on-the-ground knowledge enables us to build trusted, long-term relationships in a market that values commitment and cultural fluency.”

The firm employs a selective, partnership-driven model, collaborating with a limited number of high-conviction managers primarily in alternative asset classes. Nettlestone also utilizes a proprietary database that includes over 400 institutional investors and family offices across six Gulf markets, allowing for a focused and strategic approach to distribution.

This launch coincides with a growing institutional interest in differentiated investment strategies and a heightened focus on governance and alignment in capital raising.