Why UK Financial Titans Like Michael Platt Are Relocating Their Business to the UAE
Amie Roberts • July 10, 2025
Financial Heavyweights Leave London
Billionaire hedge-fund veteran Michael Platt of BlueCrest recently moved to the UAE, highlighting a growing trend among UK financial leaders establishing a base in Dubai. This shift underscores the UAE’s appeal as a tax-efficient
global finance centre.
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Who Is Michael Platt – and Why It Matters
Michael Platt, co‑founder of BlueCrest, ranks among Britain’s wealthiest, with an estimated £12.5 billion fortune. His move from Geneva to Jersey – and now the UAE – signals more than personal preference; it marks a clever shift of global finance towards the Gulf.
UAE’s Appeal: Tax, Time Zone, Legal Clarity
- Zero income tax and no capital gains or inheritance tax are core draws.
- Favourable time zone bridges Asia, Europe, and North America.
- English-based common law in financial centres like Dubai and Abu Dhabi offers familiarity and investor confidence.
- Direct access to sovereign wealth and HNWIs in a growing financial ecosystem.
A New Financial Era in Dubai & Abu Dhabi
Since 2022, BlueCrest Dubai has expanded to include trading desks and asset managers. Other notable financial operators like Brevan Howard and TCI have also set up shop . With 46,000+ professionals working in DIFC, the UAE is rapidly becoming a global financial hub.
What This Means for Your Business
- You can set up regional headquarters in a tax-neutral environment.
- Access to experienced finance professionals and legal talent.
- Enhanced capital-raising opportunities within the region.
- Better risk control and succession planning via UAE jurisdiction.
Practical Tips for Financial Firms
- Choose the right structure—DIFC, ADGM, or UAE mainland.
- Understand regulatory frameworks and licensing requirements.
- Leverage the UAE’s double tax treaties, plus zero tax for foreign-sourced income.
- Plan for residence/tax status for key executives (like Golden Visas).
- Create systems for back-office operations and regulatory compliance.
Conclusion: Dubai’s Place in Global Finance
Michael Platt’s move signifies a deeper shift. The UAE isn’t just a pleasant destination; it offers structural, regulatory, and fiscal advantages for global financial leaders. If you're considering relocating
your business, the UAE deserves your full attention.
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