Five years ago, DMS Offshore Investment Services opened its Hong Kong office, with the objective of better serving its growing list of fund governance clients, with real-time, on-the-ground client service.
Today, DMS Hong Kong has grown into a full service business development office and main service center and has expanded its footprint into other key markets in the region, while achieving its goal of direct engagement with its Asian clients. DMS has experienced substantial growth in directorships for Asian-based funds and today represents clients not just in Hong Kong, but also in Singapore, China, Vietnam, the Philippines and Australia.
DMS Hong Kong is serving clients on Hedge Funds, Private Equities, Venture Capital and other Private Level clients and has a particularly strong presence among clients that are emerging or start up to some of the largest asset managers in Asia. Other DMS services lines such banking and custody, AIFMD/UCITS and International Tax Compliance (FATCA/CRS) have been growing exponentially in keeping with new regulatory demands within the global fund industry.
Team Leadership
"DMS is known for providing the highest client service in the fund governance industry and has consistently done so over the past 15 years. We have followed that tradition in the Asia-Pac market and are proud to be a one-stop solutions firm for a wide range of clients in this market for the past five years," said Niaz Khan, who was recently promoted to Managing Director of DMS Hong Kong.
As Managing Director, Niaz has responsibility for overseeing the Hong Kong office, business development and growth strategy in the Asia-Pacific. He joined the firm in 2008 as an Associate Director and was transferred to launch and develop the Hong Kong office in 2011.
"Our presence in Hong Kong and the model we have adopted, which involves attracting local talent with the language skills and cultural familiarity to serve a broad-based clientele, have been well received by the Investment Managers and service providers. That led us to have the largest market share in the Fund Governance space and we continue to grow," Mr. Khan stated.
Anne Storie, Chief Executive Officer of DMS, remarked: "Niaz has been an exemplary team leader and a very capable ambassador for DMS in Asia. He continues to develop a strong network of clients across various fund structures and supports his team to achieve best results for the clients they serve. His promotion to Managing Director and recent hires we have made to strengthen the team reflect our commitment to better serve the industry and is a testament to our growth in the region. We wish Niaz continued success in his new role."
Mr. Khan is supported by Associate Director Connie Wong who brings senior level experience in finance, regulatory compliance and asset management for offshore and onshore fund vehicles. Prior to joining DMS, she worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers Cayman as Manager of the Finance and Fund Referred Reporting Engagement Group. Ms. Wong trained with DMS Cayman before relocating to the Hong Kong office in March 2016.
Being Involved and Giving Back
DMS Hong Kong maintains an active presence in the community, regularly working with industry associations on market education and participating in industry conferences and seminars. Mr. Khan is a regular speaker and contributor on topics relating to fund governance and offshore financial services at forums in the Asia-Pacific region.
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