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Capricorn Fund Managers (CFM) has appointed Nick Smith as a Non-Executive Director to the board of Capricorn Fund Managers (DIFC) Ltd, strengthening the firm’s governance, strategic oversight, and regional expertise as it continues to expand its presence across the Middle East.
Nick has more than three decades of experience in the global asset management industry. A former Partner and Head of the Middle East Funds Group at Allen & Overy, he has advised leading asset managers, institutional investors, and sovereign entities on fund formation, structuring, regulation and has a depth of expertise in the UAE and wider Gulf region.
As a Non-Executive Director, Nick will play a key role in providing independent oversight and guidance to the executive team, contributing to the development of the firm’s long-term strategy and ensuring adherence to governance and regulatory best practice under DIFC/DFSA standards. His appointment also reflects Capricorn’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of compliance, transparency, and stakeholder engagement as it continues to grow in the region.
James Bruce, Senior Executive Officer, Capricorn Fund Managers (DIFC) Ltd, commented: “This is perfect timing as we start to see real momentum in the UAE. Nick brings exactly the knowledge and experience needed to help us take the next step. His deep understanding of the regional landscape will be invaluable as we continue to expand our presence and partnerships across the Middle East.”
Nick Smith added: “This is an exciting stage in CFM’s journey in the UAE. Having worked with fund managers, sovereign wealth funds and institutional investors across the Middle East for many years, I look forward to helping the firm navigate regional opportunities, deepen its regulatory relationships, and continue building on its strong governance foundation.”
Nick’s role will include providing strategic input on long-term planning, supporting the board in reviewing financial and risk management systems, and advising on regional engagement with key financial centres such as the DIFC and ADGM.
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For further information contact James Bruce ([email protected]).
In the latest Alternative Investor, we unpack the fast-evolving family office landscape—alongside Prosek’s latest Letter from America, a new CAIA insights section, an exclusive Money Maze Podcast interview with Ares, op-ed from Evonite and a wrap of this month’s alternative-investment news.
We look at what’s reshaping the modern family office— from shifting generational dynamics to the search for institutional-grade investment discipline.
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Tanya Lutyens (Lutyens Advisory) on how generational wealth transfer and professionalised hiring are reshaping the family office sector.
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Scott Jones & Philip Aubry (Walkers) on why illiquid private assets can fuel inter-generational tension—and the liquidity tools emerging to solve it.
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Andrew White (Capricorn Private Investors) on the rise of the outsourced CIO model as families seek institutional-grade expertise without losing control.
In Letter from America, Prosek’s Mark Kollar explains why US investors are rotating back to the lower middle market heading into 2026.
On the Money Maze Podcast, Ares Co-President Blair Jacobson discusses disciplined underwriting and what it takes to build a $600bn private-markets powerhouse.
Our new CAIA section launches with Aaron Filbeck on why private credit now demands sharper discipline and deeper scenario analysis.
In Opinion, José Pellicer (Evonite) argues that amid geopolitics and tech disruption, it is fundamentals—not narratives—that remain the only reliable guide.
We wrap up with our monthly regulatory update from RQC Group.
From AI and ageing populations to space-based utilities and farmland hubs, this issue showcases how infrastructure is evolving into the foundation of tomorrow’s economy.
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A member of:
