ICC Platform Solution
In recent years, the UAE has confidently taken its place among the world’s leading centers for the establishment of investment funds. The country combines political stability, a transparent legal system, and a favorable tax regime, as well as a developed infrastructure for funds (DIFC, ADGM). The inflow of private capital (over $950 billion) and the growth in the number of HNWIs make the UAE an especially attractive jurisdiction for the fund industry.
In recent years, the UAE has confidently taken its place among the world’s leading centers for the establishment of investment funds. The country combines political stability, a transparent legal system, and a favorable tax regime, as well as a developed infrastructure for funds (DIFC, ADGM). The inflow of private capital (over $950 billion) and the growth in the number of HNWIs make the UAE an especially attractive jurisdiction for the fund industry.
However, launching a fund in the UAE comes with a number of challenges. Fund managers must take into account the complex regulatory structure (three jurisdictions: onshore, DIFC, ADGM), stringent licensing and compliance requirements (KYC/AML), lengthy registration timelines, and strict restrictions on the marketing of foreign funds. Violations of these rules can result in significant fines-just in 2025, the total amount of fines for operating without a license and non-compliance with AML exceeded AED 1.15 million.
To simplify the fund launch process, we offer a turnkey ICC (Incorporated Cell Company) platform solution established and operated by our partner-a global fund manager and administrator with a presence in all major fund jurisdictions. This platform allows you to set up your own sub-fund (cell) without the need to establish your own management company, open a bank account, or find an auditor. All of these functions are seamlessly integrated, providing a true “plug-and-play” solution for fund sponsors.
What is the ICC Platform Solution?
The ICC platform is established in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), one of the world’s most reputable financial centers. The ICC structure enables the creation of multiple sub-funds (cells) under a single legal entity, with each cell enjoying full legal and operational segregation of assets and liabilities. This structure is suitable for both open-ended and closed-ended funds and supports a wide range of investment strategies, including traditional, alternative, hedge, private equity, feeder, master, and real estate funds.
Each sub-fund (cell) can have its own investment strategy, asset classes, and even a different investment advisor. Multiple share classes can be issued, and each sub-fund can appoint its own auditor. The platform supports both institutional and family office structures, allowing for asset pooling and segregation across multiple sub-funds.
Key Features and Advantages:
- Fast Setup: Launch your sub-fund in approximately 4–6 weeks.
- No Need for Separate Infrastructure: No requirement to establish your own fund manager, administrator, or open a bank account.
- Full Segregation: Each sub-fund (cell) is legally and operationally segregated, with ring-fenced assets and liabilities.
- Tax Efficiency: Funds and sub-funds domiciled in the DIFC benefit from zero corporate tax, no withholding tax, and no capital gains tax, subject to substance and beneficial ownership requirements.
- International Treaties: The UAE offers access to over 130 double taxation treaties and 116 bilateral investment treaties.
- Regulatory Reliability: The DIFC operates under a common law framework, ensuring robust governance and legal certainty.
- Flexible Investment: Each cell can invest in one or several assets or asset classes, depending on the client’s strategy and needs.
- Comprehensive Service: The platform provides fund management, administration, accounting, NAV calculation, compliance, and reporting.
- Governance: The platform operator acts as the regulated fund manager and controls the board of directors, ensuring strong governance and compliance with DFSA regulations.
- Asset Pooling: Multiple sub-funds can pool assets according to different investment strategies, and family offices can manage assets from different families using the sub-fund structure.
Legal Structure:
The ICC platform is established as an Incorporated Cell Company (ICC) with a licensed administrator. Each client receives their own sub-fund as a legally separate cell, ensuring full legal and operational segregation at minimal cost and with maximum speed of launch.
If you would like to learn more or are interested in launching your fund in the UAE using the ICC platform, please contact us at hello@fundstarter.vc!