Fasanara Capital Appoints Former Shuaa CEO to Lead Middle East Expansion

Fasanara Capital has appointed Fawad Tariq-Khan, the former Group CEO of Dubai-listed Shuaa Capital, as its new managing director for the Middle East. This appointment signals the London-headquartered alternative investment manager’s strategic push to expand its footprint in the region.

The move follows Fasanara’s establishment of an entity in the Abu Dhabi Global Market in March, a key step in its regional growth strategy. The firm, which currently manages assets worth \$4.5 billion in fintech-focused investments, has tapped Tariq-Khan to lead its efforts in the Middle East. Based in Abu Dhabi, Tariq-Khan will oversee Fasanara’s operations and business development in the region.

Tariq-Khan’s career trajectory makes him a particularly strong addition to the company. Having served as the Group CEO of Shuaa Capital for several years, he played a pivotal role in steering the firm through periods of transformation. His departure from Shuaa Capital in 2024 marked a new chapter, as he founded his own venture, Exnite, and took an active role in investing in Irish investment firm Quintas Capital. He also co-founded AgentPlex, an AI company, with a former Shuaa colleague, further enhancing his expertise in technology-driven investments.

Fasanara Capital’s decision to bring Tariq-Khan on board aligns with its ambition to tap into the growing fintech and alternative investment sectors in the Middle East. The region has witnessed an influx of investments in tech and innovation, and Fasanara seeks to capitalise on this trend by leveraging Tariq-Khan’s deep understanding of both the financial sector and the region’s evolving market dynamics.

As part of its strategy, Fasanara aims to increase its exposure to the Middle East, a region known for its burgeoning fintech ecosystem, with Abu Dhabi emerging as a prominent hub for financial technology startups. The firm’s registration in ADGM, which is a global financial centre with a strong regulatory framework, reflects its commitment to adhering to local regulations while contributing to the region’s growth.

Tariq-Khan’s appointment is expected to drive Fasanara’s initiatives in identifying key opportunities and forming strategic partnerships across the Middle East. With his extensive network and experience in managing high-growth ventures, he is well-positioned to further strengthen the firm’s presence in the region.

The recruitment of Tariq-Khan comes at a time when the Middle East is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for international investors. The region has demonstrated resilience in its financial markets, while governments are actively encouraging innovation, particularly in sectors like fintech, which aligns with Fasanara’s investment focus. With its extensive portfolio in the fintech space, Fasanara is well-placed to benefit from the region’s expanding appetite for technology-driven financial solutions.

Tariq-Khan’s leadership at Shuaa Capital was marked by a period of significant restructuring and expansion. Under his stewardship, the company navigated a rapidly changing financial landscape, diversifying its offerings and strengthening its position as a prominent player in the Middle East’s capital markets. His decision to leave Shuaa Capital in 2024 was seen as part of a broader shift towards more entrepreneurial pursuits. Through Exnite, Tariq-Khan sought to leverage his investment acumen to explore new opportunities in private equity and venture capital, while AgentPlex focuses on AI innovations that could redefine industries.

Fasanara Capital’s collaboration with Tariq-Khan not only reflects the firm’s ambitions for regional growth but also highlights the increasing convergence between traditional investment management and technology-driven financial solutions. As digital transformation continues to reshape the financial landscape, firms like Fasanara, led by executives such as Tariq-Khan, are strategically positioning themselves to capture the evolving demands of investors and institutions in the Middle East.

The Middle East has long been a key market for alternative investment managers, with its diverse economies and rapidly growing wealth management sectors. However, the region has also become more competitive, with a host of global players vying for a share of the market. Tariq-Khan’s deep-rooted connections and expertise in navigating the intricacies of the region’s financial landscape will likely give Fasanara an edge in tapping into this competitive environment.

As Fasanara seeks to grow its footprint in the Middle East, the firm will likely place a strong emphasis on innovation, particularly in fintech. The company’s existing portfolio of fintech-focused assets, along with its growing presence in Abu Dhabi, positions it well to capitalise on the region’s increasing demand for digital financial services. The firm’s ability to combine its global expertise with a tailored approach to the Middle East market will be crucial as it seeks to expand its presence in the region’s rapidly evolving financial ecosystem.