United Arab Emirates-headquartered wealth adviser GSB Capital has become the first international firm to achieve CISI Chartered Firm status.

GSB is based in Dubai and is licensed by the Dubai Financial Services Authority.

The firm was founded by Ross and Alison Whatnall in April 2021 and provides a range of investment, wealth and Financial Planning services.

Becoming CISI Chartered is part of the firm’s ambitions to become a player in global wealth management and financial advice, as well as looking at international expansion, including to the UK.

Ross Whatnall Chartered MCSI, founding partner and chief executive officer of GSB, said: “I am delighted that GSB has become the first company headquartered outside of the UK to receive CISI Chartered Firm status.

"The business philosophy of GSB is founded on a commitment to ethical values, which serves as a testament to our determination to maintain the highest standards of professionalism for our clients. By placing ethics at the core of our business operations, we offer tangible proof of our unwavering focus on providing exemplary services.

“Since our launch three years ago in Dubai, GSB has pioneered how advice is provided to high net worth and mass affluent individuals. We are proud of the strong reputation GSB has developed for delivering client-centred, conscientious and transparent wealth management and advisory services across the Middle East and beyond.”

The criteria for achieving CISI Chartered Firm status include that a firm should have regulatory recognition, at least 50% of staff in its core area must be individually Chartered with the CISI, a CISI qualifications and CPD programme should be in place and the firm’s purpose and values must align with the CISI Code of Conduct.

Tracy Vegro, chief executive of the CISI, said: “This is great news to start off the New Year and we are so pleased to welcome GSB as a CISI Chartered Firm.

"Lifelong learning and professionalism – comprised of knowledge, skills and behaviour – are key to a firm’s success and development. GSB has demonstrated that they have a serious commitment to these values and therefore to the service they offer to consumers.”