Which jurisdiction. Which management company. Which distribution partner. Three decisions that together define a fund's cost base, operational quality, and ability to raise capital.
A well-structured fund starts with three sequential decisions. Each one narrows the set for the next. These guides are written for sponsors making the decisions once and wanting to get them right.
A comparison of seven fund jurisdictions for 2026 — mainland UAE (CMA), ADGM, DIFC, Cayman, Luxembourg, Ireland, and Singapore/Hong Kong — with an honest view on where each jurisdiction is the right answer, written from the UAE mainland perspective.
Where to launch a fund in 2026 →A practical framework for evaluating a CMA-regulated Management Company — the six dimensions that matter operationally, and the signals that distinguish a genuine specialist from a paper-only ManCo. Written for sponsors whose chosen jurisdiction is the UAE mainland.
Choosing a CMA ManCo →A framework for choosing a UAE distribution partner under CMA Category 5 — what a good distribution relationship covers, the operational and commercial red flags, and how to benchmark providers. Unique to the UAE market.
Choosing a distribution partner →