First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) has acquired 100 per cent of Yasira Financial Services B.S.C. (C), a Bahrain-based fund administration and trust services company, in a move the bank says will expand its Securities Services offering across the MENASSA region.
Yasira’s platform covers a range of investment strategies including public assets, private equity, venture capital and real estate, operating across multiple entities, structures and jurisdictions.
For private-market funds specifically, it supports the full fund lifecycle: from investor commitments and capital calls through to financial reporting and final distributions.
FAB said the rationale is integration. Its existing strength lies in regional and global custody for public-market assets; Yasira adds the fund administration layer for private markets. Combined with FAB’s cash management and foreign-exchange capabilities, the bank says it can now offer a broader end-to-end solution through a single platform.
“The regional funds industry continues to grow in scale and sophistication, driving demand for integrated servicing capabilities. This acquisition is an important step in strengthening FAB’s Securities Services franchise and reinforces our commitment to delivering comprehensive, high-quality solutions that respond to the evolving needs of Middle East based clients. Our priority will be to ensure continuity for Yasira’s clients while investing in the platform, talent and capabilities needed to support their growth. Together, we will bring greater regional scale and local market expertise to fund managers operating across increasingly complex investment structures and jurisdictions,” Pantelis (Linos) D. Lekkas, Group Head of Investment Banking & Markets at FAB said in a statement.
Lekkas added that continuity for existing Yasira clients would be a near-term priority, alongside investment in the platform and its people. The acquired business will be rebranded and folded into FAB’s Securities Services franchise. No financial terms were disclosed.
