Two Abraaj group companies fined $315m for deceiving investors

The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), on Tuesday imposed financial penalties of $299,300,000 (Dhs1,098,431,000) and $15,275,925 (Dhs56,062,645) on Abraaj Investment Management Limited (AIML) and Abraaj Capital Limited, ACLD, respectively.

In a press statement on Tuesday, DFSA said that the investigation, which commenced in January 2018, was complex and spanned multiple jurisdictions.

The authority found that AIML - a Cayman Islands company now in provisional liquidation - carried out unauthorised financial services, including fund management, within and from the Dubai International Financial Centre; actively misled and deceived investors in Abraaj funds over an extended period; misused investors’ monies in various funds to meet its own operating and other expenses, which included payments to entities connected to some members of AIML staff, and to meet ever-increasing cash shortfalls; and concealed this by providing misleading financial information to investors and making false statements about the use of money drawn down from investors and distributions.

Among the many methods AIML used to deceive investors were borrowing money just prior to financial reporting dates to produce temporary bank balances at a level expected by the investors; changing the reporting period for a fund to disguise shortfalls; deflecting demands from various parties to provide updated financial information and bank statements; and lying about delays in making distributions of exit proceeds to investors.

At the time AIML entered into provisional liquidation, because of the activities referred to above, two funds managed by AIML had a combined shortfall of at least $180 million.

With regard to Abraaj Capital Limited - a Dubai International Financial Centre company also in provisional liquidation - the DFSA investigation found that it failed to maintain adequate capital resources; deceived the DFSA about its compliance with various rules, including capital adequacy requirements; and was knowingly concerned in AIML’s unauthorised financial services activities.

As a result of this misconduct, ACLD also breached the Regulatory Law as it failed to observe minimum standards of integrity and fair dealing; failed to ensure its affairs were managed effectively and responsibly; and failed to deal with the DFSA in an open and cooperative manner.

The internal correspondence showed that Abraaj group’s compliance function raised concerns about the group carrying on unauthorised financial services within the Dubai International Financial Centre as early as 2009, but ACLD’s senior management ignored this.

The DFSA has taken this action to penalise ACLD and AIML, deter others and protect investors. Before taking any further action to enforce payment of the fines, the DFSA will consider the firms’ circumstances at that time and the corresponding implications of enforcing the fines for fund investors.

Bryan Stirewalt, Chief Executive of the DFSA, said, "The size of these fines reflects the seriousness with which the DFSA views AIML’s and ACLD’s contraventions. Senior management rode roughshod over their compliance function and the misconduct and deceit were pervasive and persistent. We will pursue the persons or entities who perpetrated this activity, including those who allowed this to happen through major corporate governance breaches, to the full extent of our powers."

The DFSA continues to investigate individuals and entities connected with this matter, in respect of their culpability, to the full extent of its powers and considering all sanctions available to it.

A copy of the DFSA's Decision Notices can be found in the Regulatory Actions section of the DFSA website.

WAM