By Henzelene Healley talked to Sadiq Hussain, Senior Executive Officer, Halo Investing MEA Ltd, at the DIFC Fintech Summit. Hussain’s three-decade-long career means he brings a wealth of executive level experience from investment banking, brokerage, business development and asset management. He has held Directorships at the likes of Abu Dhabi Global Markets, Bank of Singapore, EFG Hermes, JPMorgan, and Bank of America Merrill Lynch.
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Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Chicago, Halo Investing developed its industry-leading, multi-issuer technology platform for protective investment solutions. Halo provides advisors, wealth managers, and professional investors access to structured notes, best pricing, and execution. Halo Investing is backed by Mubadala Capital with offices in Abu Dhabi and Zurich. Halo Investing in Abu Dhabi is regulated by Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA).Structured notes were historically difficult to access, with a minimum investment size of about USD 5 million. “We have reduced that threshold significantly, allowing more people to participate,” highlighted Hussain.
Halo Investing works with large banks, asset managers, and advisors globally, and is particularly focused on introducing structured notes to the region and involving regional issuers. It has partnered with large banks such as First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB).
How do structured notes fit into the financial system? Hussain replied they can be added to any advisor or institution’s portfolio of stocks, bonds, or any asset class. They are used to either enhance or protect existing portfolios. For example, if you own stocks like Tesla, Apple, or Google and want a better yield than what these stocks provide, structured notes can offer that.
“You can also create a basket of stocks for exposure to various sectors,” noted Hussain. Most importantly, structured notes provide protection against market volatility. In a world with systemic risks like wars, inflation, and interest rate fluctuations, structured notes can safeguard your positions. “You can even have a principal-protected portfolio if you are risk-averse,” he added.
In the past, many people lost significant amounts of money during market crashes. “It is often private individuals, not just institutions, who suffer the most,” said Hussain. The idea behind Halo Investing is to democratize structured notes, allowing individuals to protect their portfolios by buying notes.
“If you own stocks and hold your positions without structured note protection, you are fully exposed to market downturns. Structured notes act like insurance on your investments, similar to car, health, or travel insurance. They protect your investments from significant losses,” highlighted Hussain.
“Many people think it is new, but structured notes have been around for decades. Our mission is to reduce the entry barrier so more people can benefit.” said Hussain. Halo Investing works closely with the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of the ADGM. “They are very progressive and forward-looking.” he added.
We have been conducting seminars across the UAE to educate people about structured notes and their benefits. Currently, these seminars are invite-only events through banks and their clients,” said Hussain. Hussain concluded: “It is all about education. Many people are not familiar with the product. Our goal is to educate, educate, educate.”
Interview by Henzelene Heally
Henzelene Healley is a common law qualified lawyer living in Dubai and services clients globally. Healley founded her first legal consultancy in 2019, evolving into The Counsel Services (TCS). She is qualified with an LLB with Honors in New Zealand and was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand in 2014. Healley started her journey in Web3.0/Blockchain and digital assets in 2017 when setting up a crypto exchange in the UAE. In 2021 she was the legal counsel of a crypto mining company in the UAE and a virtual asset VC fund with USD100m in AUM. With over five years of hands-on experience in the startup industry, Henzie and her team of lawyers have played a pivotal role in the growth and success of many companies in the Middle East region by providing legal guidance and support from seed, inception, to series rounds and IPO or exit.
About Halo Investing
Founded in 2015, Halo Investing, Inc. is an award-winning technology platform that disrupts how protective investment solutions are used worldwide. Headquartered in Chicago, with offices in Abu Dhabi and Zurich, Halo is democratizing access to investment solutions that were previously unavailable to most investors. Halo has received a growing number of honors and was recently named one of Fast Company’s Ten Most Innovative Companies.
Halo Investing MEA Ltd in Abu Dhabi is regulated by ADGM’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority. For Professional Clients as defined in ADGM’s Conduct of Business Rulebook (“COBS”).
For more information, please visit: www.haloinvesting.ae
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Halo Investing
Vladislav Moldavskiy
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