UAE-based regtech and corporate service provider Clara has been acquired by Ascentium, a Singapore-headquartered business services platform, for an undisclosed sum. The strategic acquisition will see the UAE firm gain access to a global platform and investment capacity, while significantly strengthening Ascentium’s presence in the Middle East.
A Strategic Foothold in the UAE
Founded in 2018, Clara has established itself as a critical partner for businesses operating in the UAE’s premier common law financial centres, the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The company is recognized as the largest licensed corporate service provider (CSP) in ADGM.
Clara serves a diverse client base that includes startups, SMEs, law firms, venture capitalists, and government-related entities. It provides essential incorporation, governance, and ongoing compliance services, all supported by its proprietary software platform. For Ascentium, this acquisition provides an immediate and dominant position in key regulated financial hubs in the region.
Empowering International Scale
By joining Ascentium, Clara is positioned to leverage a global platform, enhanced service capabilities, and significant investment capacity. This move will empower Clara’s clients to scale internationally while continuing to benefit from the highest regulatory standards in ADGM and DIFC. The synergy combines Clara’s local regulatory expertise and tech-enabled service with Ascentium’s international reach.
Leadership on the Acquisition
Lennard Yong, Founding Management and Group CEO of Ascentium, commented on the deal’s strategic importance. “ADGM is an important addition to Ascentium’s global platform, and Clara is the market leader. Their regulatory standing, trusted client relationships and leading technological operating system make them an ideal addition to Ascentium as we continue to expand across the Middle East.”
Kathryn Burke, Managing Director of Clara, highlighted the shared values between the two companies. “Ascentium has built a platform where people lead and technology enables. By joining Ascentium and aligning with this shared value, we can combine human insight with the power of innovation to help clients navigate increasingly complex, cross-border regulatory environments with confidence, while giving Clara the scale and reach to take our expertise to the next level.”
About Clara
Clara is a UAE-based regtech and corporate service provider that supports businesses operating in regulated jurisdictions. Founded in 2018, it offers incorporation, governance, and compliance services to a wide range of clients, including startups, SMEs, law firms, VCs, and government-related entities, through its state-of-the-art software platform.
About Ascentium
Ascentium is a leading global business services platform headquartered in Singapore. The company focuses on expanding into key strategic jurisdictions by partnering with established, regulated, and values-aligned businesses to provide a comprehensive suite of corporate services to a global clientele.
Source: Wamda
