Fairway's Strategic Growth in Kuwait: Q&A with Aslam Shareef, Managing Director of Fairway Kuwait

Aslam Shareef, Managing Director of Fairway Kuwait shares insights into Fairway’s growing presence in the Gulf and the evolving trends and opportunities within the region.

In this exclusive Q&A, Aslam Shareef discusses the motivations behind Fairway’s expansion in Kuwait, the benefits of a local presence, Fairway's five year vision, and the economic and regulatory trends shaping the future of wealth and corporate structuring in the region. 

Why has Fairway increased its presence in the region?
Fairway has a deep-rooted affinity with the Middle East. We’ve worked closely with many of the GCC’s most prominent families and institutions across the UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain. Our team’s regular presence in the region over the last decade and a half has helped us build a strong understanding of cultural nuances, enabling us to deliver a truly bespoke, director-led service.

Establishing a permanent presence in Kuwait and Dubai reinforces our commitment to the region and allows us to foster more personal, face-to-face relationships with clients and intermediaries.

Why an established presence in Kuwait? What are the benefits for clients?
We’ve maintained long-standing relationships with Kuwaiti asset managers, investment houses, and families. Opening an office here was a natural progression, one that allows us to offer a highly personalised service, with the added benefit of being in the same time zone. Clients now have direct access to our people and services, which enhances responsiveness and trust.

Are there any interesting trends you are seeing in the jurisdiction?
Kuwait is a fascinating jurisdiction. I now live here, and having grown up in Saudi Arabia, I find many cultural similarities. Politically, the country has seen significant developments. The Amir’s recent reforms, particularly the suspension of parliament in 2024 which were aimed at accelerating economic progress. Since then, we’ve seen a renewed focus on Vision 2035, with major infrastructure and regulatory initiatives gaining momentum.

Economically, Kuwait remains strong. The Kuwaiti Dinar is still one of the world’s most stable currencies. The Al-Zour refinery, which reached full capacity in 2024, continues to boost refined fuel exports, especially to Europe following the EU’s ban on Russian imports. We’re also seeing a rise in foreign direct investment, particularly in tech and infrastructure. These developments signal a positive trajectory for the country and its business environment.

Where do you see the growth opportunities?
We see significant growth in both corporate and private client structuring. Families and high-net-worth individuals are increasingly financially savvy and aware of international structuring options. The real opportunity lies in localising these services, offering solutions that are tailored to the next generation’s aspirations.

We are seeing more Kuwaiti investment managers looking for the Cayman/BVI jurisdictions. With Fairway’s long track record in servicing in in these regions, we’re now pleased to offer these services directly from Kuwait.

There’s also a clear trend towards institutionalising family businesses. As families transition to the next generation, estate planning and governance are becoming not just priorities, but necessities. Our role is to support that evolution with robust, forward-thinking structures.

What are your aspirations for Fairway’s Kuwait office?
We have a clear five-year plan. Our goal is to make fiduciary administration services more accessible within Kuwait, services that are currently underrepresented locally. We want clients here to experience the same high standards we deliver in other jurisdictions. This model is scalable, and we aim to replicate it across other GCC countries. With over 24 years of proven expertise, we’re well-positioned to make this vision a reality.