HONG KONG, March 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- EquitiesFirst, global equity-backed financing specialist, today announced the appointment of Andrew Stevens as Principal Representative of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) of Equities First Holdings Hong Kong Ltd (DIFC Representative Office) in the Dubai International Financial Centre, United Arab Emirates with immediate effect. Based in the new representative office^[1] in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) in the United Arab Emirates, Andrew will oversee EquitiesFirst's marketing initiatives across MENA markets, marking a significant step in expanding the company's presence in this dynamic region.  

Andrew brings more than a decade of experience in global financial services to his new role, specializing in business development and complex financing solutions aligned to equity-based portfolios. Prior to joining EquitiesFirst, he held key management roles in the financial industry, providing strategic consultation on alternative financing solutions to wealth management professionals, high-net-worth individuals and brokerage firms. His seasoned expertise will play a pivotal role in shaping the development of EquitiesFirst's presence in the MENA market, further solidifying the company's position as a leader in equity financing.

Mr Al Christy Jr, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of EquitiesFirst said, "As EquitiesFirst embarks on its third decade, the opening of the Dubai office signals the new era of our global presence. This strategic move underscores our commitment in providing financing solutions for our partners to attain their business goals, while strengthening and fostering new collaborations in a region that is full of potential. We are delighted to welcome Andrew as EquitiesFirst's representative in MENA, as his wealth of experience aligns seamlessly with our vision for the region."

Mr Andrew Stevens said from Dubai, "It is an honor to be appointed to this exciting role and I look forward to spearheading EquitiesFirst's future development in the flourishing Dubai and MENA markets replete with opportunities. Drawing from my experience in the private credit and financial services sector, I am committed to leveraging our long-standing international network to deliver more innovative equity-backed financing solutions that contribute to the success of our partners in this vibrant market." 

About Equities First Holdings

Founded in 2002, EquitiesFirst is a global investor specializing in long-term equities-based financing. EquitiesFirst's approach overcomes traditional limitations and redefines the financing experience through providing efficient access to capital for listed companies, entrepreneurs and investors against publicly traded securities. The total value of loans transacted is more than US$4.5 billion as of January 2024.

Headquartered in Indianapolis, USA, EquitiesFirst maintains an international footprint of 13 offices in eight countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, China (Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing), South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Australia (Sydney, Perth, Melbourne and Brisbane) and the United Arab Emirates. EquitiesFirst is licensed and/or registered in all jurisdictions where required.

EquitiesFirst is the pioneer of Progressive Capital – a partnership approach to investment, rooted in respect, mutual interest and understanding. EquitiesFirst delivers liquidity solutions that are vital, transformative and move partners forward.

For more information, please visit www.equitiesfirst.com/.

Disclaimer

This Document is intended solely for accredited investors, sophisticated investors, professional investors, or otherwise qualified investors, as may be required by law or otherwise, and it is not intended for, and should not be used by, persons who do not meet the relevant requirements. The content provided herein is for informational purposes only and is general in nature and not targeted to any specific objective or financial need. The views and opinions expressed in this Document have been prepared by third parties and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of EquitiesFirst. EquitiesFirst has not independently examined or verified the information provided herein, and no representation is made that it is accurate or complete.  Opinions and information herein are subject to change without notice.  The content provided does not constitute an offer to sell (or solicitation of an offer to purchase) any securities, investments, or any financial products ("Offer"). Any such Offer shall only be made through a relevant offering or other documentation which sets forth its material terms and conditions. Nothing contained in this Document shall constitute a recommendation, solicitation, invitation, inducement, promotion, or offer for the purchase or sale of any investment product by First Holdings, LLC or its subsidiaries (collectively, "EquitiesFirst"), nor shall this Document be construed in any way as investment, legal, or tax advice, or as a recommendation, reference, or endorsement by EquitiesFirst. You should seek independent financial advice prior to making an investment decision about a financial product.

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EquitiesFirst makes the following further statements that may be applicable in the stated jurisdiction:

Dubai: Equities First Holdings Hong Kong Ltd (DIFC Representative Office) at Gate Precinct Building 4, 6th Floor, Office 7, Dubai International Financial Centre (commercial license number CL7354) is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority ("DFSA") as a Representative Office (DFSA Firm Reference No.: F008752). All rights reserved.

The information contained in this document is intended to be general in nature, and, to the extent that it is perceived as advice, any advice contained in this document is general advice only and has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation, suitability of the financial products or your needs.

The material contained in this document is for information purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice, including an offer or solicitation or recommendation to buy or sell financial products. The information contained in this document is intended to be general in nature and any advice contained in this document is general advice only and has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation, suitability of the financial products or your needs. Before acting on any information, you should consider the appropriateness of the information provided and the nature of the relevant financial product having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If you do not understand the contents of this document, you should consult an authorised financial adviser.

This document relates to a financial product which is not subject to any form of regulation or approval by the DFSA. The DFSA has no responsibility for reviewing or verifying any documents in connection with this financial product. Accordingly, the DFSA has not approved this document or any other associated documents nor taken any steps to verify the information set out in this document, and has no responsibility for it.

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The information contained on this Document is intended for persons located in Australia only and classified as a Wholesale Client only as defined in Section 761G of the Corporations Act 2001. The distribution of information to persons outside this criteria may be restricted by law and persons who come into possession of it should seek advice and observe any such restriction.

The material contained in this Document is for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation or recommendation to buy or sell financial products.

The information contained in this Document is intended to be general in nature and is not personal financial product advice. Any advice contained in the Document is general advice only and has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any information, you should consider the appropriateness of the information provided and the nature of the relevant financial product having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. You should seek independent financial advice and read the relevant disclosure statements or other offer documents prior to making an investment decision about a financial product.

Hong Kong: Equities First Holdings Hong Kong Limited holds a Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission Type 1 License and licensed in Hong Kong under the Money Lenders Ordinance (Money Lender's Licence No. 1681/2023).  This Document has not been reviewed by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission. It is not intended as an offer to sell securities or a solicitation to buy any product managed or provided by Equities First Holdings Hong Kong Limited and is only intended for Professional Investors. This document is not directed to individuals or organizations for whom such offers or invitations would be unlawful or prohibited.

Korea: The foregoing is intended solely for professional financial consumers, professional investors or otherwise qualified investors who have sufficient knowledge and experience in entering into securities financing transactions.  It is not intended for, and should not be used by, persons who do not meet that criteria. 

United Kingdom: Equities First (London) Limited is authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA").  In the UK, this Document is only being distributed and made available to persons of the kind described in Article 19(5) (investment professionals) and Article 49(2) (high net worth companies, unincorporated associations etc.) of Part IV of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (''FPO'') and any investment activity to which this presentation relates is only available to, and will only be engaged in with, such persons. Persons who do not have professional experience in matters relating to investment or who are not persons to whom Article 49 of the FPO applies should not rely on this document. This Document is only prepared for and available to persons who qualify as Professional Investors under the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive.

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