Atom Group Wins DFSA Nod for DIFC Entry in Amaltas Deal

Bengaluru-based Atom Group has received formal approval from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) for a change in control of Amaltas Partners Limited, a firm regulated within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The announcement, made on 18 August 2026, gives the financial services conglomerate a direct presence inside DIFC and marks a step in its international expansion.

Under the transaction, Atom Prive Global Holdings becomes the controlling entity of Amaltas Partners, bringing the firm under the Atom Group umbrella as a DIFC-based platform. Atom Group did not disclose the financial terms of the deal.

A Regulated Gateway into DIFC

Atom Group is a diversified financial services conglomerate spanning wealth management, insurance advisory and investment banking across India, the UAE and Singapore. The company is headquartered in Bengaluru and is backed by a London-based family office.

The DFSA clearance followed a review of the transaction, giving Atom Group a direct presence within DIFC. The centre connects the Middle East, Africa and South Asia with global capital markets, offering a common-law legal framework and deep institutional infrastructure that supports its strategy across Dubai, India and Singapore.

Leadership Transition at Amaltas

Naveen Rastogi, who was global chief investment officer of Atom's multi-family office, has been appointed chief executive and group CIO of the newly acquired Amaltas entity. He will lead the integration of Amaltas into the Atom ecosystem while continuing to oversee investment strategy.

Pradeep Chandra, the outgoing CEO and owner of Amaltas Partners, stepped away from day-to-day leadership following completion of the transaction.

A Statement of Intent

Harsha Vardhana, founder and Group CEO of Atom Group, described the DIFC presence as both a milestone and a statement of intent. “DIFC represents the gold standard for financial services oversight and infrastructure in this part of the world. Establishing our presence here is not just a milestone for Atom Group; it's a statement of intent,” he said. “This approval lets us serve clients with greater institutional credibility and reinforces Dubai's role as the bridge between Indian wealth, Gulf capital and global markets.”

Deepening India-UAE Ties

The acquisition comes against deepening India-UAE relations anchored by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with bilateral trade now crossing USD 100 billion. Atom Group's expansion builds on earlier moves in the region: in June 2026, its unit Atom Financial Services Group completed the acquisition of Sirius Capital, a UAE-based investment banking and special-situations advisory firm.

Atom Prive, the group's multi-family office platform, has advised USD 1.4 billion in assets for more than 300 families globally. Its insurance arm, Atom Risk Advisory, has a presence in Dubai, India and Singapore, and offers investment banking through Atom Investment Banking.