Anish Devkaran’s transition from the UK to the UAE was a strategic move for the Partner at St. James’s Place Middle East (SJP). As numerous clients from the firm relocated from the UK to the region, it was the opportune moment for Anish to shift from one global financial hub to a burgeoning economic hotspot.
After successfully building his career at SJP, a FTSE 100 advisory firm with over one million clients, $245 billion in assets, and a 95% retention rate, Anish embraced the chance to relocate to Dubai in November 2024. The UAE’s swift rise as a wealth center was alluring, but the potential to offer top-notch financial advice in the area made the decision easy.
“The increasing demand for dependable, regulated financial advisors was a strong motivator, especially as more people move here,” Anish notes.
“In our London office, we cater to many individuals in sports, entertainment, business, law, healthcare, and executive roles, with a growing number transitioning to the UAE and the broader GCC.”
Global Influx
Statistics highlight a steady influx of professionals, skilled workers, and high-net-worth individuals into the UAE, many originating from the UK. Dubai’s appeal as a vibrant place to live and work is also drawing major financial services firms. SJP Middle East was founded two years ago to meet the rising demand for personalized wealth management, including tax and investment advice, retirement, and estate planning.
Following regulatory approval from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), SJP has been at the forefront of elevating financial advisory standards, introducing its comprehensive financial planning approach to the UAE. Anish relishes the chance to provide transformative financial advice in a dynamic setting, having moved with his partner Emma and their dog, Taz.
“Dubai’s vibrancy, modern infrastructure, and evolving global profile make it an exhilarating place to live and advance professionally,” says Anish, a veteran of nearly 20 years in financial services. “Professionally, it’s an open, collaborative space. People are eager to network, learn, and develop. Personally, I appreciate the food, sunshine, safety, and cleanliness of the UAE.”
Anish manages his UAE client base while maintaining his UK business. With increased travel and migration between the two countries, he advises those relocating to the region, establishing permanent residence in the UAE, or returning to the UK. Such international transitions necessitate meticulous tax and financial planning, driving the need for intricate financial strategies.
“I help people prepare for their future,” he explains. “I’m fortunate to remain regulated in the UK, enabling me to continue advising my UK clients, UAE clients, and those moving in either direction.”
Empowering Financial Control
Hailing from East London, Anish entered the financial advice sector to assist others in mastering money management.
“I identified a significant advice gap,” he says. “Many lacked the time, knowledge, or support to build and sustain wealth efficiently. I saw an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by helping individuals understand their options and take charge of their financial future.”
He joined SJP – a firm with over one million global clients across the UK, Asia, and the UAE – six years ago, drawn by its reputation and success.
“I valued SJP’s unique offering – merging tailored financial advice with a client-centric approach and a solid investment process. It felt like a perfect match for the kind of advisor I aspired to be.”
From his new base in Dubai, Anish ensures access to personalized advice plans that help clients achieve their long-term goals.
“Our strategy provides clients with flexibility and control, without restrictive long-term commitments or upfront charges that limit savings access. Instead, we emphasize transparent fees and ongoing personalized advice,” he explains. “Helping clients find peace of mind is the most fulfilling aspect. Knowing they have a trusted advisor makes all the difference.”
He adds: “I enjoy empowering clients with the knowledge to make informed decisions – helping them feel secure about their future, whether planning for retirement, a property purchase, or their children’s education. Even protecting them financially from life’s unexpected events with policies like life insurance and critical illness coverage.”
Elevating Standards
Since establishing its presence in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) two years ago, SJP has aimed to enhance financial advice standards in the region. The firm is raising awareness about the value of professional advice that prioritizes long-term needs.
“Many [UAE] residents have faced poor advice or products favoring the seller more than the client,” Anish says. “That’s why building trust and transparency is crucial.”
He anticipates continued growth in UAE regulation, “which will help restore trust and professionalism in the sector.”
As a global firm with offices from Scotland to Singapore, SJP’s experience in navigating diverse jurisdictions is a vital asset for the UAE’s new internationally mobile expats managing tax obligations, business interests, investments, and estate planning needs.
“Clients here are more mobile, often with complex international assets and income, adding layers to financial planning less common elsewhere,” Anish notes.
With an advice approach honed by years of experience, Anish crafts long-term plans tailored to individuals. Central to his financial planning philosophy is a simple principle: treat every client like family and manage their finances accordingly.
“One guiding principle has shaped my career: give advice as if you’re speaking to your own family. Before making any recommendation, I ask myself, ‘Would I give this same advice to my parents or my sibling?’ That mindset keeps my guidance grounded, honest, and deeply personal. Over the years, it’s helped build stronger relationships with clients – many of whom now feel like extended family or friends. In this business, trust is everything.”
To connect with Anish, please visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anishdevkaran/
To learn more about St. James’s Place, please visit https://www.sjp.asia/ae
Note: The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’, ‘Adviser’, ‘Partner Practice’, or any variations thereof, are marketing terms used to describe representatives of the St. James’s Place Group (‘SJP Group’). St. James’s Place (Middle East) Limited (‘SJPME’), is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and is authorized to conduct the Financial Services of ‘Advising on Financial Products’ and ‘Arranging Deals in Investments’ in and from the Dubai International Financial Centre (‘DIFC’). DFSA Firm Reference Number F003486.
Registered Address: Gate District Precinct Building 03, Units 706, 707 & 708, Level 7, DIFC, United Arab Emirates. SJPME is part of the SJP Group. Members of the St. James’s Place Partnership in the DIFC are appointed by and represent SJPME and may facilitate business with other companies within the SJP Group.
