
Continental celebrates 30-year legacy with 26% premium growth in 2024, expanding total active insurance coverage to $6.9bln
Dubai, UAE: Continental Group, a leading insurance intermediary and financial services provider, entered its 30th year of operations with significant growth across key metrics in 2024, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner in wealth management and insurance solutions in the Middle East. The company recorded a 26% increase in premiums, reaching $124 million from $98 million. Continental's total coverage for life clients grew by 5% in 2024, adding $800 million to the existing coverage. The firm now has nearly $6.9 billion in active life coverage under management, which has resulted in greater financial security for thousands of families and businesses, ensuring they have the support needed to navigate life's uncertainties with confidence.
'Continental Group's legacy is a story of thousands of families safeguarded, aspirations turned into reality, and three decades of trust garnered in the Middle East,' said Ashok Sardana, Founder & Managing Director, Continental Group. 'Since 1994, our mission has been to provide not just financial solutions, but peace of mind and long-term stability for families and businesses. That principle will continue to guide us as we move into the next phase of Continental's growth.'
The firm's role in securing financial stability was underscored by $7.4 million in claims processed in 2024, including $3.2 million in non-motor claims and $2.4 million in motor claims and $1.7 million life and critical insurance claims ensuring clients receive timely support when they need it most. These payouts have provided crucial financial relief during unexpected crises, helping clients focus on recovery instead of financial strain.
Continental's growth was driven by a sharper focus on personalized financial strategies, cross-border wealth structuring, and an evolving approach to lifetime client relationships. As the firm expanded, it strengthened its advisory framework in multi-jurisdictional wealth management, offering solutions such as Universal Life Insurance and Critical Illness coverage through its DIFC-licensed entity, CFS DIFC Limited. Continental's sustained momentum was recognized with the Top Producer Award by one of its partners, highlighting its ability to deliver results for clients and partners.
Continental also continued its longstanding tradition of giving back in 2024, distributing 500 Iftar meals to workers in Jebel Ali during Ramadan and taking part in the Dubai Charity Association's 3.5-kilometer walk to raise awareness about diabetes.
Beyond financial success, Continental remains dedicated to social impact. A larger mission in the region for the Continental Group has also been to empower people, especially women, to achieve financial literacy and inclusion. Through its events, webinars and podcasts, the Continental Group has long aligned with several apex bodies that have flown the flag for a more inclusive economy in the region. The firm hosted two financial education seminars in 2024 and will expand this initiative in 2025 with quarterly sessions, making wealth management education more accessible.
With three decades of experience behind it, Continental Group's next phase of growth will see it integrating technology-driven solutions and deepening client engagement. The firm plans to expand its team size by 20%, strengthening its advisory division with specialist Wealth Managers and Financial Advisors, while also creating pathways for new entrants to the industry through structured training and development programs. It will also accelerate its digital transformation by introducing AI-driven advancements in cybersecurity, automation, and portfolio management to enhance security and provide real-time insights for clients and advisors.
'This 30th anniversary celebrates the relationships we've built and lives we've touched. Our commitment goes beyond just offering solutions. We have been building a framework that ensures financial security across generations. As we move forward, transparency, and a client-first approach will remain at the core of everything we do," said Akshay Sardana, SEO, Executive Director, CFS DIFC Limited.
About Continental Group
The Continental Group is a leading insurance intermediary and financial services solutions provider in the GCC region. Licensed by the Insurance Authority, the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) of the UAE, and DFSA (CFS DIFC Limited DIFC Limited from The Continental Group is regulated by the DFSA), the group represents reputed multinational and local insurance and financial institutions. Founded in 1994, Continental is the brainchild of Ashok Sardana, who built the company on three pillars: Integrity, insight and innovation. Continental's unparalleled industry experience, embodied by a team of over 250 highly-qualified professionals, has enabled its expansion across Europe, Middle East and Asia. Its stellar track record of fostering life-time, meaningful relationships with customers is rooted in its ability to provide tailor-made, personalized solutions. It is a household name for all financial and insurance solutions at any stage of one's life: Investments, savings, wealth creation, legacy, succession and protection planning, life, health, employee benefits, auto, home, and travel. The Continental Group has also been actively advocating for financial freedom & independence, financial inclusion, ESG investing, and wellbeing, through its popular podcast 'Dollars, Dirhams and Our Two Financial Cents'.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Zawya
31 minutes ago
- Zawya
Wealthbrix launches in DIFC
Founded by senior bankers who helped shape the region's top institutions, Wealthbrix brings a track record managing over USD30 bn in AUM Independent, senior-led firm offers a holistic, client-first model spanning private wealth, asset management, and corporate finance advisory Dubai, UAE: Wealthbrix Capital Partners Limited, a newly launched independent wealth management firm, today announced its official market entry from Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial hub in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA region). Founded by a team of seasoned professionals from private banking and asset management, the firm brings together over 150 years of collective leadership experience and a track record managing more than USD30 bn in AUM from Middle Eastern, Asian, and European clients. Wealthbrix enters the market with a clear purpose: to deliver a client-first approach to wealth management that is independent, holistic, and agile - reflecting the ambitions of global upwardly mobile wealth creators and the shifting centre of gravity in global capital. 'This is the Dubai moment - an inflection point where global capital, regional ambition, and client expectations are converging,' said Dr. Hamad Buamim, Chairman of the Advisory Board, Wealthbrix Capital Partners Limited. 'Today's wealth creators want more than access to products. They expect a partner who can build and preserve their legacy, support their ambitions, and provide unbiased, high-impact advice.' This launch comes at a pivotal moment for wealth managers. An estimated USD85-100 tn in global wealth is expected to change hands by 2050 in what is being called the 'Great Wealth Transfer' – including approximately USD1 tn in the GCC alone. This represents an unprecedented opportunity driven by next gen millionaires. This is juxtaposed by the UAE benefitting from this seismic shift, with more than 6,700 new millionaires having relocated to Dubai in 2024 alone, over 68,000 HNWIs and UHNWIs now based in the country, and more than 30,000 expected to arrive over the next five years, solidifying the UAE's status as a leading global hub for the new generation of high-net-worth individuals. A growing share of global capital is concentrated in two fast-expanding, high-growth segments: Mid-Tier Millionaires (MTMs) with investable assets between USD5 mn and USD30 mn, and UHNWIs with over USD30 mn. MTMs alone account for nearly USD55 tn in global wealth and are growing faster than the broader HNWI population. Often self-made and globally mobile, many in this group sit between upper-tier affluent and ultra-high-net-worth tiers - requiring a more tailored and sophisticated approach than standardised models typically provide. Meanwhile, the UHNWI population is projected to surge by 38 per cent over the next five years, with Asia and the Middle East driving the fastest growth globally. Together, MTMs and UHNWIs represent a rapidly expanding opportunity - one that sits at the heart of Wealthbrix's mission. These clients demand more than transactional advice; they seek a holistic approach that reflects their ambitions. This is where Wealthbrix steps in: bridging the gap between legacy models and modern client expectations through an independent platform that combines global structuring expertise with regional insight. Whether it's wealth preservation, succession, asset diversification, or fundraising, Wealthbrix is purpose-built to meet the needs of this influential and under-served segment. Wealthbrix builds on the momentum of a maturing wealth management landscape with a differentiated, partner-led model spanning private wealth, asset management, and corporate finance advisory. Fully licensed by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and headquartered in DIFC, Wealthbrix is designed to complement and elevate the existing wealth management ecosystem - delivering tailored, unbiased advice anchored in institutional discipline and enabled by advanced technology. Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, said: 'We welcome Wealthbrix to DIFC's growing ecosystem of firms shaping the future of wealth and asset management. As the city with the highest concentration of wealth in the region, DIFC continues to attract firms that bring confidence, innovation, and a broad range of perspectives to the sector. We look forward to supporting Wealthbrix growth as they contribute to the evolution of the region's wealth management landscape.' As global asset managers flock to the UAE to tap into rising investor demand, Wealthbrix offers a differentiated, home-grown alternative - combining institutional discipline and strong in-house asset management capabilities across equities, fixed income, and real estate. As part of its long-term strategy, the firm is building a DIFC-based fund platform that aims to anchor investment activity locally, whilst aligning with the Dubai Economic Agenda to position Dubai at the forefront of innovation and economic growth. Wealthbrix enters the market as a well-capitalised institution, having closed an eight-figure USD equity funding round backed by a strategic group of global investors - including family offices, a venture capital firm, and angel investors from the region and beyond. This strong capital base provides the foundation to scale: attracting top industry talent, expanding product depth, and building a comprehensive value proposition. 'This is a rare moment to elevate and optimise how wealth is managed in the region,' said Rajesh Khanna, Chief Executive Officer of Wealthbrix Capital Partners Limited. 'Dubai offers a unique convergence of regulatory clarity, global talent, and a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem - making it the ideal base for a firm that is proudly home-grown, bold in ambition, and global in outlook. Built on a model that fully aligns our interests with those of our clients, Wealthbrix brings together open-architecture access, multiple global custody banks, in-house asset management, consolidated reporting, and debt & equity advisory to deliver bespoke, holistic solutions for today's discerning clients.' True to its independent model, Wealthbrix combines in-house capabilities with access to best-in-class managers, underpinned by a strong focus on client suitability and the reach to access opportunities across global markets. Wealthbrix is built on a hybrid model that optimally uses touch and tech enablement while delivering the desired client experience. Its secure, cloud-native platform consolidates client portfolios across banks and asset classes - providing a periodic, 360° view of performance and risk management. About Wealthbrix Capital Partners Limited Wealthbrix Capital Partners is a trusted, independent wealth management firm established with a clear purpose: to offer a more holistic and refreshed approach to how wealth is structured, preserved, and grown. Guided by a client-first philosophy, Wealthbrix sets new standards in innovation and agility - combining institutional discipline with deep regional and global expertise. Founded by seasoned bankers who have helped shape some of the region's most respected institutions, Wealthbrix brings together over 150 years of collective leadership experience and a track record managing more than USD30 bn in AUM from Middle Eastern, Asian, and European clients. Headquartered in DIFC and regulated by the DFSA, Wealthbrix is set to reach a team strength of nearly 20 professionals by July 2025, combining deep GCC insight with global structuring and investment expertise - delivering clarity and conviction at every stage of a client's wealth journey. Wealthbrix's core ethos is rooted in building lasting legacies - brick by brick - through highly personalised, transparent and independent advice. For more information, please visit For media enquiries, please contact: Garima Arora Capital Gate Advisors garora@ About Dubai International Financial Centre Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is one of the world's most advanced financial centres, and the leading financial hub for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA), which comprises 77 countries with an approximate population of 3.7bn and an estimated GDP of USD 10.5trn. With a 20-year track record of facilitating trade and investment flows across the MEASA region, the Centre connects these fast-growing markets with the economies of Asia, Europe, and the Americas through Dubai. DIFC is home to an internationally recognised, independent regulator and a proven judicial system with an English common law framework, as well as the region's largest financial ecosystem of 46,000 professionals working across over 6,900 active registered companies – making up the largest and most diverse pool of industry talent in the region. The Centre's vision is to drive the future of finance through cutting-edge technology, innovation, and partnerships. Today, it is the global future of finance and innovation hub offering one of the region's most comprehensive FinTech and venture capital environments, including cost-effective licensing solutions, fit-for-purpose regulation, innovative accelerator programmes, and funding for growth-stage start-ups. Comprising a variety of world-renowned retail and dining venues, a dynamic art and culture scene, residential apartments, hotels, and public spaces, DIFC continues to be one of Dubai's most sought-after business and lifestyle destinations. For further information, please visit our website: or follow us on LinkedIn and X @DIFC. For media enquiries, please contact: Nivine William | Nisha Celina Burson | | Rasha Mezher | Dubai International Financial Centre Authority Manager, Marketing & Corporate Communications


Hi Dubai
40 minutes ago
- Hi Dubai
Wealthbrix Launches in DIFC as Demand Grows for Tailored Wealth Management in UAE
Wealthbrix Capital Partners Limited, a new independent wealth management firm, has officially launched from Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), aiming to serve the region's growing population of mid-tier and ultra-high-net-worth individuals with a personalised, partner-led model. Founded by industry veterans with over 150 years of combined experience and a history managing $30 billion in assets, Wealthbrix enters the market at a pivotal time. The UAE, and Dubai in particular, is rapidly emerging as a magnet for global wealth—more than 6,700 millionaires moved to the city in 2024 alone, with tens of thousands more expected in the coming years. Wealthbrix is targeting two of the fastest-growing investor segments: mid-tier millionaires (with $5–30 million in assets) and UHNWIs (over $30 million). Together, they represent a market that demands more than standardised solutions. The firm offers tailored wealth preservation, succession planning, asset diversification, and fundraising strategies built on independence, transparency, and institutional rigor. The company is fully licensed by the Dubai Financial Services Authority and is backed by an eight-figure USD equity funding round from a strategic group of global investors. Its platform combines global structuring expertise with regional insights, while leveraging technology to deliver a seamless, consolidated view of portfolios across banks and asset classes. 'This is Dubai's moment,' said Dr. Hamad Buamim, Chairman of the Wealthbrix Advisory Board. 'Global capital, regional ambition, and client expectations are converging—and Wealthbrix is built to meet that demand.' Wealthbrix joins DIFC's expanding ecosystem of financial firms, aligning with Dubai's economic agenda to become a leading global centre for innovation in wealth and asset management. News Source: Dubai Media Office


Gulf Business
2 hours ago
- Gulf Business
Wealthbrix's Rajesh Khanna on the ‘touch and tech' approach to private wealth advisory
Image: Supplied In an increasingly complex and competitive wealth management landscape, Wealthbrix Capital Partners is carving a niche with its client-first, portfolio-led model. Founded by seasoned professionals and based in Dubai's DIFC, the firm is targeting the underserved but rapidly expanding segment of mid-tier millionaires — globally mobile individuals with $5m–$30m in investable assets. Gulf Business speaks with CEO Rajesh Khanna about the inspiration behind Wealthbrix, its strategy to tap into a $55tn global opportunity, and how its 'Touch and Tech' approach aims to reshape private wealth advisory in the region and beyond. What was the inspiration behind launching Wealthbrix, and how does its client-first model differentiate it in an increasingly competitive wealth management space? Wealthbrix was founded by a team of senior professionals who have led investment and advisory mandates across top regional and global institutions. Over the years, we saw a growing gap between what clients needed and what legacy platforms could provide. Our goal is not to replicate existing models, but to create a firm built around the actual priorities of global upwardly mobile wealth creators. What differentiates us is a portfolio-led, not product-led, model. Our starting point is always the client: their goals, structures, risk appetite, and ambitions. We then build outward with bespoke advice and access to a full spectrum of global solutions. Wealthbrix operates as a fully independent firm. That means unbiased advisory, no proprietary product push, and no constraints tied to a single platform or custodian. Clients get true optionality, transparent pricing, and strategies built purely around their needs. Put simply: while others offer a menu, we offer access to the kitchen. That level of flexibility, governance, and alignment is what we believe the next generation of clients is asking for. The UAE's wealth industry is evolving rapidly. What key trends are you seeing in investor behaviour and portfolio strategies among high-net-worth individuals in the region? The wealth landscape in the UAE and the wider GCC is undergoing a fundamental transformation. Today's discerning clients are more global, more engaged, and more focused on long-term outcomes than ever before. One of the most significant shifts we've seen is the rise of mid-tier millionaires — individuals with $5m to 30m in investable assets. This segment is expanding rapidly in the region but remains largely underserved by traditional platforms. These clients are entrepreneurial, globally mobile, and increasingly sophisticated in how they manage their capital. Rather than simply parking wealth in the UAE, both MTMs and UHNWIs are embedding themselves more deeply — relocating families, acquiring businesses, setting up structures, and seeking strategic governance. There's a strong appetite for transparency and control, with many clients demanding visibility across multiple banks, jurisdictions, and asset classes. We're also seeing a significant increase in demand for access to private markets, including private credit, real estate, and pre-IPO opportunities. But what clients want is not just access — they want institutional-grade due diligence, structuring, and governance. Overall, there is a clear desire for alignment. Clients want to work with advisors who sit on the same side of the table — unbiased, transparent, and accountable. Wealthbrix was designed with that expectation in mind. Wealthbrix aims to tap into a $55tn global opportunity. Can you elaborate on what this figure represents and how the firm plans to access this market? The $55tn refers to the wealth held globally by mid-tier millionaires (MTMs) —individuals with investable assets between $5m and $30m. This segment is fast-growing, entrepreneurial, and expanding particularly in emerging markets and financial hubs like the UAE. These clients often fall between the cracks: too complex for standardised retail models, and not always prioritised by ultra-high-net-worth desks. Many are self-made entrepreneurs, business owners, and global professionals who require a sophisticated, yet accessible, approach to managing wealth. We're seeing an increasing blurring of lines across client segments. Traditional product-led models often struggle to deliver bespoke solutions to this group, instead offering generic, one-size-fits-all portfolios that don't fully address their evolving needs. What they need is holistic, cross-border advice that reflects their full picture — structuring, succession, liquidity, and business planning. Wealthbrix is purpose-built to serve this segment and UHNWIs, by combining institutional-grade discipline with a client-first, transparent advisory model. With three core offerings —private wealth, asset management, and corporate finance — we offer an integrated model that spans investment strategy, structuring, and execution. By operating an open-architecture platform, domiciling funds locally in the DIFC, and building deep global partnerships, we give these clients access to cross-border opportunities with clarity, control, and alignment. In doing so, Wealthbrix provides a more suitable array of solutions that match their real risk-reward profiles and ambitions. With DIFC as your base, how do you plan to leverage Dubai's position as a global financial hub to scale your services and reach a wider client base across the GCC and beyond? DIFC is not only a regional financial centre — it is increasingly becoming a global hub for private capital. With its mature regulatory environment, international connectivity, and growing infrastructure for asset management and fund domiciliation, it provides an ideal platform for scaling a firm like Wealthbrix. By domiciling our future funds in DIFC, we are supporting the Dubai serves as both a regional base and a global launchpad. From here, we are scaling across the region by targeting client segments that value independent advice, cross-border structuring, and institutional governance. Wealthbrix is well positioned to serve the new generation of global upwardly mobile wealth creators who want to be based in the region but seek global opportunities. What role will digital innovation, personalised advisory, and cross-border investment solutions play in your future growth strategy? These are foundational to the Our platform offers clients a consolidated 360° view of their wealth, aggregating holdings across multiple banks, geographies, and asset classes with periodic risk and performance tracking. This level of integration is essential in a world where clients are increasingly managing complex, cross-border portfolios. We are also a cloud-native firm from day one — meaning we've built for security, scalability, and seamless collaboration. Our CRM, analytics, and execution systems are tightly connected, ensuring that both clients and advisors have the clarity and data needed to act with conviction. On the investment side, cross-border capability is not just a feature — it's a requirement. Our clients are globally mobile and structurally diverse, and we support them with investment structures, opportunities, and execution across the GCC, Europe, and Asia. Ultimately, our goal is to simplify what's complex — offering clients a deeply personalised advisory experience, powered by institutional-grade infrastructure, and always aligned to their ambitions.