Singapore's Ascentium Acquires Clara to Expand Footprint in UAE
•February 16, 2026
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Why It Matters
The acquisition positions Ascentium as a leading provider of regulated business services in the Middle East, unlocking growth opportunities in high‑value financial centres. It also enhances Clara’s ability to scale internationally, meeting rising demand for compliant, tech‑enabled corporate solutions.
Key Takeaways
- •Ascentium acquires Clara, UAE's largest licensed CSP.
- •Deal expands Ascentium's presence in ADGM and DIFC.
- •Clara gains access to global platform and investment capacity.
- •Acquisition strengthens Ascentium's foothold in regulated Middle East markets.
- •Combined tech and human expertise enhances cross‑border compliance services.
Pulse Analysis
Ascentium has built a global business‑services platform that leverages a network of regulated partners to simplify market entry for enterprises. Its strategy targets high‑growth jurisdictions where compliance complexity can hinder expansion, and the Middle East’s financial hubs fit that profile perfectly. By adding a proven local player, Ascentium accelerates its ambition to become a one‑stop provider for corporations navigating cross‑border regulations, while diversifying revenue streams beyond its existing Asian and European bases.
Clara brings deep regulatory expertise within the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), two of the region’s most sophisticated common‑law financial districts. Since its 2018 launch, the firm has built a proprietary software suite that automates incorporation, governance and ongoing compliance for startups, SMEs, law firms and venture capitalists. This technology‑driven approach reduces onboarding time and lowers operational risk, making Clara a trusted partner for entities that require swift, compliant market entry in a tightly regulated environment.
The combined entity creates a powerful value proposition: Ascentium’s worldwide reach and capital backing paired with Clara’s localized knowledge and tech platform. Clients can now access end‑to‑end corporate services—from entity formation to multi‑jurisdictional compliance—through a single digital interface. Industry observers see this as a consolidation move that raises the bar for regtech providers, prompting competitors to enhance their own platforms or seek similar partnerships. Over the next few years, the Ascentium‑Clara alliance is likely to drive higher adoption of automated compliance solutions across the Gulf, supporting the region’s broader push toward a knowledge‑based economy.
Deal Summary
Singapore-based business services platform Ascentium announced the acquisition of UAE-based regtech and corporate service provider Clara for an undisclosed amount. The deal gives Ascentium a foothold in the Abu Dhabi Global Market and Dubai International Financial Centre, while Clara gains access to Ascentium’s global platform and investment capacity.
Article
Source: Wamda
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Singapore-based business services platform Ascentium has acquired Clara, a UAE-based regtech and corporate service provider, for an undisclosed value.
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Founded in 2018, Clara supports businesses operating in regulated jurisdictions. It provides incorporation, governance, and compliance services to startups, SMEs, law firms, VCs, and government-related entities, backed by a proprietary software platform.
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Through the acquisition, Clara gains access to Ascentium’s global platform and investment capacity, while Ascentium strengthens its presence in strategic Middle East markets and regulated financial hubs.
Press release:
Ascentium, a leading global business services platform headquartered in Singapore, has acquired Clara, the largest licensed corporate service provider (CSP) in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). This acquisition significantly expands Ascentium's footprint in the Middle East via Clara's established presence in ADGM and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
Clara is a critical partner for businesses looking to operate within the UAE's premier common law financial centres. Clara supports a diverse client base from startups and SMEs to law firms, venture capitalists, investors, accelerators and government-related entities. It is recognised for its regulatory expertise and reliable delivery across incorporation, governance and ongoing compliance, all backed by its state-of-the-art software application.
The acquisition supports Ascentium's plans to expand into key strategic jurisdictions by partnering with established, regulated, values-aligned businesses with strong client propositions. By joining Ascentium, Clara gains access to a global platform, enhanced service capabilities and investment capacity, empowering clients to scale internationally while continuing to uphold the highest regulatory standards in ADGM and DIFC.
Lennard Yong, Founding Management and Group CEO of Ascentium, commented: "ADGM is an important addition to Ascentium's global platform, and Clara is the market leader. Their regulatory standing, trusted client relationships and leading technological operating system make them an ideal addition to Ascentium as we continue to expand across the Middle East."
Kathryn Burke, Managing Director of Clara, said, "Ascentium has built a platform where people lead and technology enables. By joining Ascentium and aligning with this shared value, we can combine human insight with the power of innovation to help clients navigate increasingly complex, cross-border regulatory environments with confidence, while giving Clara the scale and reach to take our expertise to the next level."
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