Independent professional services firm Praxis has strengthened its Middle East leadership team with the appointment of Brian Reilly as Senior Regulatory Adviser. The move comes as demand rises for governance, compliance, and regulatory support across the Gulf region.
Based in Dubai, Reilly will help expand Praxis’ outsourced regulatory and compliance services for institutional investors, fund managers, and international businesses operating across the GCC.
The appointment also reflects Praxis’ broader strategy to deepen its presence in the Middle East. The company has operated in the region for nearly a decade and was the first trustee licensed by the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) in 2016.
Growing Demand Drives Expansion of Regulatory Advisory Services
Businesses across the Middle East face increasingly complex regulatory requirements. As a result, many firms are seeking specialist support to manage compliance obligations while expanding into new markets.
Praxis said Reilly’s appointment responds directly to this growing demand. He will work closely with Chris Gibbons, Group Head of Corporate & Funds, to enhance the firm’s governance, compliance, and regulatory advisory capabilities.
In addition, he will support clients with tailored onshore and offshore corporate and fund administration solutions.
Veteran Financial Services Executive Brings More Than 25 Years of Experience
Reilly brings more than 25 years of experience across financial services. His expertise spans investment management, banking, fund administration, trust services, regulatory oversight, and risk management.
Before joining Praxis, he served as Regional Director for the Middle East at a leading global fund administration provider.
Earlier in his career, he held senior roles at the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). He also spent nearly a decade with a major global custodian and asset servicing provider, where he led compliance and risk functions across the UK, Channel Islands, and Poland.
Furthermore, Reilly serves as an independent non-executive director and has extensive board-level experience with FCA and DFSA-regulated firms.
Praxis Eyes Stronger Position in GCC Financial Services Market
Commenting on his appointment, Reilly said the Middle East presents significant opportunities for outsourced governance and regulatory support.
He noted that financial firms are facing higher operational and compliance expectations while pursuing growth across multiple jurisdictions. Consequently, demand for specialist regulatory expertise continues to increase.
“Praxis has built a strong reputation in the region through its client-focused approach and long-term relationships,” Reilly said. “I look forward to helping clients navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment.”
CEO Highlights Strategic Importance of Appointment
Robert Fearis, Group CEO of Praxis, described Reilly as one of the region’s most respected regulatory professionals.
“Brian combines deep technical expertise with extensive regulatory experience and strong commercial insight,” Fearis said.
He added that the appointment strengthens Praxis’ ability to support fund and investment managers that are launching operations in the Middle East or relocating to the region.
According to Fearis, Reilly’s market knowledge will also help accelerate the development of Praxis’ outsourced regulatory and compliance offering across the GCC.
Praxis Continues Regional Growth Strategy
Praxis provides private wealth, corporate and fund administration, pensions, employer solutions, and yacht services to individual, corporate, and institutional clients worldwide.
The company operates as part of Praxis Group Limited, one of the largest independent financial services groups headquartered in the Channel Islands. The group employs around 400 professionals globally and continues to expand its international footprint, including across the Middle East.
