IQ-EQ, an Astorg portfolio company has announced the strategic acquisition of Gordian Capital Limited (‘Gordian’), Asia’s first and largest institutional cross border fund platform and fund solutions provider.
Its client base consists of global and regional asset managers, internal and external investment teams, SWF’s, DFI’s, family offices and corporates, investing in private equity, real estate, venture capital, private credit, infrastructure, hedge fund, absolute return and long only strategies.
Established in Cayman in 2004 and in Singapore in 2005, Gordian’s 77-member team operates from offices in Singapore, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Melbourne and currently manage US$17bn of which 96% is derived from institutional investors. Subject to approval by the Dubai Financial Services Authority it plans further expansion into the Middle East. Having launched 115 funds over the last 20 years this acquisition adds further strength and depth to IQ-EQ’s global business providing clients with a range of additional products and services delivered by a highly experienced global team.
CEO and co-founder Mark Voumard will continue to lead the business and will join IQ-EQs Asia senior leadership team ensuring continuity of the day-to-day delivery of services. The business will go to market as Gordian Capital, part of IQ-EQ until Q2 2026 when the business will rebrand as IQ-EQ.
In 2016, IQ-EQ was acquired by Astorg, a leading pan-European private equity firm. Since then, Astorg has supported IQ-EQ’s long-term growth strategy, helping the company become a global leader in investor services. In 2022, Astorg raised a €1.3 billion continuation fund to provide additional capital for IQ-EQ’s ambitious growth plans. The acquisition of Gordian Capital Limited represents a further step in IQ-EQ’s global expansion strategy.
Commenting on the announcement, Mark Pesco, Group Chief Executive Officer at IQ-EQ said:
“This acquisition represents a significant milestone in IQ-EQ’s growth strategy, further solidifying our strong market position in the Asia Pacific region. Asia has long been a key region for IQ-EQ, and the addition of Gordian Capital, alongside our recent acquisition of AMAL Group, underscores our commitment to expanding our presence and capabilities in this dynamic market. The combined expertise and reach of our expert teams will enable us to offer unparalleled services and support, fostering growth and innovation across the region. Congratulations to everyone involved in this transaction and a big IQ-EQ welcome to Mark and the extended Gordian Capital team.”
Sridhar Nagarajan, Regional Chief Executive Officer, Asia, Middle East and Africa at IQ-EQ added:
“This transaction is hugely significant for us as it transforms us into the market leader in the fund platform business in Asia Pacific. It allows us to offer our fund, corporate and family office clients globally a path to regulated market entry into Asia and over time, the Middle East, along with sophisticated fund structuring and operational capabilities. With fully licenced operations in Asia’s three key financial centres, Singapore, Tokyo and Hong Kong and extensive cross border expertise, I am excited about the opportunities ahead.”
Mark Voumard, co-founder and CEO of Gordian Capital and newly appointed Managing Director, Head of Fund Platforms and Solutions, Asia and Middle East at IQ-EQ further commented:
“I’m delighted to announce this game-changing deal, which we at Gordian feel is a perfect strategic fit for our business. We were attracted to IQ-EQ not just for its impressive market leadership but their firm wide focus on people and delivering best in class client service excellence sealed the deal. Becoming part of a global powerhouse of nearly 6,000-people operating across 25 jurisdictions unlocks significant opportunities for the Gordian team and for our clients who will continue to receive the same high touch personalised service and benefit from the strength and reach of a multinational group.”
Gordian is fully regulated, holding a CMS issued by MAS (Singapore), is registered with the SEC (U.S.) as a RIA, registered with the NFA (U.S.) as a CTA, registered with SEBI (India) as a Category I FPI, registered with the CBI (Ireland) as an Investment Manager, approved by China’s CSRC as a QFII, holder of a full DIM license issued by the FSA (Japan), holder of a Type 9 Asset Management and Type 4 Advisory license issued by the SFC (Hong Kong) and operates as an Authorised Corporate Representative under an AFSL registered with ASIC (Australia). Given its heavily regulated status, the business will operate with a high degree of independence and strict information and ethical firewalls.
The transaction has received regulatory approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (SFC) and is expected to close shortly, subject to customary closing conditions.