An IMGW News Business Profile Report
IMGW.news regularly highlights companies in the Wealth Management, Investment Migration, Real Estate, and related service sectors. Our goal is to provide readers with a deeper understanding of the unique offerings and operational highlights of these firms, enhancing their knowledge of key industry players.
In this article, we speak with Mimoun Assraoui, the Group CEO of RIF Trust, to learn more about the company’s latest developments, new directions, and perspectives.
Dive into our Q&A with Mimoun and discover more about this visionary leader, his impressive background, and his company’s ventures, including the recent demerger from Latitude Group and RIF Trust’s leading growth into emerging markets, among other fields.
The Biography
Mimoun Assraoui brings over 20 years of international banking experience, with more than 15 years dedicated to the Middle East. His extensive background encompasses working with banks, family offices, and non-bank financial institutions, including sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, insurance companies, central banks, and development banks.
“We are witnessing a notable shift among investors from the Caribbean towards Europe. Although the Eastern Caribbean region offers five Citizenship by Investment programmes, the passports obtained there do not hold the same strength as those gained through investments in citizenship in Malta…” – Mimoun Assraoui
He possesses significant expertise in investment advisory, asset management, debt capital markets, and relationship management, complemented by strong entrepreneurial skills. Mimoun is highly sought after for his knowledge in second citizenship and legal residency programmes, as well as wealth optimisation strategies.
Throughout his career, Mimoun has cultivated substantial experience in residence and citizenship by investment (RCBI) across various regions, including the Middle East, Japan, and France. His commitment to excellence is reflected in his work supporting family offices, financial institutions, governments, and private clients in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
In October 2013, he founded RIF Trust Investments, a distinguished consultancy firm based in Dubai. Under his visionary leadership, RIF Trust has specialised in residency and citizenship planning, establishing itself as a recognised authority in the industry. Through his unwavering dedication and strategic guidance, the firm has successfully raised awareness of the expanding range of RCBI programmes available in the market.
The Interview
IMGW News Editor, Ray de Bono, sat down with Mimoun Assraoui, CEO of RIF Trust, to discuss the company’s recent developments and future ambitions.
During the interview, Mimoun shared insights into the evolving landscape of investment migration, highlighting emerging trends and the strategic rationale behind RIF Trust’s focus on new markets. He also elaborated on the implications of the recent Malta vs. EU case and the impact of the separation from Latitude. It was an engaging conversation that offered unique perspectives on the future direction of RIF Trust and its commitment to providing innovative citizenship and residency solutions.
“Dominica has redirected funds from its Citizenship by Investment programme towards enhancing the island’s resilience against hurricanes as it addresses the challenges posed by climate change” – Mimoun Assraoui.
The Q&A Session
Q&A session with RIF Trust’s CEO, Mimoun Assraoui:
🔍 Question 1: Personal Background and Vision:
To begin, could you share some insights about yourself, your background, and what drives your vision for RIF Trust? In what ways do your personal values and experiences influence the business culture within your firm?
💬 Mimoun Assraoui: I hail from an immigrant background; I was born in Morocco but grew up in France. My career began in banking, and over a decade ago, I transitioned into the field of residency and citizenship by investment after relocating to Dubai. Life presents its challenges, but with expert assistance, it is possible to navigate and overcome these obstacles.
RIF Trust derives its name from the renowned mountain range in Morocco. While a mountain may appear insurmountable, it is indeed climbable. We are dedicated to helping our clients scale their personal and professional mountains.
🔍 Question 2: Emerging Trends:
In your experience, what are the most significant emerging trends in the investment migration sector, particularly concerning global mobility solutions?
💬 Mimoun Assraoui: We are witnessing a notable shift among investors from the Caribbean towards Europe. Although the Eastern Caribbean region offers five Citizenship by Investment programmes, the passports obtained there do not hold the same strength as those gained through investments in citizenship in Malta, for example. This European bloc appears poised to assert its position with the EU to provide economic citizenship. Additionally, there are direct routes available for naturalisation through Residency by Investment programmes. For instance, one can acquire a golden visa to become a national of Portugal or Spain.
“The separation between RIF Trust and Latitude Group was a strategic decision for both companies, allowing us to concentrate on our respective visions and explore new opportunities.” – Mimoun Assraoui.
🔍 Question 3: New Markets Focus:
RIF Trust is expanding its focus on new markets, such as Africa and Asia. What specific opportunities and challenges do you identify in these regions for investment migration, and can you provide examples of successful initiatives or programmes?
💬 Mimoun Assraoui: There is significant potential in Africa and Asia for both inbound and outbound investment migration. As wealth continues to grow in Africa, high-net-worth individuals are increasingly looking beyond their borders to secure stronger passports. Meanwhile, Asia demonstrates that Europe does not hold a monopoly on golden visas.
The UAE Golden Visa has gained popularity as a Residency by Investment option, and I anticipate rising interest in the Ras Al-Khaimah variant, which presents a more affordable alternative.
🔍 Question 4: Government Advisory Experience:
Can you share some insights from your experience advising governments on launching and optimising citizenship and residency programmes? What key factors do you consider essential for success?
💬 Mimoun Assraoui: When we assist in launching or optimising a Residency or Citizenship by Investment programme, it is crucial that it passes the SMILE test. Specifically, we assess whether the programme provides investors with Security, enhances their Mobility, serves as an adequate Insurance policy (or ‘Plan B’), improves their Lifestyle, and benefits the Education they can offer their children.
🔍 Question 5: Investment Migration as a Force for Good:
How do you believe investment migration, specifically through Citizenship by Investment (CBI) and Residency by Investment (RBI), can act as a ‘force for good’ in various countries? Could you provide examples from different host countries that illustrate this?
💬 Mimoun Assraoui: Modern Citizenship by Investment originated in the small island nation of St Kitts and Nevis. In 1984, this Eastern Caribbean country sought to diversify its revenue streams, recognising the need to reduce its reliance on tourism. CBI enabled St Kitts and Nevis to compete on a global scale, effectively levelling the playing field.
More recently, its neighbour, Dominica, has redirected funds from its Citizenship by Investment programme towards enhancing the island’s resilience against hurricanes as it addresses the challenges posed by climate change.
🔍 Question 6: Malta vs. EU Case Implications:
What impact do you foresee the Malta vs. EU case having on the investment migration landscape, both within the EU and globally? How might this influence future Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programmes?
💬 Mimoun Assraoui: The outcome of this case is likely to act as either a stimulus or a deterrent, particularly within the EU. Should Malta prevail, it will likely encourage other European nations to establish their own Citizenship by Investment programmes. This, in turn, could create a domino effect, prompting non-European governments to consider the benefits of implementing their own CBI initiatives. We would be more than happy to provide guidance to those who choose to pursue this path.
🔍 Question 7: Benefits of Second Citizenship:
What are the most compelling benefits that you emphasise to clients when discussing the advantages of obtaining a second citizenship through investment migration?
“individuals may seek to escape escalating domestic conflicts or distance themselves from governments they did not wish to see elected.”
💬 Mimoun Assraoui: You cannot choose where you are born; that is one aspect of life beyond your control. However, you can decide where to invest. When a real estate purchase includes citizenship, it significantly enhances the value of that property. Additionally, it provides the opportunity to acquire a passport that facilitates both business and leisure travel, eliminating visa delays and making travel considerably easier.
🔍 Question 8: Workshops and Feasibility Studies:
RIF Trust conducts workshops with governments and undertakes feasibility studies for new programmes. Can you elaborate on how these initiatives contribute to the overall success of investment migration strategies?
💬 Mimoun Assraoui: Launching a new venture requires careful consideration rather than impulsive decision- making. Our feasibility studies and workshops are designed to address the target audience effectively. Additionally, we assess the unique selling propositions (USPs) of each programme: What can your programme offer that others don’t?
🔍 Question 9: Future of Investment Migration:
Looking ahead, what trends or changes do you anticipate in the investment migration industry over the next five years, particularly in light of evolving geopolitical and economic landscapes?
💬 Mimoun Assraoui: I foresee a proliferation of new programmes, which smaller countries can leverage to their advantage. In the event of another pandemic, having a remote sanctuary serves as a valuable Plan B. Additionally, individuals may seek to escape escalating domestic conflicts or distance themselves from governments they did not wish to see elected.
🔍 Question 10: RIF Trust – Latitude Demerger
Could you elaborate on the rationale behind the recent separation of Latitude and RIF Trust, and what it means for both companies moving forward?
💬 Mimoun Assraoui: The separation was a strategic decision for both companies, allowing us to concentrate on our respective visions and explore new opportunities.
We are grateful for the time spent working together and look forward to the future.
🔍 Question 11: Future Vision for RIF Trust:
Where do you envision RIF Trust in three years’ time? What strategic goals do you hope to achieve, and how do you plan to adapt to the evolving landscape of investment migration?
💬 Mimoun Assraoui: I envision RIF Trust as a key component within the newly established RIF Group, firmly positioned as one of its three pillars. In this capacity, we will advise clients on obtaining new residency or second citizenship. Through RIF Capital, we will guide high-net-worth individuals in making alternative investments, while RIF Properties will showcase premier international real estate opportunities. Additionally, we plan to expand our portfolio of Residency and Citizenship by Investment programmes on our platform, providing investors with the broadest selection available. This initiative is part of our strategy to become the most comprehensive resource for investment migration.
We hope you enjoyed our interview with Mimoun Assraoui, and we invite you to check out other recent IMGW News interviews, such as the following:
- Navigating New Horizons: Eric Major on Latitude Group’s Pioneering Role in Investment Migration
- Executive Interview: IMGW News meets Dr. Sirous Motevassel.
- Interview: Insights from Lisa Chanesman, Leading Migration Law Expert, on the Future of Investment Migration
- Perspectives: A Portuguese Viewpoint
- Company Spotlight: Globe Detective Agency (GDA)
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