We make professional investment services accessible to everyone
OUR VISION
We believe that professional investment services should be accessible to everyone. Our mission is to deliver better investment outcomes for our investors by following a systematic and disciplined approach, one that avoids the common pitfalls of commission-driven advice from brokers, agents, and developers. While these players have a role later in the process, their advice is often shaped by business models and incentive structures that do not always align with investors' best interests. That’s why we put you and your goals at the heart of every decision.
Our approach is driven by data, rooted in transparency, and focused on your investment success. Every step we take is crafted to deliver better investment outcomes. With a steadfast dedication to the highest ethical standards, we’re setting a new benchmark for professional excellence in Dubai’s real estate investment market.
In the following, we would like to raise your awareness of the standards in question and encourage you to ask comparable providers whether they comply with these standards.
ABOUT
I launched UAE Portfolio to offer investors a professional alternative to the sales-driven culture that dominates Dubai’s real estate industry. Grounded in a solid body of knowledge and guided by data-driven research, our approach emphasizes systematic portfolio construction, risk management, and long-term value creation. Every decision is made with rigor and transparency, ensuring our clients benefit from institutional-level expertise tailored to Dubai’s dynamic property market.
Felix Kuehnel
Founder and Investment Strategist at UAE Portfolio.
Our Commitment to Ethical Standards and GIPS Compliance in Real Estate Investment Advisory and Portfolio Management
Introduction
Real estate investment represents a dynamic and potentially lucrative avenue for diversifying an investment portfolio. However, navigating this space requires not only market knowledge but also a commitment to ethical standards and professional conduct. For real estate investment advisors, aligning with the ethical framework established by the CFA Institute and complying with the Global Investment Performance Standards® (GIPS) is essential for maintaining integrity and transparency.
The Importance of Ethical Standards
The CFA Institute emphasizes a high standard of ethics and professionalism among investment professionals. We believe adhering to these principles helps foster trust with our clients, enhances the credibility of the advisory, and ultimately contributes to better investment outcomes. Key ethical principles include:
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Acting in the Best Interest of Clients: Advisors must prioritize the interests of their clients above all else, ensuring that investment recommendations align with clients' goals and risk tolerance.
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Full Disclosure: Transparency about fees, potential conflicts of interest, and investment strategies is critical. Advisors should provide clients with comprehensive information to make informed decisions.
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Competence and Diligence: Real estate investment advisors should maintain a high level of competence through continuous education and by staying informed about market trends and regulatory changes.
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Fair Dealing: Advisors must treat all clients fairly and equitably, avoiding favoritism and ensuring that all clients receive the same level of service.
Global Investment Performance Standards® (GIPS)
GIPS® provides a standardized framework for measuring and reporting investment performance, ensuring transparency and consistency across investment firms. For real estate investment advisors, adhering to GIPS® standards is particularly important as it instills confidence among clients regarding the accuracy and reliability of performance reporting.
GIPS Compliance in Managed Accounts
While our firm strives to align with GIPS® standards, it is important to note that compliance may not be achievable at this time. The rigorous requirements of GIPS®, especially regarding valuations, can present significant economic challenges. Specifically, the costs associated with obtaining valuations can outweigh the benefits, leading to potential violations of these standards.
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Economic Viability of Valuations: The expense of conducting valuations for real estate assets often reduce the expected return on investment, especially for smaller or less liquid properties. For many clients, these costs can become prohibitive, ultimately detracting from their overall investment performance.
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Potential Violations: In situations where compliance with GIPS® standards would necessitate incurring substantial costs, we prioritize the economic interests of our clients. This approach ensures that investment decisions remain sound without being unduly influenced by compliance-related expenses.
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Transparency About Limitations: We are committed to being upfront with our clients about our GIPS® compliance status. While we strive to meet these standards, we acknowledge the limitations inherent in our current operational framework. Clients will be informed about how these challenges may impact performance reporting and investment strategies.
Maintaining Client Trust
Despite the challenges related to GIPS® compliance, our firm is dedicated to upholding the highest ethical standards. We believe that by focusing on transparency, client education, and ethical decision-making, we can build and maintain trust with our clients.
Communication and Education
Regular communication is key to client relationships. We ensure that clients are kept informed about their investments, market trends, and any challenges we may face in adhering to GIPS®. Educational resources, including newsletters, webinars, and market analyses, help clients understand the complexities of real estate investing.
Ethical Investment Practices
Our commitment to ethical investment practices extends beyond compliance. We actively seek investments that not only provide financial returns but also promote positive societal impacts. By integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into our investment strategies, we align our clients’ values with their financial goals.
Summary
As a real estate investment advisory committed to ethical and professional standards, we understand the importance of adhering to the CFA Institute's principles and striving for GIPS® compliance. While compliance with GIPS® standards may not be feasible at this time due to economic considerations and track record requirements, we are dedicated to maintaining transparency with our clients about our practices and the challenges we face. By prioritizing ethical standards and focusing on client interests, we aim to foster long-term relationships built on trust and integrity. Our clients can rest assured that we are committed to guiding them through the complex landscape of real estate investment with professionalism and care.
CFA® and GIPS® are trademarks owned by CFA Institute.
CFA Institute does not endorse, promote, or warrant the accuracy or quality of the products or services offered by UAE Portfolio.