Assad Abdullatiff

Assad is an influential figure in the financial services industry, bringing over 20 years of expertise in
corporate law and governance, tax planning and structuring, fund formation and administration,
company secretarial matters, trusts, and estate planning. As the Managing Director of Axis, he has
played a pivotal role in shaping the organization's success and establishing its reputation as a leading
player in the industry. His extensive experience and influential roles in the industry directly contribute to
the added value of client structures at Axis and such expertise enables him to provide comprehensive
and strategic advice to clients.

Assad began his illustrious career at Standard Bank Trust Company, where he honed his skills and
acquired valuable experience. Over the years, he held several senior positions in various international
financial services companies in Mauritius, further expanding his knowledge and influence.
Prior to his appointment as Managing Director at Axis, Assad served as the Assistant Director at the
Board of Investment of Mauritius. In this role, he led the Financial Services Cluster and played a vital role
in promoting Mauritius as an International Financial Centre. His strategic vision and leadership acumen
contributed significantly to positioning Mauritius as a preferred destination for global financial services.
Assad’s influence extends beyond his role at Axis. He has held prominent positions in prestigious
organizations, showcasing his commitment to professional excellence and industry advancement. He
served as the Chairman of the Association of Trust and Management Companies (ATMC) from 2017 to
2018. During his tenure, he seeded the idea of consolidating the Mauritius financial industry under one
leading organization. This idea came to fruition when ATMC and several key organizations in the
financial services sector merged to establish Mauritius Finance in February 2021. Assad played an
integral role as part of the merger sub-committee of the ATMC and currently serves on the board of
Mauritius Finance. In this capacity, he diligently works to defend the interests of the Mauritius financial
services industry on both the local and international stage. He was also actively engaged in the Blueprint
Steering Committee, where he contributes to shaping the future direction of the financial services
industry in Mauritius.

Furthermore, he served as the Chairman of STEP Mauritius (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners), an
organization that plays a crucial role in promoting best practices and high standards in the trust and
estate planning industry. His exemplary leadership earned him the appointment as a Council Member of
STEP Worldwide, representing the Africa & Arabia regions, including branches in India, Mauritius, South
Africa, Seychelles, and the UAE from 2017 to 2020. Recognizing his exceptional contributions, Assad was
also appointed as a Director on the STEP Worldwide Board, further highlighting his global influence and
recognition within the industry. This appointment for two consecutive mandate of two years from 2020 to 2022 and from 2022 to 2024, demonstrates the trust placed in his expertise and his ability to shape
the future of the industry on an international scale.

As an international speaker, Assad actively participates in conferences and roadshows across Africa,
advocating for Mauritius as the gateway to 'The Hopeful Continent.' His on-the-ground presence and
compelling insights further solidify his position as an influential figure within the financial services
landscape.

In addition to his leadership roles, Assad serves as an Independent Director on numerous Mauritian
companies operating in diverse economic sectors. This multidimensional involvement underscores his
versatility and ability to bring valuable insights to various domains.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Assad remains committed to knowledge sharing and staying at the
forefront of industry developments. He contributes regularly to local and international publications,
providing valuable insights on topics relevant to his practice, and keeping his peers informed about
emerging trends and regulatory changes.

Assad holds an LLB Hons (Bachelor of Law) from the University of Wolverhampton (UK) and an LLM
(Master of Laws) in Business Law from the University of Hertfordshire (UK). Furthermore, he is qualified
as a Barrister-at-Law in Mauritius, further solidifying his legal expertise and understanding of complex
legal frameworks.