Optima Partners acquires Trifecta Advisory Group, establishing one of the largest regulatory consulting firms in ADGM. An ALTALLO Perspective
By: Optima Partners · Published: 2026-09-14
Optima Partners has acquired Trifecta Advisory Group, a specialist regulatory advisory firm in Abu Dhabi Global Market, expanding its UAE capabilities, market relationships and regional presence.
ABU DHABI, UAE, 14 September 2026. Optima Partners ("Optima"), a global regulatory compliance and cybersecurity consulting firm, has announced the acquisition of Trifecta Advisory Group ("Trifecta"), a specialist regulatory advisory firm based in Abu Dhabi Global Market ("ADGM").
The transaction significantly expands Optima's on-the-ground capabilities, market relationships and presence across the UAE, and establishes Optima as one of the largest regulatory consulting firms in the region.
Michael Timotheou, President and Chief Operating Officer of Optima Partners: "I am delighted to welcome Trifecta to the Optima Group. There is strong alignment between our two firms in culture, business ethos and a shared commitment to high-quality, client-focused delivery. This acquisition underpins our commitment to the UAE and reinforces our position as a leading provider of regulatory consulting to clients globally."
Benjamin O-Danso, Partner and Head of UAE at Optima Partners: "What Karissa and the Trifecta team have built in Abu Dhabi is distinctive, not only in the depth of its expertise, but in the relationships, judgement and market credibility that underpin the business. By combining Trifecta's local depth with Optima's wider UAE presence and international reach, we have the opportunity to build a locally led, globally connected advisory platform that sets a new standard for clients across the region."
Karissa Stelma, Founder and General Counsel of Trifecta Advisory Group: "I chose Optima because they provide Trifecta, our people, and our clients with a stronger global platform while preserving the local expertise and relationships that make us a valuable partner to our clients. I will remain actively involved in Trifecta and our key relationships as we build the next phase of the business together. Having worked closely with Optima throughout this process, I have been impressed by their thoughtful and collaborative approach and look forward to partnering with Ben as he brings this same mindset to the next phase of growth for both Trifecta and Optima in the UAE."
About Optima Partners. Established in 2014, Optima Partners is a global regulatory compliance and cybersecurity consulting firm advising financial institutions, including investment managers, hedge funds, broker-dealers, private equity, private credit, venture capital and other regulated financial services businesses. Headquartered in New York, with offices in London, Hong Kong, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and across the United States, Optima combines global reach with local expertise. For more information, visit https://www.optima-partners.com.
About Trifecta. Trifecta is a specialist regulatory, compliance and governance advisory firm based in Abu Dhabi Global Market, serving global asset and fund managers, banks, credit providers and fintechs. It supports clients throughout their UAE regulatory journey, from market entry and authorisation to ongoing compliance, outsourced regulatory and control functions, risk, finance, data protection and company secretarial support.
Media contact: Lucy Grossman, +1 646-637-1934. Announcement issued by Optima Partners and published as part of ALTALLO's Member Announcements series. View the Optima Partners profile on ALTALLO at https://www.altallo.com/marketplace/vendors/optima.