Judan Financial Strengthens Global Asset Management with 50.1% Stake in Alpha Wave Global
Strategic Investment Overview
Judan Financial, a subsidiary of International Holding Company (IHC), has announced a significant investment in the U.S.-based investment management firm Alpha Wave Global, acquiring a 50.1% stake. This strategic move aims to enhance Judan’s global asset management capabilities and solidify its position as a leading international investor in the financial services sector.
Alpha Wave Global’s Portfolio and Operations
Alpha Wave Global manages approximately USD 29 billion in assets across four primary verticals: private equity, private credit, public markets, and insurance. The firm operates with a team of 116 professionals across 11 offices worldwide, with its headquarters located in Miami, Florida.
The private equity platform of Alpha Wave is recognized for its substantial growth investments in AI-driven companies, including notable names such as SpaceX, Anthropic, OpenAI, and Cerebras. The firm also has a dedicated life sciences group focused on companies poised to benefit from advancements in artificial intelligence.
In addition to private equity, Alpha Wave’s private credit platform provides senior loans to businesses in the U.S., Europe, and Australia. Its public market strategy aims to generate uncorrelated returns.
Leadership and Future Directions
Alpha Wave Global will continue to operate under its existing leadership team, which includes Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO Rick Gerson, along with Co-Founders Navroz Udwadia and Ryan Khoury. Recently, Francis Suarez, the former Mayor of Miami, was appointed as President, further enhancing the firm’s leadership.
With the backing of Judan Financial’s capital strength and strategic support, Alpha Wave is positioned to accelerate the growth of its newly established AI-native life insurance and retirement solutions vertical. This initiative aims to innovate underwriting, distribution, and customer experience through comprehensive AI integration.
New Insurance Vertical and Executive Appointments
Alpha Wave is set to launch an AI-native life insurance and retirement solutions provider, targeting a sector that has been a cornerstone of American financial security for over two centuries. The firm has appointed Joe Norton, a respected insurance executive and former COO of EquiTrust, as CEO of its insurance business.
Statements from Leadership
H.E. Mohamed Alsuwaidi, Vice Chairman, Managing Director, and CEO of Judan Financial, emphasized that Alpha Wave embodies the type of partner Judan seeks—globally recognized and strategically aligned with the future of finance. He stated that the partnership will accelerate growth, strengthen institutional partnerships, and unlock new opportunities for investors.
Rick Gerson, Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Alpha Wave Global, remarked that the partnership with Judan Financial represents a transformative milestone for Alpha Wave. He expressed optimism about scaling investment platforms and expanding global reach, aligning with the belief that AI is a significant transformative force.
Francis Suarez, President of Alpha Wave Global, noted that the partnership combines global capital, technology-driven innovation, and long-term vision. He highlighted that the support from Judan Financial enhances Alpha Wave’s capacity to deliver unique solutions to investors and clients.
Implications for Judan Financial
This acquisition is a pivotal step in Judan Financial’s strategy to build a diversified and AI-enabled financial services platform. By merging Alpha Wave’s established investment capabilities with Judan’s long-term capital base, the partnership aims to shape the future of global asset management and provide differentiated opportunities for investors.
About Judan Financial
Founded in 2026 and headquartered in Abu Dhabi, Judan Financial is a diversified global financial services investment company and a subsidiary of IHC. The firm consolidates strategic equity interests across various sectors, including banking, insurance, asset management, and financial technology.
Upon completing planned asset contributions, Judan Financial is expected to oversee over 20 operating financial services companies across more than 13 countries, collectively serving over 11 million clients and managing assets exceeding AED 870 billion (USD 235 billion).
Judan Financial emphasizes disciplined capital allocation, rigorous risk management, and AI-enabled integration across its portfolio, enhancing capital efficiency and supporting scalable growth in both developed and emerging markets.
About Alpha Wave Global
Alpha Wave is a global alternative asset manager with four main verticals: private equity, private credit, public markets, and insurance/retirement solutions. The firm is led by Rick Gerson, Navroz Udwadia, and Ryan Khoury, with offices in major cities worldwide, including Miami, New York, London, and Abu Dhabi.
In private equity, Alpha Wave aims to invest in high-growth companies and support exceptional founders and management teams. The firm also focuses on direct lending in private credit and employs an uncorrelated strategy in public markets.
For more information, visit www.zawya.com.
About IHC
Established in 1999, IHC has evolved into the most valuable holding company in the Middle East, with a market capitalization of AED 876 billion (USD 239 billion). The company is committed to sustainability, innovation, and economic diversification across key sectors, including technology, infrastructure, financial services, and consumer goods.
IHC actively seeks opportunities beyond traditional asset values, fostering sector-agnostic Dynamic Value Networks that yield results greater than the sum of their parts. The company prioritizes responsible investment to create sustainable value and positively impact the communities it serves.
For more information, visit www.ihcuae.com.
Media Contacts
Simon Hailes
Managing Director, Head of Edelman Smithfield Middle East
IHC@edelmansmithfield.com
+971 50 973 1173
For Alpha Wave Global
Jonathan Gasthalter
Gasthalter & Co.
JG@Gasthalter.com
+1 (212) 257-4170
