Callidus Consulting (MENA) -- governance, risk and compliance consultants to insurance-related businesses within DIFC and the UAE at large -- celebrated its 15th anniversary in Dubai last week with a vision of growth that embraces the new age.
Speaking on the occasion, Callidus Consulting Principal Johnson John said that Callidus at the DIFC has witnessed significant growth in the past few years as it expanded its team and the number of clients. The firm currently serves more than half of the 125 insurance businesses in the DIFC.
“So, we have got a significant market share, including brokers, MGAs and insurers. It’s been a pleasure serving the DIFC for the past 15 years,” said Mr Johnson.
Commenting on the growth of (re)insurance in the DIFC, Mr John said that the business is projected to reach $4.2bn this year compared to around $300m in 2010, “With a very healthy pipeline of applications today to join the DIFC,” he added, pointing to the DIFC and the high level of engagement and collaborative approach it embraces.
DIFC growth
Also offering an overview of the development of (re)insurance business in the financial hub, the DIFC’s Chief Business Development Officer Salmaan Jaffery said that in 2010, when Callidus MENA was launched, the DIFC was home to 790 companies. This number grew significantly over the last 21 years of the founding of the DIFC to include a workforce of 50,000+ people and north of 8,000 companies. “This great energy that you feel today, we have been experiencing at scale for 10 years but, in particular, the last five or six years since COVID.”
He said, “Callidus has been a tremendous partner for us both as a partner wanting to engage, improve the environment and make a difference. It materially contributes to the growth of our insurance sector, which is now $3.6bn in GWP up from $2.6bn (in 2025) and the quality and the depth of the talent which has been consistently impressive...The Callidus team continues to engage with the regulator, advise on new product development, meet clients, and solve problems with the DIFC,” said Mr Jaffery.
Callidus’ next chapter
Mr Mike Glover, who founded Callidus in London in 2004, said that Callidus in Dubai is defined by excellence and commitment to clients. “What began as an aspiration has grown into a thriving success story shaped by the dedication of the team and the limitless ambition that Dubai and the MENA region inspire in us.”
Mr Glover revealed that Callidus is working on a five-year plan which revolves around extending the firm’s regional footprint, strengthening its presence across the GCC, and exploring new opportunities “without diluting the quality of the services we offer to clients.”
He added, “As clients in the industry increasingly adopt AI as a norm, we are introducing new and updated control systems to ensure how to address these initiatives and the regulatory challenges they undoubtedly will bring.”
He added, “We will be broadening our offerings with new specialist capabilities that will position Callidus at the forefront of our industry, not only in Dubai but also across MENA.”
Callidus’ milestone 15th anniversary celebration took place at the Ritz Carlton DIFC on 25 November. A large gathering of business partners, clients and friends came together for a vibrant joy-filled evening of lively conversations and camaraderie.