A direct advisory relationship.
For complex private client matters.
Anchor LLC is a Dubai-based strategic advisory firm serving international private clients, families, entrepreneurs and business owners.
The firm was established by Michael Yanni, CFA, after a private banking and advisory career focused on UHNW clients and complex international client situations.
FOUNDER & CEO
Michael Yanni, CFA
Michael Yanni is the Founder and CEO of Anchor LLC.
He has more than 18 years’ experience in financial services, private banking and international wealth advisory. His career includes eight years at Barclays Private Bank in London as Vice President, Africa, where he advised UHNW clients and travelled frequently to Nigeria and other key markets.
Michael later built YAN Capital, a London-based wealth management consultancy retained by prominent international private clients. Across his advisory work, he has overseen more than $300m in transactions for private clients.
His work sits between private banking, strategic advisory, client coaching, institutional access, structuring coordination and transaction management.
Experience + Credentials
- Former Vice President, Barclays Private Bank, London (Africa Desk)
- 18+ years advising private clients
- Founder, YAN Capital, London, 2017
- Involved in over $300m of private client transactions globally
- BSc Hons Banking & International Finance, Bayes Business School, UK
- CFA Charterholder
- Cambridge Judge Business School, Venture Fundraising Program
- English & Arabic Speaker
“Anchor is deliberately personal. Clients work directly with Michael rather than being passed through layers of account managers or junior advisers.”
FAQ
Where is Anchor based?
Anchor LLC is based in the United Arab Emirates and works with international private clients, families, entrepreneurs and business owners whose affairs often extend across more than one country.
Who does Anchor work with?
Anchor works selectively with private clients, families, entrepreneurs and business owners where there is a clear need for judgement, access, coordination and practical execution.
Typical clients have meaningful wealth, business interests, international banking needs, family considerations, structuring questions or strategic matters that require more than a standard product conversation.
What does Anchor actually do?
Anchor helps clients think clearly, organise the right information, engage suitable banks and advisers, and move important matters forward.
This may include banking introductions, balance sheet reviews, adviser coordination, structuring conversations, documentation reviews, family planning discussions, specialist broker introductions, strategic project advisory or fundraising organisation support where appropriate.
Does Anchor manage money or hold client assets?
No. Anchor does not hold client assets, manage portfolios, execute trades or take custody of client funds.
Where regulated advice, asset management, banking, legal, tax, trustee or execution services are required, Anchor helps clients engage appropriately authorised institutions and professional advisers.
Is Anchor a private bank, investment manager or law firm?
No. Anchor is a strategic advisory firm.
The role is to help clients organise complex matters, understand what needs attention, engage the right institutions and advisers, and make clearer decisions.
Anchor works alongside banks, lawyers, trustees, brokers, accountants and other professionals where required.
Can Anchor introduce clients to banks and professional advisers?
Yes.
Anchor maintains relationships across private banks, specialist providers, brokers, law firms, trustees and other professional institutions.
Introductions are made where there is a suitable fit and where the client’s circumstances, objectives and onboarding requirements are properly understood.
Do you have a minimum account size?
Anchor is not a platform or private bank with a published account minimum.
Fit is based less on a single number and more on the complexity and seriousness of the situation.
The work is usually most relevant where a client has meaningful wealth, international affairs, multiple advisers, business interests, family considerations or strategic decisions that need careful coordination.
For simple account openings or basic financial planning, a regulated bank or financial adviser may be more appropriate.
Which clients and markets do you have particular experience with?
Anchor works with international clients across a range of markets and jurisdictions.
Michael Yanni has particularly deep experience advising Nigerian UHNW families, entrepreneurs and business owners, developed over many years in private banking and advisory roles.
This provides Anchor with a strong network, valuable market insight and a nuanced understanding of the needs of internationally connected families.
At the same time, Anchor is not limited to any single nationality or market. Many of the challenges faced by successful families and business owners, such as banking relationships, cross-border considerations, succession planning and adviser coordination, are global in nature, and Anchor’s approach is designed to support clients wherever they are based.
How does an engagement usually begin?
Most engagements begin with a private conversation.
From there, Anchor may help map the current position, identify priority issues, review relevant documents, prepare information for banks or advisers, make suitable introductions, support meetings, and help the client move towards clearer decisions.
The scope depends on the client’s circumstances.
What is "Wealth Notes"?
Wealth Notes is Michael Yanni’s occasional private letter on family wealth, banking, cross-border planning, risk, succession and private client decision-making.
It is not a product newsletter or market update. It is a way to share practical thinking with clients, families and business owners who value clear judgement over noise.
Get in touch to receive past or upcoming Notes.
A practical advisory role.
Anchor helps clients think clearly, organise the right information, engage suitable experts and move important matters forward.
The work is not about selling products. It is about judgement, access, coordination and practical execution.