Founded in Dubai in 2010, Knightsbridge Group has grown into a respected international advisory firm supporting individuals, families, and businesses with some of life’s most important decisions. From legal and corporate advisory to immigration, real estate, accounting, and wealth management, the firm is known for its ability to bring clarity to complex, multi-jurisdictional matters.

With offices in London, Istanbul, and Milan, and its headquarters in Dubai, Knightsbridge Group serves a truly global clientele while maintaining a strong client-first and independent approach. At the heart of the firm is a commitment to discretion, long-term thinking, and tailored solutions that go beyond transactions and focus on lasting value.

In this interview, we speak with Sheldon Labuschagne, CEO of Knightsbridge Group, about the firm’s journey, its presence in Dubai, and how Knightsbridge Group continues to help clients secure global mobility, stability, and peace of mind in an increasingly complex world.

Knightsbridge Group has evolved into a truly international firm since its founding in Dubai in 2010. How would you describe the journey so far, and what core values have guided the firm’s growth across different regions?

Knightsbridge Group’s journey has been one of deliberate, principle-led growth rather than rapid expansion for its own sake. Since founding the firm in Dubai in 2010, our focus has always been on building a trusted advisory platform that could support clients across borders with consistency, discretion, and depth of expertise.

As the firm expanded into markets such as London, Istanbul, and Milan, the guiding values remained constant: independence, integrity, and a commitment to long-term thinking. These principles have shaped how we enter new regions, build local expertise, and ensure that every office operates to the same standards of quality and client care. Our growth has been driven by client need and trust, not opportunism, which has allowed us to remain aligned with our core purpose while serving an increasingly global clientele.

Knightsbridge Group offers a wide range of services, from legal advisory and corporate services to wealth management and immigration solutions. How does this integrated approach benefit clients, especially those with complex, cross-border needs?

Clients with international lives rarely face challenges in isolation. Legal structuring, tax exposure, immigration status, asset protection, and succession planning are deeply interconnected, particularly in cross-border contexts. Knightsbridge Group’s integrated approach allows us to address these elements holistically rather than through fragmented advice.

By bringing legal, corporate, immigration, real estate, accounting, and wealth advisory under one coordinated structure, we reduce risk, inefficiency, and misalignment. Clients benefit from clear strategy, consistent advice, and solutions that are designed with the full picture in mind. This integrated model ensures that decisions made in one jurisdiction or discipline support, rather than undermine, the client’s broader objectives.

Dubai is a key global hub for international business, investors, and families seeking long-term security. How does Knightsbridge Group support clients in the UAE, and what makes your Dubai presence particularly important to your global operations?

Dubai plays a central role in Knightsbridge Group’s global operations, not only as our headquarters but as a strategic hub for international clients. The city attracts entrepreneurs, investors, and families from around the world who are seeking stability, tax efficiency, global connectivity, and long-term planning solutions.

Our presence in Dubai allows us to support clients at critical transition points, whether they are relocating, structuring international assets, establishing corporate entities, or planning for future generations. Dubai also serves as a bridge between regions, enabling us to coordinate advisory work across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. The regulatory maturity of the UAE, combined with its international outlook, makes it an ideal base for delivering sophisticated, cross-border advice.

A major area of Knightsbridge Group’s expertise is second citizenship and residency by investment. In today’s world, why is global mobility becoming so important for individuals and families, and how does your team guide clients through this journey responsibly?

Global mobility has become a strategic consideration for individuals and families with international interests. Beyond lifestyle, it provides optionality, jurisdictional flexibility, and risk diversification in an environment where regulatory, political, and economic conditions can change quickly. Second citizenship and residency are therefore viewed less as lifestyle choices and more as strategic planning tools.

At Knightsbridge Group, this work is led by a dedicated, experienced team that approaches mobility planning collaboratively. We take the time to understand each client’s broader objectives, from family considerations to asset structuring and succession planning, before advising on suitable jurisdictions and pathways. By combining legal, compliance, and advisory expertise within one coordinated team, we ensure each solution is carefully structured, well-managed, and aligned with the client’s wider long-term strategy.

Knightsbridge Group is known for its independent, client-first approach. How does remaining free from external affiliations help you deliver objective advice and build long-term trust with your clients?

Independence is fundamental to our ability to advise objectively. By remaining free from external affiliations, quotas, or product-driven incentives, Knightsbridge Group is able to focus entirely on what is right for the client. This allows us to evaluate options critically, compare jurisdictions or structures fairly, and recommend solutions based on merit rather than commercial pressure.

Clients recognise and value this independence because it creates trust. They know our advice is grounded in analysis, experience, and long-term thinking, not short-term gain. Over time, this client-first approach strengthens relationships and positions Knightsbridge Group as a trusted advisor rather than a transactional service provider.

As CEO, your leadership plays a key role in shaping the firm’s culture. How do your personal principles influence the way Knightsbridge Group works with clients, and how do you ensure the firm continues to deliver solutions that last across generations?

My leadership philosophy is rooted in responsibility, consistency, and long-term stewardship. I believe that advisory work carries a duty of care, particularly when clients are making decisions that affect their families, assets, and future generations. That perspective shapes how Knightsbridge Group engages with clients and how we define success.

From a cultural standpoint, I emphasise integrity, collaboration, and accountability across the firm. This means investing in expertise, maintaining rigorous standards, and ensuring that senior leadership remains closely involved in complex client matters. By fostering a culture that prioritises enduring value over quick outcomes, we are able to deliver solutions that are resilient, compliant, and relevant not just today, but for decades to come.