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BackAnalysts point to growing adoption of a ‘dual-hub’ model, using secondary Asian bases to hedge against geopolitical risk
Analysts point to growing adoption of a ‘dual-hub’ model, using secondary Asian bases to hedge against geopolitical risk
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SCMP Economy55 minutes agoBusiness1 min readChina

Analysts point to growing adoption of a ‘dual-hub’ model, using secondary Asian bases to hedge against geopolitical risk

dual-hub modelgeopolitical riskxbratai

Quick Look

Paul Bratby, founder of Dubai-based AI trading platform xBratAI, accelerated plans to establish a Hong Kong entity due to the Iran conflict, joining other digital businesses and investors using secondary Asian bases in Hong Kong and Singapore to hedge against geopolitical risks in the Gulf region.

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Why It Matters

The Iran conflict has widened in scope, leading to missile threats against Gulf capitals and disruptions to shipping lanes, prompting businesses to seek geographic diversification.

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Analysts point to growing adoption of a ‘dual-hub’ model, using secondary Asian bases to hedge against geopolitical risk

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Published: 8:00am, 23 Sep 2026

Paul Bratby had already drawn up plans for expanding to Hong Kong when war broke out in the Middle East earlier this year.

But the founder of xBratAI, a Dubai-based AI-powered trading signals platform, soon brought that timeline forward as the Iran conflict dragged on and widened in scope.

“Our Hong Kong entity had been scheduled for a few years later, but we established it in early 2026,” he said.

Bratby is not alone in looking east. As missiles continue to target Gulf capitals and shipping lanes, digital businesses and investors are increasingly setting up shop in Hong Kong and Singapore.

Open Questions

  • How effective is the dual-hub model in mitigating operational risks?
  • What specific advantages do Hong Kong and Singapore offer over other Asian bases?
  • Are other industries beyond AI trading adopting similar strategies?

Related Topics

dual-hub model
PeoplePaul Bratby
OrganizationsxBratAI
PlacesHong KongSingaporeDubai
Topicsgeopolitical riskxbrataihong kongsingaporeiran conflictgulf capitals
This article was originally published by SCMP Economy.

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