How a Miami investment firm became a bridge between Saudi capital and global markets
In short: Founded by Jared Kushner in 2021, Affinity Partners has secured billions in funding from sovereign wealth funds in the Middle East. Operating with unique regulatory exemptions, the firm has navigated intense scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest, foreign influence, and its role in shaping international business and diplomatic corridors.
Affinity Partners, a Miami-based investment firm, was established in 2021 by Jared Kushner shortly after his tenure as a senior advisor in the first Trump administration. The firm operates under a distinct legal structure that excludes it from the standard anti-money laundering and beneficial ownership reporting requirements mandated for other financial institutions under the Investment Company Act of 1940. With a small staff of approximately 20 people, the firm is fully owned by Kushner and has focused its investment strategy on American and Israeli companies, as well as ventures in India, Africa, and other parts of Asia.
The firm's capital is primarily derived from Gulf sovereign wealth funds, with the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) serving as the largest investor. By the end of 2021, the PIF had allocated $2 billion to the firm, a decision made by Saudi ruler Mohammed bin Salman despite objections from the fund's own officials. By April 2026, investigations indicated the firm had amassed $6.16 billion in assets. This financial backing has fueled diverse projects, ranging from eco-resort developments in Albania to the incubation of AI startups and participation in massive leveraged buyouts, such as the $52.5 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts in 2025.
The firm has faced significant controversy regarding the intersection of private finance and public policy. Ethics experts and congressional committees have raised concerns that the investments could represent a form of payback for Kushner’s defense of the Saudi royal family during his time in the White House. Furthermore, reports have highlighted potential conflicts of interest, such as the firm’s investment in Phoenix Financial—which holds stakes in Israeli arms manufacturers—while Kushner simultaneously acted as an unofficial negotiator for regional peace plans. Despite collecting approximately $157 million in management fees between 2021 and 2024, the firm has faced criticism for generating no returns for its clientele during that period, while remaining a focal point for debates on foreign influence in American politics.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Affinity Partners
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