Aquarian Holdings

Bridging Insurance and Asset Management

Aquarian Holdings is a diversified global holding company that operates at the intersection of insurance, asset management, real estate, and technology. Founded in 2017 by Rudy Sahay, the New York-based firm has rapidly scaled its operations, managing approximately $26.9 billion in assets (AUM) as of late 2025. With a strategic focus on acquiring and optimizing insurance-related assets, Aquarian leverages its deep capital base—bolstered by a massive $1.5 billion funding round led by Mubadala Capital—to drive performance across its multi-strategy platform.

A Culture of Performance and Strategic Growth

Aquarian operates with the intensity and precision typical of top-tier financial services firms. The culture emphasizes "Passion Drives Performance," reflecting a high-stakes environment where strategic thinking and execution are paramount. Given its rapid expansion into areas like real estate (with the launch of Aquarian Real Estate Partners) and its aggressive M&A strategy, employees are expected to be adaptable, analytical, and ready to navigate complex financial structures.

While public employee reviews are limited, the firm's trajectory suggests a culture that rewards ambition and the ability to handle significant responsibility, especially as it manages billions in assets and pursues high-profile acquisitions.

What You'll Actually Do

Work at Aquarian varies significantly by division, but the core focus remains on maximizing asset value and identifying strategic opportunities.

For investment and asset management roles, days are likely spent analyzing market trends, structuring deals, and managing portfolio performance across credit, real estate, and insurance sectors. Operations and compliance teams ensure that the firm's complex, multi-strategy platform adheres to regulatory standards while supporting rapid growth. The environment is fast-paced, requiring a deep understanding of financial markets and the regulatory landscape of the insurance industry.

Compensation & Benefits

As a well-funded financial holding company, Aquarian offers competitive compensation packages typical of the New York finance sector. While comprehensive public data is sparse, an Investment Associate role reportedly averages around $159,000 annually. Other roles, such as AML Compliance Analysts, see ranges between $72K and $115K. The firm's massive capital backing suggests the ability to offer strong incentives, though exact equity or bonus structures remain closely guarded.

The Interview Process

Details on Aquarian's interview process are not widely publicized, but candidates should expect a rigorous, multi-round format standard for private equity and asset management firms. Interviews likely heavily index on technical financial modeling, strategic case studies, and a deep understanding of the insurance and credit markets. Cultural fit—specifically the ability to thrive in a high-performance, high-pressure environment—is also a critical component of the evaluation.

Why Join / Why Not

Why Join: Aquarian offers a front-row seat to massive financial transactions and the opportunity to work within a rapidly growing firm backed by major sovereign wealth (Mubadala). It's an ideal environment for finance professionals looking to build expertise in the niche but lucrative intersection of insurance and asset management.

Why Not: The intense, performance-driven culture may not suit those looking for a predictable 9-to-5 schedule. The firm's aggressive growth and M&A focus mean the environment is likely demanding, and the lack of widespread public employee feedback means joining requires a leap of faith regarding day-to-day work-life balance.