Dubai-based entrepreneur plans to expand international coverage, introduce new contributors and strengthen reporting on emerging markets.
Christopher Aleo, Swiss entrepreneur and founder of iSwiss Pay, has expanded his business portfolio into international publishing with the acquisition of Notizie Geopolitiche, an Italian online newspaper specialising in foreign policy, geopolitics and international affairs.
Completed through Switzerland-based iSwiss Deposit S.A., the acquisition marks the iSwiss group's entry into media, with plans to strengthen the publication's international presence and expand coverage of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Africa and emerging markets.
A long-time Dubai resident, Aleo aims to connect European audiences with developments shaping the Middle East, particularly economic diversification, technological innovation, investment and diplomatic relations. The newspaper will also examine growing partnerships linking the Gulf with Europe, Asia and Africa across trade, infrastructure and energy.
Founded in 2011 by Enrico Oliari, Notizie Geopolitiche has spent 15 years covering international relations and political developments. Under the new ownership, it will retain its editorial identity while introducing specialist sections, expanding its network of journalists and analysts, and incorporating contributors with direct regional expertise.
The publication also plans to strengthen cooperation with embassies, diplomatic missions, universities and international institutions to provide deeper analysis and broader perspectives on global developments.
Aleo believes the investment reflects the growing importance of informed journalism amid geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty and shifting international relationships.
"To understand the world, we must first learn to listen to it," Aleo wrote in a letter announcing the acquisition, highlighting his ambition to encourage diverse perspectives and provide greater context behind international events.
Editorial continuity will remain a priority. Founder Enrico Oliari will continue as editorial director, while Daniele Priori will retain his position as editor-in-chief. The existing team will be supported by additional international contributors as the publication develops.
Aleo also emphasised his commitment to editorial independence, describing it as essential to maintaining credibility.
"A newspaper must be free to report the facts, even when they do not align with the beliefs or interests of those who support it financially," he stated.
Drawing on his Swiss business background and Dubai's position as a hub connecting Europe, Asia and Africa, Aleo intends to develop the newspaper into a broader platform for international dialogue, specialist reporting and informed analysis.
The acquisition combines business expansion with a commitment to strengthening understanding between countries, cultures and economies, while preserving the publication's independence and established editorial foundations.
"For me, investing in publishing is an investment in knowledge—the only resource that multiplies when shared," Aleo concluded.