Julius Baer, the leading Swiss wealth management group, has secured in-principle approval from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) to open a new advisory office in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the international financial centre of the UAE’s capital. The expansion marks a reaffirmation of the firm’s long-term commitment to the Middle East, where it has maintained a presence for over two decades.
The new legal entity, Julius Baer (Abu Dhabi) Ltd., will focus on catering to ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs), family offices, and entrepreneurs seeking bespoke wealth management services. The Middle East is cited by the Group as one of its most important growth markets and central to its global strategy.
Leadership and local commitment
The new advisory office will be led by Amir Iskander, who joins as chief executive officer of the entity, reporting to Régis Burger, head of Middle East & Africa. Iskander brings deep regional insights from prior leadership roles at Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Union National Bank, and Citigroup, with a strong focus on advising UHNWIs across the MENA region.
Stefan Bollinger, CEO of Julius Baer Group Ltd., commented that the expansion is a reaffirmation of their long-term commitment to the dynamic region. Rahul Malhotra, head region emerging markets, added that establishing an office in ADGM is a natural next step, as Abu Dhabi is emerging as one of the world’s most ambitious wealth hubs.
Strengthening the wealth nexus
The decision by Julius Baer, which has a Swiss legacy and long-standing global reputation, is seen as a strong vote of confidence in Abu Dhabi’s rise as a global financial nexus for wealth and asset management.
His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, chairman of ADGM, highlighted that the financial centre is uniquely positioned to support Julius Baer’s ambition due to its progressive regulatory framework, deep pools of capital, and growing community of family offices and sovereign investors.
Julius Baer has had a presence in the Middle East since 2004, with existing offices in Dubai and Manama, which are complemented by coverage from traditional hubs including Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
