ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Julius Baer, the Swiss wealth management group, has announced plans to expand its UAE presence with the opening of a new advisory office in Abu Dhabi.
The firm said in a statement that it has received in-principle approval from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of ADGM to establish Julius Baer (Abu Dhabi) Ltd., its newest regional entity. The office, expected to open in December 2025, will cater to ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs), family offices, and entrepreneurs seeking bespoke wealth management services.
Stefan Bollinger, Chief Executive Officer of Julius Baer Group Ltd., said the move underscores the firm’s long-term commitment to the region. “The Middle East is one of the most important growth markets for Julius Baer and plays a central role in our global strategy. Two decades ago, we saw the region’s potential and built a strong local presence that allowed us to grow alongside our clients. Our expansion into Abu Dhabi is therefore not just another milestone but a reaffirmation of our long-term commitment to this dynamic region and to serving clients,” he said.
The new office will be led by Amir Iskander, who joins as Chief Executive Officer of Julius Baer (Abu Dhabi) Ltd. The company said Iskander brings extensive regional experience from senior leadership roles at Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Union National Bank, and Citigroup, with a focus on advising UHNW clients across the MENA region. In his new role, he will report to Régis Burger, Head of Middle East & Africa.
Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, welcomed the firm’s expansion, calling it an endorsement of Abu Dhabi’s growing status as a global financial centre. “Their decision to establish an office in our international financial centre is a strong vote of confidence in Abu Dhabi’s rise as a global financial nexus for wealth and asset management,” he said, noting ADGM’s progressive regulatory environment, deep capital base, and expanding ecosystem of family offices and financial institutions.
Rahul Malhotra, Head Region Emerging Markets at Julius Baer, said the establishment of the Abu Dhabi office is a natural progression in the firm’s journey in the UAE. “Abu Dhabi is emerging as one of the world’s most ambitious wealth hubs, where the tradition of family businesses meets a new generation of entrepreneurs. Establishing ourselves in ADGM is a natural next step in Julius Baer’s journey of growth in the UAE,” he said, adding that Iskander and his team would strengthen the firm’s client connectivity in the capital.
Julius Baer has operated in the Middle East since 2004, with offices in Dubai and Manama, supported by its major international hubs in Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The firm said the new Abu Dhabi presence will deepen its regional footprint and reinforce its strategy of serving sophisticated private clients through tailored wealth management solutions.