Head of Private Banking

First Abu Dhabi Bank

Job Title
Head of Private Banking MENA Region First Abu Dhabi Bank Dubai
Job Description
Head of Private Banking MENA Region First Abu Dhabi Bank Dubai

Role Summary
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the UAE s largest bank and a global leader in financial services, is looking for a strategic and visionary leader to head our Private Banking proposition across the MENA region. This senior role, based in Dubai, will be responsible for formulating and executing region-wide strategies across key Gulf markets including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman. You will oversee client-centric private banking services, foster cross-border collaboration, and spearhead the growth of diversified revenue streams and elite client engagement models.

Job Details
Job Location: Dubai, UAE
Industry: Banking
Function: Financial Planning / Advising
Gender: Any
Candidate Nationality: Any
Candidate Current Location: Any
Job Type: Full time

What You ll Do

* Lead the strategic build-out of the private banking business across MENA markets in coordination with the Global Head of Private Banking
* Drive performance across multiple private banking centers with accountability for KPIs, P&L, and cross-jurisdiction coverage
* Champion a wide spectrum of client-centric offerings including discretionary portfolio management, structured products, jumbo insurance financing, real estate-backed solutions, and Shariah-compliant services
* Foster collaboration between regional private banking teams and product centers of excellence
* Spearhead partnerships with internal stakeholders such as legal, compliance, finance, and operations to support governance and execution
* Represent FAB in external forums, industry events, and media engagements to enhance brand awareness
* Guide training initiatives to elevate private banking knowledge and ensure integrity across international teams
* Lead budgeting, forecasting, target setting, and special initiatives involving complex client restructuring or high-stakes commercial matters

Ideal Profile

* 15+ years of experience in private banking, investment management, or wealth advisory, with deep MENA regional exposure
* Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or Liberal Arts; MBA or professional certification (e.g. CFA, CAIA) preferred
* Strong understanding of regional regulatory frameworks and high-value financial instruments
* Expertise in managing HNW and UHNW client relationships, with a proven ability to deliver personalized investment strategies
* Broad product knowledge: funds, LP-GP structures, structured notes, Islamic investment tools
* Fluent English required; Arabic language proficiency is a strong advantage
* Exceptional leadership, communication, and cross-functional coordination skills
* Experience with strategic vendor management and external partnerships is desirable