Barclays has named former HSBC banker Farzad Billimoria as the new head of private bank for the UAE.  

Billimoria will oversee the local team, governance, and drive growth in the UAE, positioning it as a “strategic hub” for the broader Middle East and international corridors.  

He will operate out of Dubai and start on 1 July, pending regulatory approval. 

Billimoria brings three decades of expertise in financial services, with experience in private banking, wealth management, and retail banking.  

At HSBC, he was the senior executive officer and head of private bank for the UAE.  

During his stint, he led the establishment of HSBC Private Bank (Suisse) offices in the Dubai International Financial Centre and Abu Dhabi Global Market. 

Additionally, Billimoria launched HSBC’s first onshore private bank booking centre in the UAE and managed the growth of the Non-Resident Indians business in the region.  

He has handled some of the UAE’s largest ultra-high-net-worth client portfolios and relationships, the UK-based bank said.   

Annabelle Bryde, Barclays’ head of private bank international, will be his reporting line. 

Bryde said: “The Middle East presents significant growth opportunities for Barclays with its expanding influence on global markets and increasing wealth generation. We are excited to welcome Farzad, who brings with him a strong blend of leadership and extensive local market experience.  

“His appointment reflects our ambition to further elevate the importance and priority of the region, alongside accelerating our growth plans in the UAE.” 

In November 2024, Barclays revealed plans to launch a new private bank booking centre in Singapore, aiming to expand its presence in Asia.  

The Singapore centre is expected to start operations by 2026.  

It will support local asset booking for affluent clients, providing an integrated ‘one-bank’ proposition through collaboration with Barclays Investment Bank.