The Swiss-headquartered Vontobel Group has
launched an onshore private banking business in Dubai to target
wealthy local clients and to grow its client base in the Middle
East.

A Vontobel spokesperson told PBI the
bank, which operates an integrated business model, will provide
onshore private banking services in addition to the already
existing investment bank. Structured products will form a core part
of Vontobel’s offering.

However, Vontobel’s asset management service
is not presented onshore, but may be provided out of Switzerland if
client requires, the spokesperson added.

 

Vontobel follows other Swiss
players

Vontobel joins other Swiss-based private
banks, including Bank Sarasin, Julius Baer and Mirabaud, which are
building their Middle East operations.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Vontobel said it does not have a headcount
target but, does want to grow its Dubai presence aggressively. The
bank has a client’s asset under management target but declined to
disclose it.

 

Middle East growth
“undiminished”

This summer, the bank hired Ramzi Charaf as
regional head to oversee its Dubai-based private banking operations
from HSBC Private Bank. Charaf joined the firm together with his
team.

According to Vontobel’s head of private
banking Peter Fanconi, the business expansion into the Middle East
is a response to the region’s “undiminished growth potential” as
well as a logical step forward.