Julius Baer just got the green light to set up shop in Abu Dhabi’s financial hub (ADGM), with the office expected to launch in December 2025. This move doubles down on their regional strategy—they’ve had a UAE presence for 20 years, but now they’re going after ultra-high-net-worth clients more aggressively.
The new Abu Dhabi office will be led by Amir Iskander as CEO, operating as Julius Baer (Abu Dhabi) Ltd.
Leadership shake-up: Victoria McLean is taking over as Chief Compliance Officer and Executive Board member starting February 2026. She’s bringing 30+ years of wealth management experience from Goldman Sachs, where she headed EMEA compliance for private wealth.
Why it matters: Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as a serious contender for global wealth management. With Swiss banks like Julius Baer setting up, it signals confidence in the region’s regulatory framework and client base. The timing is interesting—wealth managers are diversifying geographically as regulations tighten in traditional markets.
Stock price: JGE.F closed at €62.40 on Frankfurt exchange Friday.
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Swiss Wealth Manager Julius Baer Eyes Middle East Gold Rush: Abu Dhabi Office + New Compliance Chief
Julius Baer just got the green light to set up shop in Abu Dhabi’s financial hub (ADGM), with the office expected to launch in December 2025. This move doubles down on their regional strategy—they’ve had a UAE presence for 20 years, but now they’re going after ultra-high-net-worth clients more aggressively.
The new Abu Dhabi office will be led by Amir Iskander as CEO, operating as Julius Baer (Abu Dhabi) Ltd.
Leadership shake-up: Victoria McLean is taking over as Chief Compliance Officer and Executive Board member starting February 2026. She’s bringing 30+ years of wealth management experience from Goldman Sachs, where she headed EMEA compliance for private wealth.
Why it matters: Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as a serious contender for global wealth management. With Swiss banks like Julius Baer setting up, it signals confidence in the region’s regulatory framework and client base. The timing is interesting—wealth managers are diversifying geographically as regulations tighten in traditional markets.
Stock price: JGE.F closed at €62.40 on Frankfurt exchange Friday.