Swiss asset management firm Julius Baer just got the green light to open shop in Abu Dhabi’s Global Market (ADGM). Here’s what’s happening:
The Expansion: New advisory office launching December 2025, led by Amir Iskander as CEO. The firm is targeting ultra-high-net-worth clients across the region—building on its 20-year presence in the UAE.
Why Abu Dhabi? ADGM chairman Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi framed it as proof that the financial center is now the go-to destination for international wealth managers. Julius Baer’s Swiss pedigree + regional expertise = the kind of move that signals confidence in Middle East wealth management growth.
Leadership Shuffle: Victoria McLean takes over as Chief Compliance Officer starting end of February 2026. She’s bringing 30+ years of experience from Goldman Sachs, where she headed Private Wealth Management Compliance across EMEA.
Market Context: Stock closed Friday at €62.40 in Frankfurt. This expansion hints at Julius Baer’s broader strategy to capture wealth management flows in the Gulf—a space that’s heating up fast.
The play here? Global wealth firms are repositioning in Middle Eastern financial hubs. Julius Baer’s move suggests ADGM is becoming legit competition in the international wealth game.
This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.
Swiss Wealth Giant Julius Baer Moves Into Abu Dhabi's Financial Hub
Swiss asset management firm Julius Baer just got the green light to open shop in Abu Dhabi’s Global Market (ADGM). Here’s what’s happening:
The Expansion: New advisory office launching December 2025, led by Amir Iskander as CEO. The firm is targeting ultra-high-net-worth clients across the region—building on its 20-year presence in the UAE.
Why Abu Dhabi? ADGM chairman Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi framed it as proof that the financial center is now the go-to destination for international wealth managers. Julius Baer’s Swiss pedigree + regional expertise = the kind of move that signals confidence in Middle East wealth management growth.
Leadership Shuffle: Victoria McLean takes over as Chief Compliance Officer starting end of February 2026. She’s bringing 30+ years of experience from Goldman Sachs, where she headed Private Wealth Management Compliance across EMEA.
Market Context: Stock closed Friday at €62.40 in Frankfurt. This expansion hints at Julius Baer’s broader strategy to capture wealth management flows in the Gulf—a space that’s heating up fast.
The play here? Global wealth firms are repositioning in Middle Eastern financial hubs. Julius Baer’s move suggests ADGM is becoming legit competition in the international wealth game.