Swiss Wealth Manager Julius Baer Strengthens Middle East Footprint With Abu Dhabi Expansion and Leadership Upgrade

Switzerland’s prominent wealth management firm Julius Baer has secured regulatory clearance to establish its latest advisory office in Abu Dhabi’s Global Market (ADGM), signaling a significant move into one of the region’s most dynamic financial hubs. The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) has granted in-principle approval for the initiative, with operations expected to commence in December 2025.

Strategic Expansion Into Abu Dhabi’s Wealth Sector

The decision reflects Julius Baer’s commitment to deepening its presence in the Middle East, building upon two decades of operations that began with its first UAE office. The newly established Julius Baer (Abu Dhabi) Ltd. will be headed by Amir Iskander as Chief Executive Officer, targeting ultra-high-net-worth clients seeking Swiss-backed asset management services. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, highlighted the significance of this development, emphasizing how the firm’s Swiss heritage and international reputation align perfectly with Abu Dhabi’s positioning as a premier destination for global wealth managers.

The expansion underscores Abu Dhabi’s growing appeal as a wealth management hub, particularly among international firms seeking to serve clients across the region. Julius Baer’s local expertise combined with its global wealth management infrastructure positions it to capitalize on the emirate’s competitive advantages in financial services.

Leadership Restructuring and Compliance Enhancement

Complementing the geographic expansion, Julius Baer has appointed Victoria McLean to lead its compliance operations as Chief Compliance Officer and Executive Board member, effective from the end of February 2026. This appointment signals the firm’s prioritization of robust governance structures as it scales operations internationally.

McLean brings over three decades of experience in wealth management and compliance functions. Her background includes a significant tenure at Goldman Sachs, where she directed private wealth management compliance across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). Her appointment strengthens Julius Baer’s compliance framework at a critical juncture of international expansion, reflecting industry best practices in regulatory oversight and risk management.

Market Context

At the time of announcement, Julius Baer’s shares closed at 62.40 euros on the Frankfurt exchange, reflecting investor confidence in the firm’s strategic direction. The combination of regulatory approval and senior leadership reinforcement demonstrates a coordinated approach to managing both growth and governance challenges in an increasingly complex regulatory environment.