Associate Director

Job description / Role

About organisation

Our partner organisation is an independent financial advisory firm based in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). With a personalised three-tier approach, the firm designs tailored investment strategies aligned to each client's risk profile, return requirements, and life stage. The platform operates on an open-architecture model and offers a comprehensive suite of services, including advising on financial products, arranging investment deals, and arranging custody solutions.

Role description

This is a full-time, on-site role for an Associate Director / Director – Private Banking, based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The role focuses on business relationship management, investment advisory services, portfolio management, and delivering high-quality private banking services to ultra-high-net-worth (U/HNW) clients.

Key responsibilities

• Build, manage, and grow long-term relationships with U/HNW clients in Dubai and the wider region.
• Leverage an existing financial network and client relationships to onboard new-to-bank (NTB) clients and their families.
• Manage a focused portfolio of high wallet-share relationships, with a minimum account opening ticket size of USD 1MM.
• Position and key-sell the private banking platform and its open-architecture investment solutions.
• Collaborate closely with internal investment, product, and compliance teams to deliver a high-touch, differentiated client experience.
• Ensure full adherence to DFSA regulations and client onboarding compliance requirements.

The successful applicant

• 10+ years of experience in priority or private banking.
• Experience gained at reputable international private banks; candidates currently at local banks should have prior international private banking exposure.
• Proven track record managing a limited number of high-value relationships (typically fewer than 25 clients).
• Demonstrated AUM thresholds of: USD 25M+ for Associate Director, USD 50M+ for Director.
• Strong understanding of regional markets and regulatory frameworks for onboarding clients in the Middle East.
• Stable career trajectory over the past 5 years.
• Bachelor's degree (or higher) from a top-tier institution; MBA (Finance), CFA, or equivalent qualifications preferred.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, strong work ethic, and high personal integrity.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Qualifications

• Strong expertise in private banking, wealth management, and investment advisory.
• Proven capabilities in portfolio management and client relationship management.
• High level of analytical judgement and decision-making ability.
• Relevant professional certifications such as CFA, CFP, or equivalent are an advantage.