UBS has unveiled a number of key measures aimed at significantly boosting the firms growth in the Middle East. This package of initiatives further demonstrates UBSs long-term commitment to the Middle East and will help achieve its goal of becoming one of the regions leading financial services providers.
UBS has been granted conditional authorisation by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) to set up operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
John Fraser, chairman and CEO of UBS Global Asset Management and group executive board member will also become chairman of UBS Saudi Arabia, and Mohammed Al Dhoheyan, currently CEO of the Development and Management House for Investments (an existing CMA regulated firm), will assume the role of vice chairman.
“With over 40 years experience in the region our decision to set up operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is further evidence of UBSs long-term commitment to the Middle East and marks yet another important milestone for the firm in this very exciting and significant market, says John Fraser.
Following the final approval of the CMA and other relevant authorities, UBS Saudi Arabia plans to open by year end. In line with its integrated business model, UBS Saudi Arabia will focus on UBSs global core securities businesses offering international and domestic clients comprehensive Wealth Management, Asset Management and Investment Banking services.
UBS is also pleased to announce that it is proposed that Mohamed Sammakia will become CEO of UBS Saudi Arabia subject to receiving the usual regulatory approvals.
Currently a managing director in UBSs Fixed Income division and president of the Middle East Region based in London, Mohameds longstanding career within the Middle East and North Africa spans more than 30 years. Mohamed has a proven track record and been instrumental in numerous high profile UBS deals in the region.
In his new role, Mohamed will be responsible for setting up UBSs new operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as well as focusing on the continued expansion of UBSs successful platform throughout the region. As part of this, he will build on his extensive and long-serving relationships in the region to develop cross-business opportunities to maximise revenue growth and profitability in the Middle East.
UBS has made an application to the Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority for a licence to open and operate a branch in the Qatar Financial Centre. This will not only further the firms strategy of increasing its footprint in the Middle East but will also provides UBS with access to the many opportunities within Qatar, which has both the highest GDP per capita in the world and one of the highest rates of economic growth.
As part of its long term expansion in the Middle East UBS also plans to: Expand its regional IBD team – having recently appointed Christopher Niehaus as joint head of Investment Banking MENA – by more than double by end of 2008; Establish regional coverage of Middle East stocks out of the UAE by end 2008 UBS recently initiated economic coverage of the UAE via the European Economics Research Team in London.
In another recent development in the region, UBS Global Asset Management joined forces with Abu Dhabi Investment Company in February 2008 to form a 50/50 joint venture to develop, promote, and manage infrastructure funds focused on the MENA region. The joint ventures first fund ADIC-UBS Infrastructure Fund I will be a USD 500 million fund which is expected to launch during 2008.