HSBC has appointed Sami Abouzahr to lead its International Wealth and Premier Banking business across the UAE and Middle East, effective immediately. The move comes as the bank expands its wealth management services and strengthens its position in the region’s growing financial market.
Abouzahr moves to the UAE from Hong Kong, where he served as Head of Investments and Managed Solutions, Wealth and Premier Solutions, since July 2025. He has worked at HSBC for more than 20 years, holding senior wealth management positions across the group’s two home markets.
His international leadership experience spans wealth management, asset management and banking. Consequently, HSBC expects his background to support its efforts to attract affluent and high-net-worth clients across the Middle East.
Why HSBC Selected Sami Abouzahr
Selim Kervancı, CEO of HSBC Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye, highlighted Abouzahr’s expertise and understanding of wealthy clients’ needs.
“Sami’s deep wealth management expertise and his understanding of the needs of affluent and high-net-worth clients – built across Asia and our international network – make him the right leader to capture the significant opportunity in the region as we continue to invest in our people, products and infrastructure.”
The appointment reflects HSBC’s continued investment in the region’s wealth management business. The bank aims to connect clients with international investment opportunities while expanding its services and strengthening its regional presence.
HSBC Expands Its Wealth Management Services in the UAE
HSBC has increased investment in its UAE wealth business through new facilities, enhanced banking products and additional staff. In 2025, the bank opened the Middle East’s first wealth centre at its flagship Jumeirah branch in Dubai.
It also plans to open another wealth centre in Abu Dhabi later in 2026. Meanwhile, HSBC introduced an enhanced Premier account and doubled the number of frontline employees serving affluent customers.
The bank has also established an onshore asset management business in the UAE. It became the first global asset manager to launch onshore funds in the country.
Furthermore, HSBC continues to develop its digital investment services, including World Trader. The platform reached USD 800 million in trading volumes within 12 months of its launch.
Abouzahr Highlights the UAE’s Global Investment Potential
Abouzahr said the UAE offers significant opportunities for wealth management and international investment. He also emphasised HSBC’s global network as an advantage for clients seeking access to international markets.
“The UAE is one of the most exciting wealth markets in the world, and HSBC’s international network gives us an unrivalled ability to connect clients here to global opportunities. I look forward to building on the strong momentum in the business as we reposition the Middle East as a leading wealth hub for the Group.”
His appointment comes as HSBC continues to expand its regional wealth services, invest in specialist staff and develop digital investment platforms. The bank’s latest move signals its intention to strengthen its presence in the UAE and position the Middle East as a major wealth management hub.
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