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ABU DHABI: Arab Bank Switzerland has expanded its presence in the UAE with the launch of a new advisory business in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), strengthening its position in the region’s growing digital asset and wealth management sector.
The bank’s regional entity, Arab Bank Switzerland ME Ltd, has received Financial Services Permission (FSP) from ADGM’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), allowing it to provide regulated advisory services to institutional and private clients.
The expansion brings together the bank’s established Swiss private banking expertise and its experience in cryptocurrency services, offering clients access to advice on digital asset management, custody arrangements and wealth succession planning.
The new Abu Dhabi operation will serve financial institutions, large corporations, fintech companies, family offices and high-net-worth individuals seeking guidance on traditional and emerging financial assets.
Abu Dhabi Office to Focus on Digital Asset Advisory
Arab Bank Switzerland ME Ltd will draw on the group’s existing digital asset infrastructure to advise clients on accessing, holding and managing cryptocurrency investments and other digital holdings.
The business will also address estate and succession planning for digital assets, an increasingly important consideration as cryptocurrencies become part of private and institutional investment portfolios.
Arab Bank Switzerland already offers a range of digital asset services, including cryptocurrency custody, trading, staking and lending through its established banking operations.
Its Digital Explorer platform allows clients to monitor their holdings and access market information through a consolidated interface.
The Abu Dhabi entity is expected to build on these capabilities by providing advisory support within ADGM’s regulated financial services environment.
Valérie Noël Appointed CEO of Abu Dhabi Business
Valérie Noël has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Arab Bank Switzerland ME Ltd, bringing approximately 30 years of experience in wealth management and financial markets.
Noël previously held senior positions at HSBC Private Bank and Syz Group, developing expertise in private banking, investment services and multi-asset trading.
Her appointment reflects the bank’s strategy of combining established wealth management practices with emerging financial technologies.
The Abu Dhabi launch complements Arab Bank Switzerland’s existing presence in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
In June 2026, the bank established ABS (Middle East) Ltd in DIFC under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Samir Atitallah, with a primary focus on traditional wealth management services.
The two operations will allow the group to address different client requirements across the UAE’s international financial centres.
Swiss Private Bank Builds on Cryptocurrency Experience
Arab Bank Switzerland was among the early traditional financial institutions to introduce regulated cryptocurrency services.
In 2019, it became the first private bank regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) to offer cryptocurrency custody and trading.
The bank has since expanded its digital asset capabilities while continuing to develop its traditional private banking operations.
Its assets under management are approaching $25 billion, reflecting the group’s expansion in international wealth management.
The acquisition of Gonet in 2022, a Swiss private bank with origins dating to 1845, contributed to its growth and strengthened its position in the Swiss banking industry.
Beyond cryptocurrency trading and custody, Arab Bank Switzerland has also entered the digital art market through non-fungible token (NFT) custody services and the Arab Bank Switzerland Digital Art Prize.
These initiatives form part of its broader efforts to integrate blockchain technology into established financial services.
ADGM Strengthens Position as Digital Asset Hub
The launch adds another international financial institution to Abu Dhabi Global Market’s expanding digital asset ecosystem.
ADGM operates under a regulatory framework designed to accommodate financial innovation while maintaining standards for investor protection, financial integrity and risk management.
According to ADGM’s public register, Arab Bank Switzerland ME Ltd received its Financial Services Permission on October 22, 2026.
Its approved activities include investment advisory, arranging investment transactions, arranging custody and arranging credit within specified asset classes, including virtual assets.
The authorisation does not permit the company to serve retail clients or directly hold or control client assets.
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The addition of Arab Bank Switzerland highlights increasing interest among established international financial institutions in offering regulated digital asset services in the UAE.
Bank Targets Growing Institutional Demand
Rani Jabban, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Arab Bank Switzerland, described the Abu Dhabi launch as an important milestone in the group’s regional expansion.
He highlighted the UAE capital’s growing role in financial technology and digital asset innovation, adding that the bank intends to work with regional partners to provide regulated advisory services.
Noël said the company aims to establish long-term relationships with clients navigating the increasingly complex digital asset market.
She emphasised the importance of applying the same standards of transparency, investment discipline and risk management to digital holdings that are traditionally associated with established financial assets.
ADGM Chief Market Development Officer Arvind Ramamurthy also welcomed the bank’s arrival, highlighting the contribution of international banking expertise to Abu Dhabi’s financial ecosystem.
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UAE Expansion Connects Traditional Banking and Digital Finance
Arab Bank Switzerland’s presence in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai reflects a broader effort to serve clients across traditional wealth management and emerging digital financial services.
Its DIFC business focuses on established private banking and wealth management requirements, while the ADGM operation places greater emphasis on digital asset advisory.
The development comes as institutional investors increasingly examine how cryptocurrencies, blockchain-based assets and digital investment products can fit into diversified portfolios.
By combining its Swiss banking background with regulated operations in the UAE, Arab Bank Switzerland is positioning itself to meet demand for professional guidance in an evolving investment landscape.
The expansion also reinforces Abu Dhabi’s growing appeal as a regional centre for digital finance, where international financial institutions and technology companies are developing services that connect traditional banking with blockchain-based financial infrastructure.
