HSBC has appointed Sami Abouzahr as Head of International Wealth and Premier Banking (IWPB), UAE and Middle East, effective immediately. Abouzahr relocates to the UAE from Hong Kong, where he most recently led investments and managed solutions for the bank’s Wealth and Premier Solutions business.
The appointment follows HSBC’s largest investment in its regional wealth business in two decades. The bank has expanded its wealth services, opened a dedicated wealth centre in Dubai and increased frontline staffing for affluent clients.
Sami Abouzahr brings 20 years of HSBC experience
Abouzahr has worked at HSBC for more than 20 years in senior wealth management roles. He brings international leadership experience across wealth management, asset management and banking.
Since July 2025, Abouzahr has served as Head of Investments and Managed Solutions, Wealth and Premier Solutions, in Hong Kong. His new role places him in charge of International Wealth and Premier Banking across the UAE and the wider Middle East.
Selim Kervancı, CEO of HSBC Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye, said Abouzahr’s experience across Asia and HSBC’s international network would support the bank’s regional ambitions.
Kervancı also highlighted the importance of understanding affluent and high-net-worth clients as HSBC continues investing in its people, products and infrastructure.
HSBC expands its UAE wealth management business
HSBC has increased its investment in wealth management services in the UAE. In 2025, the bank opened the Middle East’s first wealth centre at its flagship Jumeirah branch in Dubai.
The bank plans to open another wealth centre in Abu Dhabi later in 2026. HSBC has also introduced an enhanced Premier account and doubled its frontline staff dedicated to affluent clients.
In addition, HSBC established an onshore asset management business in the UAE. The bank says it became the first global asset manager to launch onshore funds in the country.
HSBC has also expanded its digital investment platforms. Its WorldTrader platform reached US$800 million in trading volumes within 12 months of launch.
These investments form the backdrop to Abouzahr’s appointment. His remit covers International Wealth and Premier Banking across the UAE and the Middle East as HSBC continues developing its regional wealth business.
UAE wealth strategy gains regional leadership focus
HSBC is positioning the UAE as a key wealth hub within its global network. The appointment brings a senior wealth leader from Hong Kong to Dubai as the bank develops its regional services.
Abouzahr said the UAE offered substantial opportunities in wealth management. He also pointed to HSBC’s international network as a way to connect UAE clients with global investment 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,” Abouzahr said.
His appointment follows HSBC’s expansion of its wealth infrastructure, products and frontline teams. The bank’s stated priorities include serving affluent and high-net-worth clients through its regional and international network.
HSBC’s presence across the Middle East
HSBC operates across nine markets in the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye (MENAT). These include the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Egypt, Algeria and Türkiye.
In Saudi Arabia, HSBC holds a 31% stake in Saudi Awwal Bank and a 51% stake in HSBC Saudi Arabia, which provides investment banking services in the Kingdom.
HSBC reported US$83 billion in assets across MENAT as of 31 December 2025.
Abouzahr will lead International Wealth and Premier Banking in the UAE and Middle East as HSBC continues investing in its regional wealth business and its position within the group’s international network.
