How did you get started in finance and wealth management?
My journey in finance and wealth management began with a personal inspiration—my father, a successful banker and trader. Growing up, I was immersed in financial markets, with chart analysis becoming a shared passion at home. However, I soon realized that another key element was missing: fundamental analysis. To bridge this gap, I pursued a master’s degree in economics, followed by another in banking and finance, to deepen my understanding of the industry.
I launched my professional career in 1995 at ABN AMRO BANK N.V., where I had the invaluable opportunity to work across all banking departments over eight years. This experience solidified my passion for financial markets and private banking. Later, during my 15-year tenure at Byblos Bank SAL, I worked in the Capital Markets department and played a key role in establishing the Private Banking Department alongside my colleagues. To further strengthen my expertise, I pursued professional certifications from the Securities Investment Institute in London, covering areas such as securities, financial derivatives, UK and Lebanese financial regulations. Additionally, I earned a certification as a dealer from the Inter-Arab Cambist Association.
In 2018, I transitioned from Lebanese private banking to the Swiss private banking sector, joining Credit Agricole Indosuez in Geneva before moving to Credit Suisse. Following UBS’s acquisition of Credit Suisse in March 2023, I recognized a growing need among my clients for a more flexible and diversified approach to wealth management. This led me to shift towards external asset management, where diversification is paramount and I joined JAR Capital (DIFC) Ltd.
Through JAR Capital (DIFC) Ltd, a DFSA-regulated wealth management firm with a Category 3C License, I have the ability to serve my clients on both an advisory and discretionary basis. With its Swiss heritage, JAR Capital (DIFC) Ltd provides access to multiple custodians in Switzerland, Monaco, and the UAE, ensuring a seamless and flexible wealth management experience.
Beyond traditional and tailored portfolio management solutions for public markets, I address my clients’ evolving needs by offering a diverse range of opportunities in private markets, including real estate, venture capital, and private equity. This comprehensive approach allows me to deliver personalized investment strategies that align with my clients’ long-term financial goals.
What have been your biggest career successes?
My greatest professional achievement lies in the trust and strong reputation I have built over the years. These foundations have enabled me to grow and accomplish the following key milestones:
- Head of the Securities Settlement Desk at ABN AMRO Bank NV (1998):
My first major career milestone, this role required strong back and middle-office expertise. It helped me develop essential skills, including analytical thinking, problem-solving, communication, teamwork, attention to detail, process optimization, and accountability, while also learning from industry leaders. - Anticipating Risks:
Foreseeing the financial collapse in Lebanon, I was among the few bankers who took proactive measures to protect clients’ deposits, ensuring their safe transfer to Swiss banks before funds became trapped in the Lebanese banking system. - Educating & Mentoring in Financial Markets and Private Banking:
Passionate about sharing knowledge, I have actively educated clients, colleagues, and students in financial markets and private banking. As a former President of the Lebanese Society of Technical Analysis, I contributed to professional development in the field. - Advisory Board Membership:
I serve as a board member on the International Advisory Board of a prestigious university in Lebanon, offering strategic insights and contributing to its academic and institutional development. - Social Impact & Advocacy:
As a founding member of a Lebanese NGO dedicated to autism awareness and support, I work towards enhancing resources and assistance for individuals with autism and their families. - Certified Mediator & Conflict Resolution Specialist:
Holding certification as a mediator and being a member of the Lebanese Mediation and Conciliation Center (LAMAC), I play an active role in facilitating structured dispute resolution and fostering constructive dialogue.
What interesting projects are you currently involved in?
I am currently involved in several exciting projects that align with my professional expertise and personal passions:
- Advisory Board Membership in Higher Education
As a member of the International Advisory Board of a prestigious university, I contribute to shaping the next generation’s education, supporting initiatives that foster growth, innovation, and leadership. - Establishing a Wealth Management Institute
I am actively involved in founding a Wealth Management Institute at a leading university in Lebanon. This initiative aims to equip future finance professionals with essential wealth management and private banking skills, bridging the gap between academia and industry. - Women Empowerment Initiatives
As a member of the Women Leaders Association (WLA), I actively support initiatives that empower women in finance and leadership, advocating for greater representation and opportunities in the industry.
What differentiates private banking from public banking?
Private banking and public banking serve different client needs and operate with distinct objectives. Here’s how they differ:
Client Focus
Private Banking: Primarily caters to Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals (UHNWI) and High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWI).
Public Banking: Serves a broad spectrum of customers, including individuals and businesses, through retail and corporate banking services.
Services Offered
Private Banking: Focuses on wealth management, investment advisory, estate planning, succession planning, and tax optimization.
Public Banking: Includes personal loans, savings accounts, credit cards, mortgages, and corporate f
Financing.Customization & Relationship Management
Private Banking: Offers a bespoke, relationship-driven approach, with dedicated advisors managing clients’ assets and providing tailored solutions.
Public Banking: Operates on a standardized model, with services available to the public and corporate clients, often through automated processes or branch networks.
Wealth Preservation & Growth
Private Banking: Aims to preserve and grow clients’ wealth over generations.
Public Banking: Primarily supports day-to-day financial transactions and business growth.
Regulatory & Tax Considerations
Private Banking: Strong focus on international tax planning, legal structuring, and asset protection across multiple jurisdictions.
Public Banking: Adheres to local banking regulations and provides financial products based on national regulatory frameworks.
What are the benefits of Swiss Private banking?
Swiss private banking is globally recognized for its exclusivity, discretion, and sophisticated financial services. Here are some of its key benefits:
Privacy & Confidentiality
While global transparency regulations have evolved, Swiss private banks continue to maintain high levels of data security and client protection.
Financial Stability & Security
Switzerland’s economy and banking system are among the most stable in the world.
Swiss banks maintain high capital adequacy ratios, ensuring resilience against financial crises and economic downturns.
Wealth Management Expertise
Clients gain access to world-class wealth managers, investment advisors, and tax specialists offering tailored financial solutions.
Services include portfolio management, estate planning, succession planning, and tax optimization, ensuring long-term wealth preservation.
Asset Protection
Swiss banking provides strong legal protections that shield assets from political and economic instability in other regions.
Case Study: Lebanese clients who foresaw the 2019 banking crisis in Lebanon and moved their assets to Swiss private banks successfully protected their wealth, avoiding deposit restrictions and capital controls imposed by Lebanese banks.
Additional asset protection can be achieved through Swiss trusts and foundations, which offer legal structures for wealth preservation.
Access to Global Investment Opportunities
Clients benefit from a broad range of international investments, including exclusive private equity deals, hedge funds, and alternative investments.
Swiss banks have strong networks with global financial markets, providing access to unique opportunities not readily available elsewhere.
Multicurrency Accounts & International Transactions
Swiss private banks offer accounts in multiple currencies, helping clients reduce exposure to currency fluctuations and geopolitical risks.
This feature is particularly beneficial for international entrepreneurs and expatriates managing cross-border transactions.
Exclusive Services & Lifestyle Benefits
Many Swiss private banks go beyond traditional banking, offering concierge services, luxury asset financing (yachts, jets, art collections), and bespoke financial planning.
Some institutions provide VIP services, access to high-profile events, and legacy planning solutions, enhancing the overall client experience.
What are the current trends in wealth management in the UAE?
The UAE’s wealth management sector is evolving rapidly, fueled by a rising wealthy population, digital innovation, independent wealth firms, and strong institutional investments. With a robust regulatory framework and expanding financial hubs, the UAE is set to become a leading global destination for wealth management and family office services. Here are the key trends shaping the industry:
Robust Market Growth & Increasing Affluence
Increasing number of UHNWI.
Digital Transformation & FinTech Innovation
The DIFC Innovation Hub in Dubai is a prime example of the UAE’s commitment to FinTech and digital wealth solutions.
Strategic Expansion of Financial Hubs (DIFC & ADGM)
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are strengthening their global financial standing through DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) and ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market), attracting top-tier wealth managers, investment firms, and family offices.
Rise of Independent Wealth Management Firms & Family Offices
Independent firms, such as JAR Capital DIFC Ltd, are gaining traction as UHNWI clients seek more personalized and flexible financial solutions beyond traditional banks.
Family offices are also expanding in the UAE, providing tailored wealth management, succession planning, and alternative investment strategies for affluent families.
Institutional Investments & Global Partnerships
Major financial institutions and sovereign wealth funds, such as the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), continue to expand their influence, attracting foreign investments and partnerships.
The UAE is positioning itself as a gateway for international investors looking to access high-growth markets in the Middle East and Asia.
What are your thoughts on the influx of UHNWIs in the UAE and how do you best serve them?
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a premier destination for Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals (UHNWIs), driven by its business-friendly policies, tax advantages, world-class infrastructure, and strategic location between Europe, Asia, and Africa. This influx significantly expanded the wealth management landscape.
Additionally, initiatives such as the Golden Visa and other residency programs have further attracted entrepreneurs, investors, and family offices, reinforcing the UAE’s status as a global wealth hub.
At JAR Capital DIFC Ltd, we offer a highly personalized, multi-faceted wealth management approach that extends beyond traditional asset management. Our services are designed to address the complex financial needs of UHNWIs through the following key offerings:
1. Holistic Wealth Management & Investment Advisory
– Tailored investment strategies across equities, fixed income, alternative investments, and hedge funds.
– Access to exclusive private equity, venture capital, and pre-IPO deals.
– Diversification through structured products and multi-currency portfolios.
2. Exclusive Banking & Financing Solutions
– Private banking accounts with multicurrency options and bespoke credit facilities.
– Tailored financing for luxury assets such as yachts, private jets, and art collections.
– Access to global banking networks and seamless cross-border transaction facilitation.
3. Philanthropy & Impact Investing
– Advising on sustainable and ESG-aligned investment strategies.
– Structuring social impact funds to align with clients’ philanthropic goals.
4. Consolidation Reporting for Family Offices
– Comprehensive oversight through a single dashboard for all asset classes.
– Performance and risk assessment for enhanced strategic decision-making.
– Regulatory and tax compliance management across multiple jurisdictions.
– Multi-custodian reporting to streamline complex wealth structures.
Conclusion
The UAE’s role as a global wealth hub continues to strengthen, attracting UHNWIs seeking stability, security, and financial expertise. At JAR Capital DIFC Ltd, we provide tailored, strategic solutions to help our clients grow, protect, and manage their wealth effectively across multiple asset classes and global markets.
With an approach that combines investment advisory, exclusive banking solutions, impact investing, and family office services, we ensure that our clients receive bespoke financial solutions that align with their long-term goals and lifestyle needs.
What are the top 3 mistakes UHNWIs are making with their finances in the UAE and how to avoid them?
Here are the three most common mistakes and how to mitigate them:
1. Overconcentration in Real Estate
Many UHNWIs in the UAE allocate a significant portion of their wealth into real estate localy. While real estate is a strong asset class, overexposure limits liquidity, diversification, and access to higher-growth opportunities.
Solution:
Diversify beyond local real estate by investing in global property markets, private equity, and alternative investments.
Utilize structured finance solutions such as real estate-backed lending to enhance liquidity without selling assets.
2. Lack of Proper Wealth Structuring & Succession Planning
Many UHNWIs in the UAE fail to establish a clear estate plan or structured wealth preservation strategy
Unintended wealth distribution
Family disputes
Significant tax liabilities when transferring assets across jurisdictions
Solution:
Establish trusts, family offices, and holding structures to protect assets and ensure smooth succession.
Utilize ADGM or DIFC foundation structures to plan for multi-generational wealth transfer.
Work with wealth managers and legal experts to ensure global compliance and tax-efficient estate transfers.
3. Ignoring Tax Implications & Global Compliance Risks
A common misconception among UHNWIs in the UAE is that the country’s tax-free environment eliminates the need for global tax planning. However, international tax authorities are increasingly scrutinizing offshore wealth due to regulations such as:
FATCA (for U.S. citizens)
CRS (Common Reporting Standard)
OECD and EU tax frameworks
Failure to structure wealth tax-efficiently can lead to compliance risks, penalties, and reputational damage.
Solution:
Work with international tax advisors to structure assets in tax-efficient jurisdictions.
Ensure investments comply with FATCA, CRS, and OECD tax frameworks.
Diversify across offshore jurisdictions, private trusts, and structured funds for optimal tax efficiency.
How Can Investors Better Manage Their Wealth Portfolios in the Current Market Conditions?
Given today’s volatile global markets, wealth management strategies must be resilient, diversified, and risk-conscious. Here’s how investors can optimize their portfolios:
1. Diversify Across Asset Classes & Regions
- Reduce risk by allocating wealth across stocks, bonds, real estate, private equity, hedge funds, and commodities.
- Implement geographic diversification
- Diversify exposure to alternative assets such as infrastructure, venture capital, and impact investing.
2. Prioritize Liquidity & Capital Preservation
- Given global interest rate fluctuations and geopolitical uncertainties, maintain a portion of assets in high-quality liquid instruments (e.g., short-term bonds, money market funds).
3. Hedge Against Inflation & Market Volatility
- Invest in inflation-protected securities and commodities like gold, oil, and real assets.
- Use derivatives or structured products to hedge against equity market downturns.
- Explore multi-asset strategies that combine equities, fixed income, and alternatives for downside protection.
4. Work with Trusted Wealth Managers & Advisors
- Ensure portfolio management aligns with personal risk tolerance and evolving market trends.
- Partner with external asset managers (EAMs) for customized investment strategies.
- Regularly review investment theses and rebalance portfolios to stay aligned with market shifts.
The Future of Swiss Private Banking
Swiss private banking is evolving rapidly due to regulatory, technological, and market-driven changes. Here’s what to expect:
1. Increased Transparency & Regulatory Pressure
- While Swiss banks still uphold discretion, global tax regulations like FATCA, CRS, and OECD guidelines are increasing transparency.
- Compliance-driven banking will dominate, with Swiss banks balancing privacy and legal obligations.
2. Digital Transformation & AI-Driven Wealth Management
- AI and big data will enhance personalized investment strategies and risk management.
- Expect innovations such as digital onboarding, robo-advisors for UHNWIs, and blockchain-powered financial products.
- Cybersecurity and digital assets will be major investment areas for Swiss banks.
3. Shift Towards Impact & Sustainable Investing
- ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing is becoming mainstream.
- UHNWIs increasingly seek philanthropy-driven investments, green bonds, and sustainable portfolios.
- Swiss banks are positioning themselves as leaders in ethical wealth management.
4. Competition from Global & UAE Financial Hubs
- The UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi) and Singapore are emerging as strong rivals to Switzerland.
- These hubs attract UHNWIs with low-tax environments, flexible regulations, and strong financial ecosystems.
- Swiss banks are responding by expanding internationally and setting up advisory offices in major financial centers.
5. Rise of Multi-Family Offices & External Asset Managers (EAMs)
- UHNWIs are shifting from traditional private banks to independent asset managers (EAMs) for greater flexibility and tailored solutions.
- Expect an increase in family offices as UHNWIs seek holistic wealth management beyond banking.
What’s next for you?
My goals can be summarized as follows:
Deliver modern, holistic wealth management services to UHNWIs.
Give back to the community by collaborating with universities and schools to improve financial literacy in wealth and asset management.
Leverage my expertise as a Certified Advisory Board Chair and Certified Mediator to support family offices and companies in shaping their wealth management advisory boards.
Where can readers find out more about you?
please visit our website https://jarcapital.swiss/about-us/ and my LinkedIn page
