Arab Bank Switzerland opens Abu Dhabi office and names Valérie Noël Chief Executive Officer
Arab Bank Switzerland ME Ltd, the regional entity of Swiss Private Bank Arab Bank Switzerland, has announced the start of its operations in ADGM, the international financial centre of Abu Dhabi, following Financial Services Permission (FSP) from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA).
The launch builds on the Group’s long-term commitment to the UAE and marks yet another step forward for its expansion strategy across the region. Arab Bank Switzerland ME East Ltd will bring the Group’s digital asset expertise to the UAE, advising financial institutions, corporates, fintech companies, family offices, and high net worth clients on how to access, hold, manage and pass on their digital asset holdings within ADGM’s regulatory framework.
Valérie Noël, in taking on the role of Chief Executive Officer for Arab Bank Switzerland ME Ltd, carries with her more than 30 years of international experience in financial markets, wealth management, asset management, trading and digital assets. She began her career in Geneva and held senior positions at HSBC Private Bank before joining Syz Group, where as Head of Trading she led multi-asset trading activities and the digitalisation of the bank’s trading infrastructure.
In 2019, Arab Bank Switzerland became the first FINMA-regulated private bank in Switzerland to offer cryptocurrency custody and trading. It has since added staking, lending and legacy planning, as well as its platform, Digital Explorer, which gives clients a single view of their holdings and the market. The Bank’s involvement in digital assets also extends to the art world. In 2022, alongside launching custody for NFTs, the bank began building a digital art collection and created the Arab Bank Switzerland Digital Art Prize, which has recognised artists working in the medium.
Rani Jabban, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Arab Bank Switzerland, commented: “Launching our operations in Abu Dhabi is a major step forward in our growth strategy as we continue to expand our presence in the UAE. The Capital has established itself as a leading centre for fintech and digital-asset innovation, and we are committed to playing an active role in its development by working closely with regional partners and supporting clients with trusted, well-regulated advice.”
He added: “Valérie Noël’s appointment as Chief Executive Officer brings with it her extensive industry experience, which perfectly positions her to lead the entity, build long-term relationships with clients across the region and set the new operation up for future success.”
Valérie Noël, Chief Executive Officer of Arab Bank Switzerland ME Ltd, explained: “Our ambition is to establish Arab Bank Switzerland as a trusted long-term partner for clients navigating the evolving digital asset landscape. Investments in this space are becoming an increasingly important part of how institutions and investors allocate capital, and they require the same discipline, transparency and rigorous standards as traditional asset classes. By combining Arab Bank Switzerland’s established expertise with Abu Dhabi’s dynamic financial ecosystem and strong regulatory framework, we aim to build lasting relationships with clients and help them navigate new opportunities in the market. I am delighted to lead this next chapter of the Group’s development in the region.”
Arvind Ramamurthy, Chief Market Development Officer at ADGM, said: “Congratulations to Arab Bank Switzerland on the launch of its operations in ADGM. Its decision to establish digital-asset advisory capabilities here reflects the continued momentum of global financial institutions choosing Abu Dhabi for their next phase of growth. Bringing together international expertise, a progressive regulatory framework and a connected financial ecosystem, ADGM provides a strong foundation for firms to expand. The bank’s expertise at the intersection of private banking and digital assets adds further depth to this ecosystem, supporting the evolving needs of institutional and private clients.”
The launch of Arab Bank Switzerland ME Ltd follows the opening of ABS (Middle East) Ltd in DIFC in June 2026, led by CEO Samir Atitallah, which focuses on wealth management for entrepreneurs, family offices and high-net-worth individuals. With digital-asset advisory now offered from Abu Dhabi, Arab Bank Switzerland can support clients across both traditional and digital asset management from its two UAE entities. The launch follows a period of significant growth for the Group that has seen its assets under management rise to close to USD 25 billion, and in 2022 acquire the historic Swiss private bank Gonet, founded in 1845.
