Santander Private Banking, has established a new official Regional Headquarters (RHQ) in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial hub in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region, reinforcing Dubai’s strategic position as a premier hub for private banking operations.
According to Industry sources, authorized by Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the independent regulator of financial services conducted in or from DIFC, Santander Private Banking, opened its first headquarters for regional private banking in DIFC.
Industry sources further added that Santander Group’s capabilities and international private banking platform, integrated with DIFC’s world-class infrastructure, access to top talent, and legal and regulatory framework will allow Santander Private Banking to house a significant team of elite private bankers in DIFC.
This team will serve current clients and extend the bank’s range of bespoke wealth management services to the rapidly growing high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth communities across Dubai and the region.
Alfonso Castillo, Global Head of Santander Private Banking, stated: “Entering the Middle East aligns with our relentless dedication to providing exceptional financial services, cultivating long-term partnerships, and delivering unparalleled value to our clients. We are delighted to have established our Branch in DIFC, and we look forward to forging trusting partnerships, fostering growth, and achieving remarkable milestones together.”
Salmaan Jaffery, Chief Business Development Officer, DIFC Authority, stated: “DIFC is delighted to welcome Banco Santander International SA to the Centre. Their status as the number one private bank in Spain and credentials for being relationship-focused, coupled with DIFC’s position as the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia’s leading financial centre provides a perfect foundation for accessing opportunities from the USD 8trn of private wealth in the region. We look forward to seeing Banco Santander International achieving their strategic growth goals as a result of operating in DIFC.”
Industry sources further confirmed that to formally welcome the Bank to DIFC, Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer, of DIFC Authority, recently met with Alfonso Castillo, Global Head of Santander Private Banking. Other executives that attended the meeting included Antonio Costa, Chief Executive Officer of Banco Santander International SA, Switzerland; Masroor Batin, Chief Executive Officer Middle East of Banco Santander International SA DIFC Branch, UAE; and Ahmed Al Aulaqi, Vice President, of Banks & Capital Markets, DIFC Authority.
Industry sources further added that strategically located as the largest financial center between London and Singapore, DIFC offers Santander Private Banking unrivaled connectivity, a diversified economy, an exceptional international talent pool, a comprehensive legal and regulatory environment, and future-forward infrastructure.
