Head of Business Banking UAE

UBL UAE; Dubai; On-site; AED 400,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

UBL UAE is seeking a Head of Business Banking UAE to lead the franchise and drive sustainable growth across deposits, trade finance, and profitability. The role ensures risk appetite alignment and regulatory compliance while building top-tier client relationships.

The incumbent will develop and execute the UAE Business Banking strategy, lead a high-performing team, and coordinate with Product, Risk, and Operations to optimize propositions and efficiency in serving SME customers.

Qualifications

• 12–15 years of banking experience, with senior-level exposure in SME/Business Banking.
• Strong UAE market knowledge and understanding of local SME landscape.
• Proven track record in revenue growth, portfolio management and client acquisition.
• Experience leading large teams and collaborating across functions.

Responsibilities

• Own the Business Banking P&L and deliver targets for deposits, trade finance and revenue.
• Drive growth in deposits and operating balances including current accounts and term deposits.
• Build and maintain senior relationships with key SME customers and family businesses.
• Lead cross-selling of lending, deposits, trade, cash management and other products.
• Develop sector and customer strategies to strengthen competitive position in the UAE.
• Oversee portfolio quality, delinquencies and credit risk indicators.
• Lead, motivate, and develop the Business Banking organization and talent.
• Collaborate with Product, Credit, Risk, Operations and Digital teams to improve propositions and efficiency.

Skills

Senior leadership

SME/Business Banking

P&L management

Client relationship management

Cross-selling

Risk management

Strategic planning

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Accounting, or related discipline

Job description

Position Summary

The Head of Business Banking UAE will have overall responsibility for developing and leading the Bank's Business Banking franchise in the UAE, covering liabilities, and other SME/business banking solutions.

The role will be responsible for delivering sustainable business growth, revenue and profitability, customer acquisition and retention, portfolio quality, and market positioning. The incumbent will develop and execute the UAE Business Banking strategy, lead a high-performing team, and ensure that growth is achieved within the Bank's risk appetite, credit policies, and regulatory framework.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the Business Banking P&L and deliver agreed targets for deposits/liabilities, trade finance, fee income, revenue, profitability, and customer acquisition.
• Drive sustainable growth in customer deposits and operating balances, including current accounts, savings, and term deposits.
• Build and maintain senior relationships with key SME and business customers, entrepreneurs, family businesses, and strategically important local companies.
• Drive new-to-bank customer acquisition and increase wallet share through cross-selling of lending, deposits, trade, cash management, and other banking products.
• Establish effective sector and customer strategies to strengthen the Bank's competitive position in the UAE Business Banking market.
• Maintain strong oversight of portfolio quality, including delinquency, concentration, early-warning indicators, credit quality, recoveries, and emerging risks.
• Lead, motivate, and develop the Business Banking organization, establishing clear performance objectives, accountability, succession planning, and talent development.
• Work closely with Product, Credit, Risk, Operations, Digital Banking, Treasury, Compliance, and other functions to improve customer proposition, turnaround times, service quality, and operational efficiency.
• Monitor market developments, competitor activity, regulatory changes, and UAE economic trends and translate these into business opportunities and strategic actions.
• Drive digital adoption and process improvements to enhance SME customer experience and improve acquisition and servicing efficiency.
• Ensure full compliance with the Bank's policies, KYC/AML requirements, regulatory standards, risk appetite, and governance framework.
• Provide regular performance reporting and strategic recommendations to senior management and contribute to the Bank's overall UAE business strategy.
• Develop and execute the UAE Business Banking strategy, aligned with the Bank's overall strategic objectives, risk appetite, and financial targets.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Accounting, or a related discipline; relevant professional qualification is an advantage.
• Minimum 12–15 years of banking experience, with substantial senior-level experience in SME, Business Banking, Commercial Banking, or related areas.
• Strong UAE market experience with a deep understanding of the local SME and business banking landscape.
• Proven track record of leading assets, liabilities, and trade finance businesses with direct responsibility for revenue and profitability.
• Strong understanding of SME credit, working capital, trade finance, deposits, cash management, and transaction banking.
• Demonstrated success in business development, customer acquisition, portfolio growth, and revenue generation.
• Proven leadership experience managing sizeable teams and multiple business functions.
• Strong commercial, strategic, analytical