Regional Head of GCC, International Banking - Arabic Speaker

First Gulf Bank PJSC; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution in the UAE is looking for a Regional Head of GCC for International Banking. The ideal candidate will manage investment and wholesale banking across the GCC, requiring strong leadership and business development skills. Candidates with over 20 years in banking and fluency in Arabic are preferred. The position demands effective stakeholder management and a strategic approach to growth.

Qualifications

• 20+ years in banking, with at least 10 in senior roles in Investment or Wholesale Banking.
• Experience in international banking across borders and within a matrix organization.
• Deep knowledge of banking sector and wholesale products, especially trade finance and debt markets.

Responsibilities

• Manage and grow the Investment Banking & Markets & Wholesale Banking businesses.
• Develop strategies for FAB’s presence in the GCC and manage stakeholder alignment.
• Lead and manage change across the GCC business to ensure continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Business development

Stakeholder management

Interpersonal skills

Strategic thinking

Fluency in Arabic

Job description

Regional Head of GCC, International Banking - Arabic Speaker

• Full-time
• Sub Division: International Banking - GCC
• Division: International Banking Group

Join the UAE’s largest bank and one of the world’s largest and safest financial institutions. Our focus is to create value for our employees, customers, shareholders, and communities to grow through differentiation, agility, and innovation.

We are looking for top talent, and your success is our success. Accelerate your growth as you help us reach our goals and advance your career. Be ready to make your mark at a top company, in an exciting and dynamic industry.

The Regional Head, GCC, will be responsible for leading and growing the Investment Banking & Markets & Wholesale Banking businesses within the GCC Region. This includes managing client relationships, driving revenue growth, and delivering financial solutions to corporate, government, and institutional clients. The role requires strong leadership, business development, and stakeholder management skills, with a focus on leveraging FAB’s international network and expertise.

The Regional Head manages the wider GCC region, including offices in Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, FAB Capital KSA, and Iraq Rep Office, with the Country CEOs and Chief Representatives reporting to them.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Transition the existing business to enhance geographic reach, client diversification, and product cross-sell.
2. Enhance collaboration and the “one bank” philosophy, working with global teams to improve returns.
3. Define regional strategy aligned with FAB Group’s growth ambitions in the GCC, focusing on trade and finance corridors.
4. Develop strategies for FAB’s presence in the GCC and manage stakeholder alignment.
5. Shape FAB’s product strategy across Global Corporate Finance, Global Markets, and Global Transactional Banking to support the client franchise.
6. Collaborate with FAB HO and other locations to leverage network client flows.
7. Implement approved strategies to meet short, medium, and long-term objectives.

Regulatory:

1. Ensure compliance with all regulations, engaging with HO functions for support.
2. Maintain open dialogue with Regulators for a transparent relationship.
3. Ensure compliance with regulations in non-presence countries where FAB originates business.

Leadership:

1. Manage business objectives through effective leadership, setting objectives, recruiting qualified staff, managing performance, and motivating teams.
2. Operate effectively locally and internationally across borders.
3. Embed FAB’s values—Collaborative, Knowledgeable, Enterprising, Responsible, and Adaptable—within the GCC culture.

Budget and Plans:

1. Oversee regional budget formulation.
2. Monitor performance using MIS and manage underperformance areas.

Client Management:

1. Set strategic direction for the client franchise, develop relationships with stakeholders.
2. Engage with clients at senior levels to increase FAB’s market share.
3. Use CRM effectively for account planning and reporting.
4. Develop IB&M and WBG strategies with Coverage Heads.

Policies, Systems, and Processes:

1. Work with Heads to develop and implement policies and controls across all activities.
2. Review and approve policy amendments for consistency with FAB Group.
3. Ensure actions from audits are executed.

Organisation Structure:

1. Define an optimal organizational structure for branches, offices, and subsidiaries.

Credit and Risk Management:

1. Drive initiatives to grow assets and liabilities in line with strategies.
2. Enhance profitability through targeted deployment and cross-selling.
3. Assess credit risks, prepare limit applications, and develop credit proposals.
4. Manage problem accounts proactively and recommend remedial actions.

Change Management:

Lead and manage change across the GCC business to ensure continuous improvement.

Qualifications and experience include:

1. 20+ years in banking, with at least 10 in senior roles in Investment or Wholesale Banking.
2. Experience in international banking across borders and within a matrix organization.
3. Deep knowledge of banking sector and wholesale products, especially trade finance and debt markets.
4. Working knowledge of the GCC region and proven relationships.
5. Regulatory experience and interaction with regulators.
6. Strategic thinker with strong leadership and organizational change skills.
7. Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written skills across cultures.
8. Experience in coaching, mentoring, and people management.

Fluency in Arabic is required for this role, with a preference for UAE National candidates.

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