Business Development Manager

Barbara Houghton Associates Limited; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Barbara Houghton Associates Limited is seeking a Business Development Manager fluent in Arabic to drive the acquisition of High Net Worth clients in the UK and MENA regions. The role entails identifying new lending opportunities and expanding the client base while managing existing relationships.

The ideal candidate will possess proven experience in wealth management, particularly in the UK real estate market, and demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills. This position offers a full-time permanent contract.

Qualifications

• Native or professional fluency in Levant Arabic required.
• Experience in wealth management and UK regulatory frameworks.
• Thorough understanding of the legal frameworks for syndicated lending.

Responsibilities

• Identify NTB opportunities in the Levant region.
• Secure new lending opportunities for hotel assets.
• Develop strategies to represent the Bank at industry events.
• Manage and grow client relationships effectively.

Skills

Native or professional fluency in Levant Arabic (spoken and written)

Proven experience in the UK and wealth management

Comprehensive knowledge of the UK real estate market

Proficiency in LMA (Loan Market Association) documentation

Strong interpersonal skills

Ability to communicate across diverse backgrounds

Job description

Our Banking client is looking for a Business Development Manager – Arabic speaking to join their team on a full-time permanent basis.

The role will be the primary driver for acquiring New‑to‑Bank (NTB) High Net Worth (HNW) clients with sizeable investable assets. Expertise in acquisition and coverage of clients with a strong MENA and GCC nexus is essential.

Responsibilities

• Identify and source NTB opportunities within the Levant region (specifically Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, UAE and KSA) to expand the client base in line with the strategic plan.
• Proactively identify and secure new lending opportunities for hotel assets within the UK for MENA‑based investors.
• Explore and develop opportunities for syndicated lending by collaborating with other MENA‑focused financial institutions and banks based in London.
• Develop and execute commercial goals and business development strategies as approved by the Country Manager.
• Represent the Bank at industry events and networking forums to build a high‑quality referral pipeline among MENA HNW/UHNW communities.
• Manage and grow existing client relationships, focusing on risk evaluation, profitability, and the efficient use of financial resources.
• Conduct regular briefings on the status of the portfolio to ensure alignment with the Bank’s long‑term objectives.
• Drive new lending business opportunities specifically aligned with the Bank’s established risk appetite and criteria.
• Assist in the preparation of credit files and conduct regular reviews of the portfolio.
• Lead the account opening and KYC process, ensuring robust due diligence for clients from the Levant and MENA regions per UK Law and FCA/PRA regulations.
• Be a member of the Local Credit Committee, contributing to the assessment of credit proposals and adherence to lending policies.
• Provide input on new products and client matters that have compliance relevance.

Skills and Knowledge

• Native or professional fluency in Levant Arabic (spoken and written) is mandatory to engage effectively.
• Proven experience in the UK and wealth management.
• A good understanding of the Consumer Duty and Conduct Rules under the SM&CR framework, ensuring all business development activities prioritise positive customer outcomes and market integrity.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the UK real estate market and extensive experience with structured finance techniques as they apply to property transactions.
• Proficiency in LMA (Loan Market Association) documentation and a thorough understanding of the legal and operational frameworks for syndicated lending.
• Ability to communicate through verbal and written channels to influence and engage clients across diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
• Awareness and understanding of the main risks of the business (Credit, Operational, and Regulatory) and the role of management mitigations.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to manage teams effectively in a collaborative environment.