Julius Baer to expand into Qatar with advisory office led by senior hire 

Julius Baer has announced its intention to set up an Advisory Office in Qatar as part of its Middle East expansion plans. 

In a statement today (7 June), the Zurich-headquartered firm said it had hired Slim Bouker from Doha Bank, to oversee the expansion and lead the new office based in the Qatar Financial Centre, subject to regulatory approvals. 

Julius Baer said it was currently working closely with both the Qatar Financial Centre Authority and the Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority (QFCRA) for the incorporation and application process.

Slim joins Julius Baer from Doha Bank's wealth management arm where he was head of private banking. In his role at Julius Baer, he will report to Alireza Valizadeh, Chief Executive Officer, Julius Baer (Middle East).

Régis Burger, global head Middle East & Africa at Julius Baer, said: "We have grown our Middle East business by leaps and bounds in the past decades and this move will support our next phase of growth and development in the region. 

"Over many years, Qatar's story of growth has been as impressive as it has been successful, creating a diversified national economy supported by its natural resources.  

"In addition, the country has made great strides in its efforts to become a sports and education hub in the Middle East, while promoting an ambitious art programme through its cultural institutions. I am confident that our Swiss heritage, coupled with our regional expertise, will help us to reach great heights in this promising market."

Alireza Valizadeh, chief executive officer, Julius Baer (Middle East) adds: "Julius Baer is an established name in the Middle East with a strong position in the region. Currently, we're seeing the emergence of the next generation of clients - a generation that likes to look beyond the traditional ways of wealth preservation, especially in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries such as Qatar. 

"Through our local presence, plus our long history in wealth management and wealth transfer between generations, we're perfectly suited to meet the needs and requirements of this new client group. I am very pleased to welcome Slim to the Julius Baer family and I am confident that his experience and knowledge of Qatar will help us achieve our ambitious goals."