⏱ 1 min 30 read
Background
Lombard Odier, banque privée genevoise détenue par ses associés, est présente au Moyen-Orient depuis plus de 60 ans. Elle y a ouvert en 2023 un bureau régional au Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). La banque s’est fixé l’objectif de plus que doubler ses actifs sous gestion dans la région. Sa division « New Markets » couvre aussi la Turquie, l’Afrique et l’Europe centrale et orientale.
The key points
In an interview published by finews.com on 12 November 2026, Ali Janoudi, Partner and Region Head of New Markets, says the bank is ahead of its growth plan in the Middle East. Since he joined in 2024, assets have grown every year at a double-digitpace, according to him.
Lombard Odier is gaining market share at more than twice the rate of market growth, he says. Families increasingly want advice on governance, succession and cross-border wealth planning.
Ali Janoudi rejects the idea of Switzerland being reduced to a mere booking centre. Investment expertise remains centralised at the Swiss headquarters, while local presence meets clients’ expectations.
Key figures
- More than 60 years : Lombard Odier’s presence in the Middle East
- 2023 : opening of the regional office at the DIFC in Dubai
- More than 600,000 : dollar millionaires in the Gulf states, according to Ali Janoudi
- 120 : family offices based at the DIFC, according to Ali Janoudi
What it means for businesses
- Entrepreneurial families in the Middle East : the bank is strengthening its teams in family governance, succession and wealth planning.
- Family offices : Lombard Odier positions itself as an advisory partner, not a competitor.
Who says what
- Ali Janoudi (Partner, Head of New Markets at Lombard Odier): the bank is ahead of its target of doubling assets in the Middle East.
Further reading
Sources
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