logo
Standard Chartered expands UAE private banking team amid growing market demand

Standard Chartered expands UAE private banking team amid growing market demand

Khaleej Times22-05-2025
Standard Chartered is expanding its private banking team in the UAE, it said on Wednesday, joining other financial institutions looking to tap into the growing market.
As part of the expansion, Standard Chartered Global Private Bank appointed Yahya Ismail as market head for Europe, Middle East and Africa.
Western wealth managers have increased their presence in the UAE as its ease of doing business, convenient time zones and tax-free status has attracted an increasingly diverse pool of investors.
Last year Rothschild opened a wealth management office in Dubai and JPMorgan set up a private banking team in the city.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

ACICO reports net profit of KD 8.3mln and operating profit of KD 3.5mln in Q2 2025
ACICO reports net profit of KD 8.3mln and operating profit of KD 3.5mln in Q2 2025

Zawya

time2 hours ago

  • Zawya

ACICO reports net profit of KD 8.3mln and operating profit of KD 3.5mln in Q2 2025

Maintains stable prices and supports the local market amid operational developments Kuwait: ACICO Group announced its financial results for the second quarter of 2025, reporting a net profit of KD 8.3 million, marking a major turnaround from the net loss of KD 2.3 million recorded during the same period in 2024. The results reflect the company's stringent cost control policy, enhanced operational efficiency, continued progress in implementing its financial restructuring plan and its operational strength that positions it as a partner of choice in key infrastructure projects in Kuwait and the region. Commenting on the results, Chairman of the Board Mr. Emad Abdullah Al Essa stated: 'We are entering a new chapter that paves the way for strengthening our financial position in line with our solid operational track record and sector-wide achievements. We have built a strong foundation rooted in operational efficiency, prudent management and a clear commitment to sustainable growth, ensuring long-term value for our shareholders, customers and the community. With confidence, we are moving forward toward achieving financial and operational balance that reinforces ACICO's position as a leading national company aligned with Kuwait's and the region's development ambitions.' Sales from industrial operations grew by 7.9% to KD 35.6 million. Gross profit margin improved from 17% to 18%, and selling, general and administrative expenses remained flat year on year. Despite these improvements, the company recorded an operating profit of KD 3.5 million, compared to KD 5 million in Q2 2024. This variance is primarily due to the exclusion of real estate revenues following the divestment of certain assets as part of the company's restructuring efforts, which have significantly reduced total liabilities and interest expenses from KD 8 million to KD 3.7 million. Restructuring Enhances Financial Position During the quarter, ACICO finalized a major debt restructuring agreement with a creditor bank for a total liability of KD 128.5 million. The agreement, which aligns with the Group's approved financial restructuring plan, resulted in a non-recurring gain of KD 3.5 million and a corresponding increase in shareholders' equity. The agreement included a multi-phase implementation plan, comprising the transfer of a property worth KD 60 million, a partial cash repayment of KD 2 million, direct debt discounts, and the conversion of part of the debt into preferred shares. The Group reaffirmed that this agreement is a continuation of its comprehensive financial restructuring strategy endorsed by the Board of Directors, aimed at strengthening financial efficiency, fortifying the balance sheet, and reinforcing ACICO's position as a leading regional player.​​​​

QIB and INJAZ Qatar mark major milestone in Life Skills program
QIB and INJAZ Qatar mark major milestone in Life Skills program

Zawya

time2 hours ago

  • Zawya

QIB and INJAZ Qatar mark major milestone in Life Skills program

Doha, Qatar – Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), Qatar's leading digital bank, in collaboration with INJAZ Qatar, a leading non-profit organization focused on youth economic empowerment, has successfully concluded the 2024/25 cycle of the nationwide Life Skills Program, impacting over 27,000 students across 71 schools. Over the course of the year, more than 180 teachers were trained and deployed to deliver the programs in classrooms. The sessions were integrated into the academic calendar, allowing students to benefit from structured, interactive content across 12 teaching hours. This three-year program, developed under the supervision of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education was designed to equip Grade 7 and Grade 9 students with the skills they need to succeed in both their academic and professional lives. The Life Skills for Preparatory Students project is comprised of two distinct programs tailored to each grade level. The 'It's My Business' program for Grade 7 students has introduced design thinking as a problem-solving approach and offered a hands-on entrepreneurial experience, guiding students through identifying market needs, proposing solutions, and exploring how to launch a business idea. Meanwhile, the 'It's My Future' program for Grade 9 students focused on career readiness, helping them build a personal brand, explore job opportunities, write resumes, and develop the skills and behaviors needed to succeed in the job market. Commenting on the success of the first year's program, Mrs. Mashaal Abdulaziz Al Derham, Assistant General Manager, Head of Corporate Communications & Quality Assurance at QIB, said: 'We are pleased to see the strong results of our collaboration with INJAZ Qatar. This program represents our long-term commitment to supporting the youth of Qatar through practical, forward-thinking education. By focusing on life and financial skills at the preparatory level, we are contributing to the development of confident, capable individuals who are ready to shape their own futures. This initiative aligns with QIB's social responsibility framework and supports the broader goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.' Mr. Emad Al Khaja, CEO of INJAZ Qatar, commented: 'We are happy to continue our successful collaboration with QIB. Together, we are building an ecosystem of learning that extends beyond the classroom and prepares young students to make informed life and career choices. This collaboration remains a strong model for impactful educational outreach in the region.' The QIB-INJAZ Qatar collaboration highlights a shared commitment to empowering youth in Qatar by bridging the gap between education and real-world skills. With a growing impact year over year, the Life Skills Program continues to support the development of future-ready generations who can actively contribute to the country's economic and social progress. For more information, please visit

UAE: Job offer during probation? What the law says about resigning during first 6 months
UAE: Job offer during probation? What the law says about resigning during first 6 months

Khaleej Times

time2 hours ago

  • Khaleej Times

UAE: Job offer during probation? What the law says about resigning during first 6 months

Are you currently on probation and received another job offer? Or perhaps you've decided to resign and leave the UAE altogether. Before making a move, it's important to understand the regulations that govern resignations during your first months with a company. UAE's Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021 on the Regulation of Employment Relationships and its amendments have defined the specific commitments that employees need to adhere to if they wish to leave their jobs while on probation. According to this law, an employee's probation period cannot exceed six months. Any probationary term longer than that is unlawful. Conditions governing resignation during these six months aim to protect the employer's rights as well as enhancing labour market flexibility, competitiveness, and ease of doing business. The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has recently shared these regulations explained. Switching jobs inside the country If an employee wishes to move to another job withing the country, they must notify their employer at least one month in advance. Employees can choose between doing this or compensating their employer with an amount equal to their wage for the notice period or the remaining duration. The old employer has the right to demand that the new one compensate them for the costs of recruiting and contracting with the worker. Resigning to leave the UAE If the employee wants to terminate their contract during the probation period in order to leave the country, they must provide the employer with at least 14 days' notice before the intended termination date, or compensate the employer with an amount equal to their full wage for the notice period or the remaining portion of it. Failure to comply with the notice requirement will result in the employee being ineligible for a work permit in the country for one year from the date of departure.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store