Director / Associate Director – External Asset Management

Director / Associate Director – External Asset Management (Wealth Management)

Location: Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), UAE

Industry: Wealth Management / External Asset Management

Position Overview

• Our client, a DIFC-based External Asset Management (EAM) platform, is seeking experienced Director and Associate Director-level Wealth Management professionals to expand its wealth management franchise.
• This is a strategic talent acquisition opportunity targeting seasoned bankers currently working within regional and international banks' wealth management and private banking divisions.
• The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of managing, retaining, and growing a portable client book of HNW/UHNW relationships.
• This opportunity is designed for relationship managers who already have commercial ownership of their client portfolio and are looking to transition into a more independent platform with greater autonomy, ownership, and upside potential.
• Position level and compensation will be aligned with the candidate's AUM size, client relationships, track record, and ability to contribute to platform growth.

Seniority Requirements

Associate Director

• 7–10 years of experience in Wealth Management / Private Banking within a regional or international bank.
• Proven experience managing a client portfolio with USD 20M–35M in portable AUM.
• Ability to independently manage and grow client relationships while contributing to the wider platform.

Director

• 10+ years of experience in Wealth Management / Private Banking.
• Demonstrated track record of standalone client ownership and commercial portfolio management.
• Proven ability to manage and retain USD 35M–50M+ in portable AUM.
• Potential to build and lead a team as the platform continues to grow.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and grow relationships with High-Net-Worth (HNW) and Ultra-High-Net-Worth (UHNW) clients.
• Develop trusted client relationships through a consultative and advisory-led wealth management approach.
• Drive new business acquisition and increase Assets Under Management (AUM).
• Provide tailored wealth management solutions aligned with client objectives and investment goals.
• Convert suitable client relationships into EAM-managed mandates while adhering to employment, non-solicitation, and regulatory obligations.
• Collaborate with investment, advisory, and operational teams to deliver comprehensive wealth solutions.
• Operate with a high degree of independence while contributing to the growth of the DIFC platform.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Currently working within a regional bank, international bank, private bank, or wealth management institution in a relationship management role.
• Proven ability to manage a client book with USD 20M–50M+ in AUM.
• Strong network of HNW/UHNW clients with credible and transferable relationships.
• Demonstrated client retention and AUM growth over the last 3–5 years.
• Strong understanding of wealth management products, investment solutions, and advisory models.
• Ability to demonstrate ownership of client relationships beyond institution-led mandates.

Strongly Preferred Experience

• Prior exposure to External Asset Management (EAM), Multi-Family Office, or independent advisory models.
• Experience across discretionary portfolio management, advisory solutions, structured products, and alternative investments.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with experience managing a commercially driven client portfolio.
• Strong business development, negotiation, communication, and relationship management skills.
• Proven ability to operate independently and build long-term client partnerships.

Opportunity Highlights

• Join a DIFC-based External Asset Management platform with an established institutional presence.
• Greater independence and ownership compared to traditional banking roles.
• Attractive incentive structure with meaningful upside linked to AUM growth and performance.
• Opportunity to build a long-term wealth management franchise.
• Clear career progression from Associate Director to Director based on portfolio growth and contribution.