Farzad Billimoria Joins Barclays as UAE Private Bank Head
Company - People | Jun 19, 2025 | Zawya

Barclays has appointed Farzad Billimoria as the head of Private Bank for the UAE, marking a strategic move to enhance its private banking operations in the region. This appointment is part of Barclays' broader strategy to increase its market share in the Middle East and Asia amidst its celebration of 50 years in the UAE. Billimoria, who was previously the head of HSBC's Private Bank in the UAE, brings significant expertise and will operate out of Dubai, reporting directly to Annabelle Bryde, Barclays head of Private Bank International. This shift follows his departure from HSBC during a period of leadership restructuring under CEO Georges Elhedery.
Sectors
- Banking and Financial Services
- Wealth Management
Geography
- United Arab Emirates – The appointment is specific to Barclays' operations in the UAE, where it seeks to expand its private banking services.
- Middle East – Barclays aims to increase its market share across the Middle East, with a strategic focus indicated by this key executive hire.
Industry
- Banking and Financial Services – The article discusses an executive appointment within Barclays, a key player in the banking and financial services sector, highlighting its strategic expansion in private banking in the UAE.
- Wealth Management – The appointment of Farzad Billimoria as head of Private Bank for the UAE is indicative of Barclays' focus on enhancing its wealth management services in the region.
Financials
Participants
Name | Role | Type | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Barclays | Hiring Company | Company | A British multinational bank aiming to expand its private banking services in the UAE and the broader Middle East. |
Farzad Billimoria | Head of Private Bank for UAE | Person | Recently appointed by Barclays, previously served as the Head of Private Bank for the UAE at HSBC. |
HSBC | Former Employer | Company | A major global bank where Billimoria held a pivotal role in private banking before joining Barclays. |
Annabelle Bryde | Head of Private Bank International | Person | The executive to whom Farzad Billimoria will report in his new role at Barclays. |
Georges Elhedery | CEO | Person | CEO of HSBC, under whose leadership the restructuring took place that preceded Billimoria's departure. |