Lazard Expands with New Abu Dhabi Hub
1 | Apr 15, 2025 | Zawya
Lazard Inc, a prominent global financial advisory firm, is opening a new office in Abu Dhabi as part of its strategic expansion in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This move is emblematic of the growing interest among global asset management firms in the Gulf region, seen as an emerging alternative to traditional financial centers. The office's establishment is pending regulatory approval, but it signals a significant effort by Lazard to strengthen its regional presence. Hussain Altajir, formerly of HSBC, has been appointed as the CEO of the UAE office. He will collaborate with senior leadership including Sarah Al Suhaimi, Chairwoman, and Wassim Al Khatib, CEO of Financial Advisory for MENA. Lazard's expansion reflects the burgeoning importance of the UAE as a financial hub.
Sectors
- Financial Advisory
- Asset Management
- Investment Banking
Geography
- United Arab Emirates – The location of Lazard's new office in Abu Dhabi, highlighting the country's increasing importance as a financial center.
- MENA Region – The regional focus of Lazard's expansion strategy with Abu Dhabi as a central hub.
- United States – The country where Lazard Inc is listed and headquartered, indicating its origin and financial roots.
Industry
- Financial Advisory – The core activity of Lazard as it expands its financial advisory services with the new Abu Dhabi office.
- Asset Management – Part of the broader trend of global asset management firms increasing their presence in the MENA region.
- Investment Banking – Hussain Altajir's role and background in banking highlights the significance of this industry in the expansion.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lazard Inc | Financial Advisory Firm | Company | A major global financial advisory and asset management firm establishing a new office in Abu Dhabi. |
| Hussain Altajir | CEO of the UAE Office | Person | Recently appointed to lead Lazard's UAE operations with prior experience at HSBC. |
| HSBC | Previous Employer of Hussain Altajir | Company | A major global banking and financial services organization. |
| Sarah Al Suhaimi | Chairwoman | Person | Involved in senior leadership for Lazard's MENA operations. |
| Wassim Al Khatib | CEO of Financial Advisory MENA Region | Person | Part of the senior leadership team at Lazard guiding MENA's financial advisory services. |