Natixis Marks 20 Years in DIFC, Reinforcing Commitment to Middle East Growth

Natixis has marked 20 years of operations in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), reaffirming its commitment to expanding its corporate and investment banking and asset management businesses across the Middle East, Turkey and Central Asia.

The anniversary was attended by His Excellency Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority; Jean-Christophe Paris, Consul General of France in Dubai; Nicolas Namias, CEO of BPCE; Bruno Le Saint, CEO of Asia Pacific and Middle East at Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking (Natixis CIB); Adel Afiouni, Senior Country Manager and Group Regional Head for the Middle East, Turkey and Central Asia at Natixis CIB; and Wassim Nasrallah, Head of Middle East, Africa and Central Asia at Natixis Investment Managers (Natixis IM).

Two Decades of Operations in Dubai

Natixis has operated its corporate banking, investment banking and asset management activities from DIFC since 2006. The financial centre has provided a base for the Group to strengthen relationships with corporate and institutional clients and expand its capabilities across regional and international markets.

Regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), DIFC serves as a financial hub for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region.

Natixis said its presence in Dubai enables it to serve corporate and institutional clients through specialised financial solutions, supporting economic growth, Islamic finance and trade and investment flows across high-growth international markets.

The Middle East remains a strategic region for Natixis and its parent company, Groupe BPCE, owing to its evolving markets and investment opportunities. The 20-year milestone reflects the Group's intention to continue strengthening its regional presence through Natixis CIB and Natixis IM.

DIFC Highlights Longstanding Partnership

Salmaan Jaffery, Chief Business Development Officer at DIFC Authority, said Natixis had been part of the financial centre's growth since its early years.

“Natixis has been part of DIFC’s growth story since its early years, and we are proud of the longstanding relationship we have built together,” Jaffery said. He congratulated the Natixis team on the milestone and expressed confidence in its continued success.

Natixis CIB Targets Key Growth Sectors

Natixis CIB's regional activities align with the Middle East's economic development and diversification priorities, with a focus on sectors including energy, infrastructure, telecommunications and technology, food and agriculture, and metals and mining.

The bank provides services across Global Markets, Global Trade, Investment Banking and Real Assets, supporting sovereign wealth funds, banks, financial sponsors and corporate clients.

In 2026, Natixis CIB integrated its Asia Pacific and Middle East operations into a unified platform to respond to expanding investment, trade and capital-market links between the two regions.

The organisational change is intended to accelerate the bank's regional development, strengthen synergies with Asia's growing economic ties to the Middle East and address the increasingly sophisticated needs of its clients.

Adel Afiouni, Senior Country Manager and Group Regional Head for the Middle East, Turkey and Central Asia at Natixis CIB, said the bank would continue building its regional business by deepening client relationships and delivering tailored financial products aligned with the region's economic development.

Natixis Investment Managers Focuses on Regional Capital

Natixis IM operates as a multi-affiliate organisation comprising more than 15 independent investment firms. It serves a broad client base, ranging from large institutional investors and sovereign wealth funds to individual investors.

The firm's approach centres on active investment management, with its Middle East, Africa and Central Asia (MEACA) business focused on delivering investment capabilities and solutions to regional capital pools and working with investors to support their strategic growth objectives.

Wassim Nasrallah, Head of Middle East, Africa and Central Asia at Natixis IM, said the region remained an important growth driver for the business.

He added that the firm would continue drawing on the expertise of its affiliate managers to address the needs of institutional investors and asset owners, while seeking further growth opportunities across the region.

Strengthening Natixis' Regional Presence

Natixis' 20th anniversary in DIFC highlights the role Dubai has played in its regional development and client relationships. With continued investment in its corporate and investment banking and asset management businesses, the Group aims to build on its established presence and support the Middle East's evolving financial and economic priorities.