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Santander Private Banking, the private banking division of Santander Group, has established its first regional headquarters in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the premier financial hub in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA). This strategic move positions Santander to better serve high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals in the Middle East, further solidifying Dubai's role as a global center for private banking.

The new office in DIFC, authorized by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), marks a significant step in Santander's global expansion. The bank will leverage DIFC’s infrastructure, regulatory framework, and access to top talent to provide bespoke wealth management services to the region’s growing wealthy communities. The Dubai office will complement Santander Group's extensive international private banking network, enhancing its ability to serve clients across the region.

Key executives, including Alfonso Castillo, Global Head of Santander Private Banking, and Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, recently celebrated the bank's official entry into the DIFC. Castillo emphasized that this expansion reflects Santander’s dedication to fostering long-term partnerships and delivering unparalleled value to clients in the Middle East.

With over 68,500 HNWIs and 206 centi-millionaires in Dubai, Santander’s presence in the DIFC allows the bank to tap into an affluent market. Dubai’s strategic location, advanced legal environment, and thriving financial ecosystem further bolster Santander's capacity for growth in the region.

Santander joins over 230 global banks and 400 wealth management firms operating in DIFC, a testament to the Centre's reputation for transparency, effective regulation, and fostering a vibrant financial ecosystem.

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