Societe Generale Private Banking, one of the largest financial services groups in the euro-zone, has opened a “Middle East” department in Geneva.

The European financial giant said it has recruited five private bankers to cater exclusively to wealthy Middle Eastern clients.

Christopher Urwick, 47, has been appointed manager of the department comprising private bankers Claude Tendon, Amr Barakat, Sandra Bavaud and Nathalie Wyss.

The team will report to Eric Lorentz, director for Middle Eastern clients, who is based in the UAE and has responsibility for the international coordination of the sales offering for this clientele.

'The coverage of the Middle Eastern clientele is backed by teams of private bankers in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, London, Luxembourg, Monaco and now Geneva.'

'The transverse organisation of its wealth management services enables the private bank to provide tailor-made investment solutions for this demanding international clientele,' it added.

The recruitment of highly qualified professionals contributes to the growth and expansion targets of Societe Generale Private Banking, which has demonstrated its continuing commitment to the Middle East by recently opening an office in Bahrain, the company said.

A regional veteran, Urwick, graduated from Durham University with a degree in Middle Eastern studies and has almost 20 years experience in private banking.

From 1993, he was in charge of the Middle East department at Lloyds Bank; having previously held various positions at the bank in London, Paris, Milan, Cairo and Amsterdam.

In 2010, he joined Societe Generale Private Banking, together with his team, to develop the wealth management activities for its Middle Eastern clientele, the company said.-TradeArabia News Service